NeXT Exam

NeXTExam

Overview

National Exit Test, popularly known as the NExT Exam, is a mandatory licensing and postgraduate entrance examination for MBBS students in India. It is introduced by the National Medical Commission, designed to replace the existing National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate seats (NEET PG) and the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE). 

The National Exit Test (NExT) is a computer-based and practical examination, categorised into two-step i.e. NExT Step 1 and NExT Step 2. The format of the exam includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and clinical assessments. With the implementation of this system, the NExT Exam Compulsory rule will be applied to all MBBS graduates seeking licensing and postgraduation in India. 

In this blog, we will cover all the latest updates of the National Exit Test (NExT), including the registration process, eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, and exam dates.

Registration

The official NMC NExT exam registration is expected to be conducted online through the National Medical Commission (NMC) portal. Although the detailed notification is still awaited, students can expect the following steps:

 

 

Note: Students are advised to regularly check the latest NExT exam update NMC notifications for registration announcements and deadlines. 

Registration

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must fulfil the NExT Exam eligibility criteria for taking the exam. The National Exit Test will only be open to individuals who satisfy the following requirements:

As mandated by the National Medical Commission (NMC), candidates must fulfil the NExT Exam Eligibility Criteria to appear. The eligibility for the MBBS NExT exam is expected to include:

1. Indian Medical Graduates (IMGs)

  • Pursuing or having completed an MBBS degree from an NMC-recognised medical college in India
  • Have completed the required MBBS training as prescribed by the National Medical Commission
  • Can appear for NExT Step 1 during the final MBBS phase
  • Can appear for NExT Step 2 only after completing internship requirements

2. Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs)

  • Hold a recognised MBBS Abroad degree
  • Meet National Medical Commission (NMC) recognition requirements
  • Complete mandatory eligibility and document verification
  • Pass both NExT Step 1 and Step 2 for registration in India

Exam Pattern

NExT exam pattern is one of the most discussed topics among medical students. As per the proposed guidelines, the exam will be conducted in 2 steps, which are NExT Step 1 and NExT Step 2. NExT Step 1 features 540 clinically-based MCQs focusing on problem-solving (60%), analysis (30%), and recall (10%) across 19 subjects. While NExT Step 2 is a practical & clinical-based examination. 

NExT Step 1:

The NExT Step 1 is a theoretical examination conducted in CBT (Computer-Based Test) mode. It focuses on evaluating the knowledge of students related to medical sciences, covering both clinical and preclinical subjects.

Structure: The exam contains 6 papers that cover various topics and subjects of MBBS. Each paper has multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The subjects include:

  • Medicine and Allied Subjects
  • Surgery and Allied Subjects
  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • Pediatrics
  • Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
  • Ophthalmology

NExT Step 2:

The NExT Step 2 is a practical & clinical-based examination that evaluates the practical knowledge, clinical skills, and patient management abilities of candidates. 

Structure: The NExT Step 2 is conducted after the completion of a one-year internship. It focuses on practicals, viva voce, and real-life case management studies. It also includes core clinical subjects like 

  • Medicine
  • Surgery
  • Obstetrics
  • Gynecology
  • Pediatrics
  • ENT & Ophthalmology

NExT Exam Pattern 

As per the draft published by NMC (National Medical Commission), the following would be the NEXT Exam pattern (for Step 1):

Days

Subjects

Number of Questions

Allotted Time

Day 1

Medicine & allied subjects

120

180 minutes

Pediatrics

60

90 minutes

Day 2

Surgery & Allied

120

180 minutes

ENT

60

90 minutes

Day 3

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

120

180 minutes

Ophthalmology

60

90 minutes

Total

540

810 minutes

Exam Syllabus

The NExT Exam Syllabus will be based entirely on the MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) curriculum specified by the National Medical Commission. The syllabus will test both theoretical knowledge and clinical application of the candidate. Here is the dedicated table for the syllabus crafted.

Clinical Subjects

  • General Medicine
  • General Surgery
  • Pediatrics
  • Orthopedics
  • Dermatology
  • Psychiatry
  • Obstetrics & Gynecology

Para-Clinical Subjects

  • Pathology
  • Pharmacology
  • Microbiology
  • Forensic Medicine

Pre-Clinical Subjects

  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Biochemistry

Clinical Subjects

  • General Medicine
  • General Surgery
  • Pediatrics
  • Orthopedics
  • Dermatology
  • Psychiatry
  • Obstetrics & Gynecology

Para-Clinical Subjects

  • Pathology
  • Pharmacology
  • Microbiology
  • Forensic Medicine

Pre-Clinical Subjects

  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Biochemistry

Exam Date

As per the latest NExT exam news, the official implementation timeline is still under discussion. The National Exit Test (NExT) for MBBS is officially postponed by the National Medical  Commission in India for 2 to 3 years, with expected implementation now around 2028–2029. The expected NExT exam schedule is as follows:

Event

Tentative Date

Notification Release

Expected Soon

Registration Starts

To Be Announced

Admit Card Release

Before Exam

NExT Step 1 Exam

Tentative

NExT Step 2 Exam

Tentative

Result Declaration

After Examination

Note: For the latest NExT exam update and announcements, regularly check the National Medical Commission‘s official website.

