The National Exit Test (NExT) exam is meant for the MBBS graduates who complete their degree and want to practice in India. The graduates from the 2024 batch will be able to sit for this exam, which will be first held in 2028. The graduates before 2024 will go for FMGE or NEET PG exams.
The MBBS graduates batches after 2024 will be eligible for the NExT exam, which will replace NEET PG and FMGE exams. The NExT exam is conducted twice a year. NExT exam has two consecutive sections, NExT 1 and NExT 2.
NExT 1
- In NExT 1, the students have to answer 540 online multiple-choice questions, which cover 19 subjects.
- The passing criteria for this exam are 50% marks.
- The students qualifying for this exam are eligible for an internship and NExT 2 later.
- The score of NExT 1 is valid for the next two years within which the candidate has to qualify NExT 2 exam.
- This exam generally consists of pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects.
NExT 2
- NExT 2 is a practical exam
- Students are eligible for this exam only after they have completed their 12-month internship.
- This exam is based on VIVA and a presentation.
- There is no system of marks, and the students are judged on the basis of pass or fail.
- The exam covers subjects like gynecology, medicine, surgery, ENT, pediatrics, ophthalmology, rehabilitation, etc.
Is NExT exam meant only for the MBBS graduates from abroad?
Many students think that the NExT exam is only meant for MBBS students who graduated abroad. This is not the case. MBBS graduates from both India and abroad have to sit for this exam to get a medical license to practice in India. They will also be eligible for postgraduate courses after qualifying for this exam. The NExT exam replaces the FMGE and NEET PG exams from 2028.
Things to remember
- Students are entitled to qualify for NExT within 10 years of their MBBS admission. https://www.nmc.org.in/e-gazette/e-gazette-nmc/
- In case of failure in NExT 1, the students can reappear for it in the next year, and they can also give supplementary exams.
- Students cannot proceed with their internship if they are unable to qualify for the NExT exam.
- In case of failure in NExT 2, they can reappear for it or sit for the supply exam.
- Students cannot get a medical license if they are unable to qualify for NExT 2.
Journey of an Indian student pursuing MBBS in a government college
NEET exam qualification > Admission in government college > 4.5 years course > NExT 1 exam qualification > 1 year internship > NExT 2 qualification > License to practice and eligibility for post-graduate courses
Journey of an Indian student pursuing MBBS in a private college
NEET exam qualification > Admission in government college > 4.5 years course > NExT 1 exam qualification > 1 year internship > NExT 2 qualification > License to practice and eligibility for post-graduate courses
Journey of an Indian student pursuing MBBS in a private college abroad
NEET exam qualification > Admission in government college > 4.5 years course + 1 year internship > NExT 1 exam qualification > 1 year internship > NExT 2 qualification > License to practice and eligibility for post-graduate courses
Is the NExT exam going to be tougher than FMGE?
Yes, it is expected to be tougher than FMGE as it is a licensing exam for the MBBS graduates. It has been made tough to maintain the quality of doctors in India. Subjects taught in the MBBS course will be there in the NExT exam questions, so there is nothing to worry about the toughness.
Is the score of NExT 1 important for PG admission?
Yes, you need to keep a good score in NExT 1 to get PG admissions. You can repeat the exam if you want to get a better score in it but the average of all your scores in your different attempts will be considered for your PG courses.
For further queries, you can call the best consultants of MBBS abroad on this number +91-8274848386 or visit www.edusolveedutech.com