NExT Exam (National Exit Test): Dates, Details, Paper Pattern, Marking Scheme
The NExT Exam (National Exit Test) is a national level medical entrance that will replace FMGE and NEET PG exams in the near future. It is anticipated that the NExT exam for MBBS courses is to be implemented in August 2025. Keep Reading!
NExT Exam or National Exit Test for MBBS is expected to be conducted in August 2025. The National Medical Commission (NMC) will be announcing all the important dates for the NExT Exam 2025. The NMC NExT Exam 2025 is set to replace the FMGE and NEET PG in the upcoming academic years. According to the tentative schedule, Step 1 of NExT Exam 2025 for MBBS is likely to be conducted in the 2nd week of August 2025. The step 2 of the NExT Exam 2024 is expected to be conducted in February 2025. As per the proposed exam pattern, the NExT 2025 Exam will be conducted in 2 steps. Previously, the NExT Exam 2025 for MBBS was arranged for the final year students of the 2018 to 2024 batch. However, last year in July, the officials deferred the NMC NExT exam for the students of batch 2019-25.
The NExT Exam 2025 is a single entrance test that will act as the entrance test for all postgraduate medical degrees in India. Alongside that, NExT Exam 2025 for MBBS will act as the license exam for all candidates with foreign medical degrees. According to the exam pattern of NExT Exam 2025, students will be asked a total of 540 multiple choice questions in Step 1. The NExT Step 2 Exam 2025 will be a live demonstration round. Students have to attend this round to show the practical implications of their medical knowledge. Read the article below to learn more about the NExT Exam, application process, documents required, and other latest updates.
About NExT Exam
Being a part of an exit exam, NExT is also the common gateway to attaining a medical license across India. The official NExT exam MBBS date is yet to be confirmed by the conducting body. The test is anticipated to take place in two phases, NExT step 1 and NExT step 2. AIIMS, New Delhi will host NExT phase 1, a centralized common examination for all of India with multiple-choice questions. NExT Step 2 will consist of a Viva Voce and a clinical/practical examination spanning seven clinical subjects/disciplines. The NExT exam is available for candidates to take as many times as needed. There are no limitations about the same. There will be two NExT exam dates per year. Scan through this page to get a complete idea of the NExT exam.
NExT Exam for MBBS Conducting Body
All India Insitute of Medical Science, New Delhi (AIIMS, Delhi) has been declared the NExT exam conducting body. An official announcement regarding the same was made on June 27, 2023, in a webinar Earlier reports speculated that the National Board of Examination (NBE) might conduct the NExT test which will replace NEET PG and FMGE exams.
NExT Exam for MBBS Latest News
Check out the latest updates made in the NExT exam 2025.
National Exit Test (NEXT exam) is likely to be conducted in August 2025 for the MBBS batch 2019-25.
NMC hosted a webinar on June 27, 2023, and informed that the NExT exam will be conducted twice a year; in May and November.
A NExT exam MBBS Mock Test was going to be held on July 18, 2023, and it got cancelled until further notice. NMC was criticized by students for charging fee for mock tests, hence the fees were also refunded.
The cancellation of the National Exit Test (NExT) was first announced by Health Ministry and then, AIIMS Delhi.
NExT Exam Highlights
It is highly anticipated that the National Medical Commission (NMC) will be conducting the NExT Exam 2025. The exam will be conducted in online mode. As per the latest updates, the NExT 2025 Exam for MBBS is likely to be conducted in August 2025. Before discussing more, let us take a quick look at the highlights of the NExT MBBS test enlisted below.
