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NExT (National Exit Test)

Complete Guide for MBBS Graduates in India

NExT (National Exit Test) is a centralized medical licensing examination introduced in India for MBBS students. It is designed to serve as a single common exam for MBBS final qualification, medical licensure, and postgraduate (PG) entrance eligibility.

What is NExT Exam?

The National Exit Test (NExT) is conducted under the National Medical Commission (NMC) and will replace:

  • Final year MBBS university exams
  • FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination)
  • NEET-PG (as a qualifying step)

Passing NExT is mandatory for:

  • Practicing medicine in India
  • Pursuing MD/MS and other postgraduate medical courses

Who Needs to Appear for NExT?

NExT exam is applicable for:

  • Indian MBBS students graduating from NMC-recognized medical colleges
  • Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) who want to practice in India
  • Medical graduates seeking PG medical admission in India

NExT Exam Structure

NExT is conducted in two steps:

1. NExT Step 1

  • Computer-based (MCQ) exam
  • Focuses on clinical and applied medical knowledge

Subjects include:

  • Medicine & Allied Subjects
  • Surgery & Allied Subjects
  • Obstetrics & Gynecology
  • Pediatrics
  • Orthopedics
  • Psychiatry

Used as:

  • Licensing qualifying exam
  • PG entrance ranking basis

2. NExT Step 2

  • Practical / clinical examination
  • Assesses clinical skills
  • Patient interaction
  • Practical competency
  • Conducted at medical colleges or designated centers

NExT Passing Criteria

  • Minimum 50% marks required to pass
  • No grace marks
  • Candidates can reappear if they fail
  • Only NExT-qualified candidates can register with State Medical Councils

Benefits of NExT Exam

  • One exam for licensing and PG eligibility
  • Uniform medical standards across India
  • Eliminates multiple entrance and licensing exams
  • Transparent and merit-based PG admissions

NExT vs FMGE & NEET-PG

Exam Status
FMGE Replaced by NExT
NEET-PG Ranking derived from NExT Step 1
MBBS Final Exam Integrated into NExT

Why NExT is Important for Medical Students?

  • Mandatory to practice medicine in India
  • Determines PG medical seat allocation
  • Ensures clinical competence and quality healthcare

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, NExT is mandatory for all MBBS graduates in India.

Yes, FMGs must qualify NExT to practice in India.

NMC has announced phased implementation starting with upcoming MBBS batches.

Yes, candidates can reappear for NExT if they do not pass. There is no limit on the number of attempts.

Yes, qualifying NExT Step 1 is required to obtain provisional registration and proceed to the internship.

NExT Step 1 scores will be valid only for a limited period, as defined by the National Medical Commission (NMC).

The detailed marking scheme, including negative marking, will be notified by NMC before implementation.

NExT will be conducted in English, similar to other national-level medical examinations in India.

Yes, FMGs must complete a mandatory internship in India after qualifying NExT to obtain permanent registration.

Yes, NExT is mandatory for students from both government and private medical colleges recognized by NMC.

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