Events | Details |
Exam name | National Exit Test or NExT |
Exam level | Postgraduate exam at National level |
Exam Date | August 2025 (Highly Anticipated) |
NExT Exam conducting body | (NMC) - National Medical Commission - Highly Anticipted |
Objective |
|
Exam mode | Online |
Eligible students | Final year MBBS students Foreign Medical Graduates |
Total number of paper | Paper 1 and 2 |
NExT Exam Question Type |
|
How many attempts | There are no restriction in the number of attempts in NMC NExT Exam |
NExT 2024 Important Dates
Here are tentative dates released in the draft comprising timelines associated with the NExT exam.NExT Step 1 and Step 2 Important Dates
Find out the tentative dates for NExT exam given below:Event | NExT Exam Date Commencement | NExT Exam Date Completion |
NExT Step I Regular | August 2025 | August 2025 |
NExT Step 1 Supplementary | August 2025 | August 2025 |
III MBBS /FINAL MBBS PART 2 Practical / Clinical University Examination | August 2025 | August 2025 |
Internship | August 2025 | August 2025 |
NExT Step 2 Regular | August 2025 | August 2025 |
NExT Step 2 Supplementary | August 2025 | August 2025 |
Post Graduate Admission | September 2025 | September 2025 |
Postgraduate Course | September 2025 | September 2025 |
NExT 2023 Mock Test Important Dates
Candidates must note that NExt Exam 2023 Mock Test was cancelled by NMC. Given below are the important dates for the NExT 2023 mock test for reference.
Events | Important Date |
Registration and Basic Student Information | June 28-July 10, 2023 (Cancelled) |
Status of Registration and Basic Candidate Details as well as correction of rejected images | July 11-12, 2023 (Cancelled) |
Final Status of Registration | July 13, 2023 (Cancelled) |
Generation of Exam Unique Code | June 28-July 14, 2023 (Cancelled) |
Certificate Submission for Scribe and/or Compensatory time as applicable | June 28-July 21, 2023 (Cancelled) |
NExT Mock Test Admit Card | Cancelled |
NExT Mock Test Date | Cancelled |
NExT Exam Objectives
Keeping in mind the statements made above, here are some of the objectives of NExT exit ema for MBBS. We will also talk about the changes that will come under the new exit and licentiate exam which will become mandatory for MBBS graduates to clear, to be deemed as qualified doctors.
NExT as a Gateway for Foreign MBBS Graduates to Practice Medicine in India: Through NExT, the Centre plans to produce a more qualified and skilled batch of MBBS graduates in India. With the help of introducing a much deeper understanding of concepts and enhancing the skills regarding problem-solving in the final MBBS students. A more practical aspect will be brought in through the examination as well.
NExT Initiative Focused on Enhanced Skills and Practical Application: Apart from being an exit test for MBBS students in India, NEXt will also cater to aspirants who completed their MBBS from abroad but wish to practice medicine in India. Earlier, such candidates were to sit for Foreign Medical Graduate Exam or commonly known as FMGE. With the implementation of the Bill, it is expected to see FMGE be replaced by NExT as well.
NExT Examination Set to Replace NEET-PG Exam: Recent Amendments state that the examination will also be the common denominator for granting admissions to Postgraduate Medical Courses in India, subsequently replacing NEET-PG.
- To Streamlined Medical Admissions - Entrance, Licentiate, and Screening Tests: Along with being an entrance, licentiate and screening test, a common counselling process will also be conducted under NExT for admissions to MBBS and PG medical courses in India.
What to Expect from the NExT Exam?
While many details pertaining to the NMC NExT Exam are not available, one can anticipate certain aspects basis the general expectations that come with obtaining a medical certification and screening test.
Comprehensive coverage: NExT exam might cover a wide range of medical disciplines in order to assess aspirants' overall knowledge as well as an understanding of medical concepts.
Theoretical concepts: The test is expected to assess students’ theoretical knowledge by taking multiple-choice questions (MCQs). These questions require candidates to demonstrate their understanding of the medical concepts, guidelines, and principles.
Clinical skill assessment: Basis the guidelines issued by the official authority, the NExT exam comprises components to assess students’ clinical skills as well as their ability to use medical knowledge in practical situations.
Generalized scoring: The NExT exam is expected to follow a standard scoring system to assess candidates' performance objectively. The scoring criteria are based on a pre-determined scale that takes into account the difficulty level of questions and the overall performance of aspirants.
NExT Exam Process
The exam process of NExT is split into 2 main stages -
NExT Step 1
Examines Theoretical Knowledge: NExT Step 1 constitutes a theoretical examination featuring Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). This online test is a centralized common All India exam conducted by a recognized authority or body. Eligibility for the exam is granted to students who have successfully completed the III MBBS/Final MBBS course from a reputable university.
NExT Exam Supplementary Option: In addition to NExT Step 1, a mandatory NExT Step 2 exam is conducted annually before the university exams for the III MBBS (Part 2)/Final MBBS course. Furthermore, aspirants who do not pass the NExT Step 1 exam have the opportunity to reappear for the supplementary exam. Students are allowed to take the NExT Step 1 exam multiple times within 10 years of joining the MBBS course. Importantly, NExT Step 1 is designed to replace the traditional university/institutional theory exams, while practical and clinical examinations continue to be conducted conventionally unless otherwise notified by the Commission.
NExT Step 2
NExT Step 2 Examines the Practical Knowledge: Students who successfully clear the NExT Step 1 exam gain eligibility to appear for the NExT Step 2 test. This phase involves a series of clinical/practical and viva voce exams. The examination format includes Objective Structured, Simulated Cases/Patients, and Clinical Case-Based questions. The primary aim is to assess aspirants' clinical and practical skills, communication abilities, and clinical decision-making.
NExT Step 2 Test Administration and Supplementary Exam: NExT Step 2 is conducted in person in the respective states of the candidates, adhering to Commission guidelines. The regular NExT Step 2 test is held annually, while a supplementary exam is available for students who fail in 1 to 3 subjects out of the 6. Aspirants failing the supplementary exam must wait for the next year's session. Candidates have the flexibility to appear for both NExT Step 1 and Step 2 as many times as needed, provided they complete these within 10 years of enrolling in the MBBS course.
NExT Mock Test Application Fee
Students can find the NExT mock test application fee for reference in the table below.
Description | NExT Exam Important Dates |
General /OBC Students | INR 2000 |
EWS /SC /ST applicant | INR 1000 |
Candidates with Benchmark Disabilities | No fees |
NExT Mock Test Exam: Mode and Scheme
Find out the paper pattern of NMC NExT Exam for reference.
Description | Paper I | Paper II |
Time and duration | 3 hours (9 am to 12 pm) | 3 hours 30 minutes (2:30 pm to 6 pm) |
Number of question | 120 | 140 |
Type of Question | MCQ | MCQ |
Marking Scheme | Correct answer: 1 mark | Correct answer: 1 mark |
Marked for review or unanswered | 0 | 0 |
NExT Exam Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must refer to the eligibility criteria for NExT Exam given below:- Only for MBBS Graduates: Candidates must be enrolled in MBBS course from a Medical Colleges approved by the official authorities at National Medical Commission.
- Enrolled in State/National Register: All Foreign Medical Graduates must enrol in the State Register or the National Register, as specified by regulations.
- Minimum 50% in MBBS: Minimum Percentage required to participate in NExT Exam is 50%.
- Only for NMC Approved Foreign Medical Universities: Students who have pursued MBBS degrees at foreign universities will be eligible to participate NExT exam only if the universities they were enrolled is approved by NMC.
- NExT Paper 1 Eligibility: Only final year students can appear in the NExt Paper 1.
- NExT Paper 2 Eligibility: After candidate qualifies Paper 1, He/She must complete 1 year (minimum) clinical internship to appear in NExT Paper 2.
- Score Validity: The NExt Exam score will be valid for 3 years.
National Exit Test (NExT) Exam Pattern
Aspirants must check out the table provided below for the NExT Exam Pattern discussed by the the National Medical Commission (NMC) in the webinar hosted on June 27, 2023. Since then, no other official release regarding the NExT exam has been published. Here’s the table for NExT or National Exit Test Exam Pattern-
Particulars | Details |
NExT Exam Mode | Online (Computer Based Test) |
Exam Frequency | Twice a Year; May and November |
Step 1 NExT Exam Pattern | Theoretical |
Step 2 NExT Exam Pattern | Practical |
Type of Questions | Objective Type (Multiple Choice Questions) |
Total Number of Questions | 540 |
Eligibility Criteria for Internship | Qualify NExT Step 1 (or Paper 1) |
Minimum Marks Required to Qualify Paper 1 | 50% |
Eligibility for Medical License | Qualify NExT Step 1 (Paper 1) and NExT Step 2 (Paper 2), Both. |
NExT Marking Scheme
The marking scheme for NExT 1 and NExT 2 are different from one another. Candidates can check out the pointers given below to understand about the Marking Scheme of Next Exam:- NExT- 1 Marking Scheme: NExT 1 marks are calculated as a whole number. These marks will serve as the Raw Scores comprising appropriate decimals and subsequently converted into corresponding Percentages [scoring marks out of a maximum of 100 with correct decimals.
- NExt- 2 Marking Scheme: For the NExT 2 marking scheme, candidates will be declared as Pass/ Fail depending on the appropriate competence which is evaluated.
NExT Exam Important points
NMC NExT Exam will be held from 2024 when students have to appear for the test to get a medical licence or pursue a PG programme. The exam comprises two parts, NExT 1 and NExT 2.
- NExT 1 paper is theory-based and is held in online mode.
- A total of 540 MCQ-based questions are asked in NExT 1 out of the 19 subjects.
- Students have to complete their internship before appearing for NExT 2 exam.
- NExT 2 or paper 2 comprises practical exam held by respective state colleges/ universities
- Scores of paper 1 are valid for 2 years where eligible can attempt to qualify Paper-2 practical exam
NExT 2024 Cutoff
Candidates appearing for NMC NExT Exam have to secure a minimum percentile in order to become eligible for a medical license. For NExT Step 1, aspirants need to secure at least 50% of the total score to be deemed eligible for NExT Step 2. The criteria for passing the NExT Step 2 round is a satisfactory demonstration of competencies which are evaluated and declared as a Pass /Fail result.
Also Read: NEET PG Marks Vs Rank 2023 Analysis
NExT Exam Syllabus
NExT exam shall cover 6 papers primarily that will cover subjects such as:
Medicine & allied subjects
Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Surgery & allied subjects
Otorhinolaryngology
Paediatrics
Ophthalmology
Question Pattern of NExT Exam
Officials have released the proposed time schedule according to which NMC NExT Exam is supposed to be held. However, the timelines are only indicative and are subject to change based on feasibility and logistics. National Exit Test paper- 1 (NExT) exam question pattern is expected to be divided into 3 main parts. In total, 540 multiple-choice questions shall be asked in the exam. Of these, 60% of questions are curated to test problem-solving skills, 30% help analyze subject comprehension & analysis, and the remaining 10% are recalled questions.
Days | Subject Covered | Key Sessions | Total Questions Asked | Time Dedicated |
Day 1 | Medical Allied | Pre- Lunch | 120 | 180 minutes |
Paediatrics | Post- Lunch | 60 | 90 minutes | |
Day 2 | Surgery & Allied | Pre- Lunch | 120 | 180 minutes |
ENT | Post- Lunch | 60 | 90 minutes | |
Day 3 | Obstetrics and Gynecology | Pre- Lunch | 120 | 180 minutes |
Opthalmology | Post- Lunch | 60 | 90 minutes | |
Total | 540 | 810 minutes |
As one can see, out of 540 MCQs, total 10% questions from each stream will be asked from basic applied sciences (physiology, anatomy, biochemistry, pathology, microbiology, & pharmacology). Similarly, 10% of MCQs are asked from Preventive & Social Medicine (PSM).
NExT Merit List Preparation
The merit list for admission to a postgraduate course in a broad specialty will be determined by the cumulative raw scores obtained in each paper/subject during a single NExT Step-1 examination.
The NExT Step-1 scores, utilized for establishing admission merit to broad specialty postgraduate courses, will remain valid for a period of five years. However, if a candidate participates in a subsequent NExT exam cycle of NExT Step-1, their previous NExT Step-1 score will be nullified for determining the rank in admission to postgraduate courses in broad specialties. Only the score from the latest attempt of NExT Step-1 will be considered for rank determination.
To secure a rank for admission into postgraduate courses in broad specialties within an academic year, candidates must follow the prescribed procedure for rank generation as outlined by the Commission. Only those candidates who have applied for rank generation will be eligible for admission in that academic year cycle.
Tiebreaker rules for rank generation:
The normalized sum of raw scores obtained in each paper/subject during a single NExT Step-1 examination will be considered. The method of normalization for the sum of raw scores across NExT Step-I examination cycles will be notified by the commission when necessary.
In the event of a tie in scores, the candidate with a lower number of attempts in NExT Step-1 will be ranked higher.
If further ties persist, candidates will be ranked based on higher marks in the following order of preference:
- Medicine and allied disciplines
- Surgery and allied disciplines
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Paediatrics
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Ophthalmology
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of NExT?
With the implementation of the National Medical Commission, there are bound to be some pros and cons of the step. The major aim of the entire National Medical Commission Bill 2019 and the draft released in December 2022 is to improve the functions where the Medical Council of India faced challenges. Here are some advantages and Disadvantages of NExT.
Advantages of NExT for MBBS
Increasing the Number of Qualified MBBS Graduates:
With the use of one exit exam, medical colleges in India will be able to produce skilled and qualified MBBS graduates. As per statistics and reports, India produces nearly 60,000 MBBS graduates every year. Which, even though seems to be a lot, the doctor-to-patient ratio still remains high. Moreover, there is a lack in the number of qualified and skilled doctors who do make a difference in society. By introducing one common exit exam for all MBBS graduates, the government will be able to regulate the quality of MBBS graduates.
Uniformity through One Exam
Adding to the point above, introducing one exit, licentiate and screening exam will allow only those graduates with the practical and theoretical skills to operate in day to conditions of India. However, the process of bringing uniformity among MBBS graduates will take time.
Quality Enhancement of Medical Facilities
As part of the exit exam and overall requirement to be a doctor, and as mentioned above, each MBBS candidate will be required to have worked for 3 years in rural and tribal settings. Currently, the medical facilities available in rural and more remote areas of the country lack the necessary medical facilities. Through NExT, it is possible to improve the conditions of remote settings and enhance the health care facilities for each citizen of the country.
Removal of Unnecessary Paperwork for Foreign Students
Earlier, any foreign MBBS graduate who wished to pursue his/her career in India was required to sit for an MCI screening test, also known as FMGE, which has been known to include a sea of paperwork.
Build an International Recognition
Once the exit exam is operational, it is expected to see India follow the medical regulations and medical development as seen in international countries. One of the major objectives of NExT and NMC Bill 2019, in general, is to enhance the overall medical industry in India. Thus, also helping India become a global competitor in terms of medical services offered.
Disadvantages of NExT for MBBS
While one can sing praises of the new development in the field of medicine, each coin has two sides. In other words, the National Exit Test also encases a few disadvantages.
Rise of Expensive Coaching Centres:
As is the case for various national-level exams, especially in the field of Medicine and Engineering, a rise in innumerable coaching centres will be inevitable. For instance, there are thousands of coaching centres for JEE Mains. While on one hand, it offers students the opportunity to crack the difficult examinations. On the other hand, coaching centres are able to charge impractical and unfair coaching fees, which those who are interested in crack such exams, will avail the facility. Thus further exploitation of the students can be witnessed over the years.
Overall Increased Duration of Medical Education
As mentioned above in the objective and overview section of the article, MBBS and PG medical graduates will be asked to work 3 years in rural/tribal settings, thus increasing the overall duration of education in medicine. However, the bright side is that the decision has not been made final and changes to the same can be made before implementing the NMC Bill 2019.
How NExT is the alternative to FMGE and NEET PG?
National Exit Test has been envisaged in such a way that it combines both NEET and FMGE exams. It covers all important parts of the NEET PG and FMGE exam syllabus. The National Exit Test (NEXT) serves as a comprehensive alternative to both the Foreign Medical Graduate Exam (FMGE) and the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET-PG) in the field of medical education in India. For aspirants who completed their MBBS from abroad and wish to practice medicine in India, NExT replaces the traditional FMGE, streamlining the evaluation process. Simultaneously, for postgraduate medical admissions, NExT supersedes NEET-PG, unifying the assessment and selection process.
This holistic approach not only simplifies the system but also ensures a standardized evaluation for both domestic and international medical graduates aspiring for further studies or practice in India. The NExT Step 1 exam will test students’ theoretical knowledge of various subjects of medical science (pre-clinical, clinical, and para-clinical). It will enhance the education system of the country and promote healthy competition.
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To sum it up, The NMC NExT Exam is set to replace FMGE and NEET PG and is expected to be conducted in two phases: NExT step 1 and NExT step 2. NExT phase 1 will be held at AIIMS, New Delhi, and will consist of multiple-choice questions. NExT Step 2 will include a Viva Voce and a clinical/practical examination covering seven clinical subjects/disciplines. The exam is available for candidates to take as many times as needed and will be held in February 2028 for the MBBS 2024 batch. The exam is expected to be conducted in August 2025 and Step 2 in February 2026. No official dates have been released yet.
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FAQs
When will NMC release the application form for NExT Exam?
The application form for the NExT 2028 exam by NMC is expected to be made available, possibly in November 2024. An official information brochure for the National Exit Test will accompany the release, outlining application dates and providing pertinent details.
Has the NEXT Exam been Confirmed for 2024?
As per the latest updates, the NEXT exam will not be held in 2023. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has announced that students in the 2024 MBBS batch will undergo a National Exit Test (NExT). NExT step 1 is set for February 2028, followed by NExT step 2 in February 2029, aligning with the 2023 regulations for Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME).
Will the NEXT exam also replace FMGE?
Yes, the NEXT exam has been designed in such a way that it replaces three exams- The National Eligibility cum Entrance Exam for postgraduate admissions (NEET PG), the Recruitment exam for Central Health Services, and the Foreign Medical Graduate Exam (FMGE).
What is the NEXT exam?
The National Exit Test Exam has been proposed as a uniform exam that will be replacing the NEET PG exams for MBBS graduates. To put things simply, the NEXT exam will be conducted in place of the NEET PG exam for MBBS graduates.
Will the NExT exam be considered valid for admission at AIIMS?
The possibility is quite high that NExT scores will be deemed valid for AIIMS colleges. However, more clarity around this will be available when the official authorities post notification document. One must focus on scoring high to secure admission at AIIMS or any other college.
Do medical graduates need to appear for any other test in order to get a license for medical practice in India?
No, students must qualify only the NMC NExT test to receive a license for medical practice in India. Before NExT came into existence, FMGE exam was held to grant medical licenses. All foreign nationals need to clear this exam at any cost or else their degree won’t be considered valid in India.
Will the final year MBBS candidates be considered eligible for the NExT exam (National Exit Test)?
Yes, the students belonging to the final year MBBS are deemed eligible for National Exit Test. Aspirants have to compulsorily complete their medical UG degree studies to participate in the NExT exam. The test not only acts as a medical entrance exam but also offers medical practice licenses to foreign nationals.
How many types of questions one can expected in the NExT exam?
NExT exam is divided into 3 main question types -
MCQs
SAQs(Short answer question)
LAQs(Long answer questions)
Out of these questions, 60% of concepts will be problem-solving, 10% of topics is recall based, while remaining 30% questions are based on comprehension and analysis.
Can I pass the NExT Exam by only preparing with the final year syllabus of MBBS?
No, the final year NExT syllabus is not enough to clear the test. Aspirants have to cover all 4 years of MBBS studies along with the concepts learned in 10+2. Applicants must have good practical knowledge as PG admission is granted to such bright individuals.
What are the NEXT 1 passing marks?
To clear the NExT Step 1 round, students have to score at least 50% (50 out of 100) or half of the maximum raw. After clearing the NExT Step 1, students can move on to NExT Step 2.