Related Blogs

Discover the Career options after MBBS from Russia
05SEP

Discover the Career options after MBBS from Russia

There are multiple career opportunities after MBBS in Russia, but it depends on the kind of aspirations and ultimate goals you set for yourself. After all, there cannot be a better way to get your degree in medicine than in Russian universities. Russia has been a major investment for years now, but many new students who are entering the field and know the option to study MBBS in Russia are now wondering what viable options are available for them after they have graduated from university in Russia.

Studying MBBS abroad is a very important part of the journey to learn the right skills and knowledge for being a good doctor. However, students who are interested in learning about the career opportunities after MBBS in Russia, should know that with the option to pursue a degree abroad, the options to study further or work, either in the home country or abroad, get bifurcated in the same manner. We will look at some of these opportunities, starting with a general idea about what Russia is like for Indian medical aspirants, such as the MBBS in Russia fees.

A General Overview of Pursuing an MBBS in Russia for Indian Students and its MBBS Program

Pursuing an MBBS in Russia consists of a 6-year journey, starting from 5 years of academic study and general training in the field, and ending with a full year of experience in the university-affiliated hospital as a part of the MBBS program, which is a mandatory internship for all students who want to get their MBBS degree. An MBBS degree from Russia opens up doors to various career opportunities after MBBS in Russia. Look at the table below for a more detailed view of how Russia is among the top choices of Indian students.

Duration

6 Years (including 1-year internship)

Eligibility Criteria

50% in 10+2 with PCB, NEET, 17 years old

Medium of Instruction

English (most universities), Russian

Number of Indian Students Enrolled

15,000+

Entrance Exam

NEET

Average Annual Tuition Fee

$4,796

IELTS/TOEFL Required

No

Recognition

NMC, WHO, FAIMER, ECFMG

First Option After Graduation: Practice Medicine in India

One of the first career opportunities after MBBS in Russia is to become a professional and treat patients in India. However, as mentioned earlier, with the option to pursue MBBS abroad comes the requirement of following the law of India to practice as a doctor (or medical professional).

Clearing the Licensing Exam

To practice medicine after studying MBBS in Russia, you must clear the exam to obtain a license for a medical professional. The FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) is a screening test for students who want to practice medicine in India, conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE). However, it may be duly noted that the implementation of replacing the FMGE exam with the National Exit Test (NExT) is in process.

Internship and Registration

Once clearing the screening process, complete a mandatory internship for a year in a hospital recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India. After the internship, you can register with the NMC or your respective State Medical Council to have career opportunities after MBBS in Russia.

Career Paths in India

  • Work in the government or private sector
  • Set up your private clinic
  • Prepare for postgraduate education
  • Join a medical college as a tutor or lecturer

Second Option After Graduation: Practice Medicine in Russia

If you want to get a job in Russia, there are certain requirements for this career path, as well, just like in India. However, a small percentage of students from India chose to stay in Russia for a job because they are comfortable with their own country, and the fact that the requirement to learn the Russian language often becomes a major problem for students. However, it is important to explore the career opportunities after MBBS in Russia.

Licensing and Residency

After completing the MBBS program in the respective Russian university, you can apply for a license by clearing the State Licensing Exam and completing a Residency Program (or locally known as Ordinatura). The license will allow you to work as a registered professional for 2-5 years, depending upon the specialty level.

Specialisations Available

That being said, here are some of the popular specifications for MBBS graduates who want to work in Russia as a doctor:

  • Internal Medicine
  • Paediatric
  • Surgery
  • Gynaecology
  • Psychiatry
  • Neurology

Being a Doctor in Russia

After Ordinatura, there are multiple options to work as a professional: working in Russian hospitals, a private clinic, or becoming a teacher/lecturer in Russian institutions. For Indian students, on average, a doctor in Russia earns ₹13,23,667.

Third Option After Graduation: Pursue Postgraduate Education

One of the options for students to seek career opportunities after MBBS in Russia is to apply for a new degree in postgraduate studies. This includes the possibility of applying to a university in India, Russia, or other foreign countries. However, this too shall require you to follow the law of the land where you apply to study.

Postgraduate Education in India

After clearing the screening test (aforementioned - FMGE or NExT), clear the postgraduate entrance exams (NEET-PG, INI-CET, or other similar exams in India to pursue MD/MS courses. A quite competitive path but very rewarding, opening up the door to pursue one of the popular specialties:

  • Dermatology
  • Radiology
  • General Surgery
  • Paediatric

Postgraduate Education in Russia

Apply for further studies at a postgraduate level in Russia, allowing diverse career opportunities after MBBS in Russia. Since postgraduate education in Russia is less expensive and more competitive than in India, it is a better option for making a living from your experience abroad. Students who wish to deepen their skills and work within the Russian medical field will be more willing to take this route.

Postgraduate Education Abroad

Graduates who have studied MBBS in Russia can also pursue further studies in various countries. Although this route is neither the simplest nor the most practical (because it demands significant time and preparation), it opens up different career opportunities after MBBS in Russia and provides scope for long-term benefits. This includes earning higher salaries, working in advanced industries, and settling in a more advanced economy. The following is an overview of how you can pursue further education in different countries:

  • Clear USMLE for the USA
  • Clear PLAB or UKMLA for the UK
  • Clear MCCQE and residency match for Canada
  • Clear AMC for Australia

Conclusion

Studying MBBS in Russia opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities, both clinical and non-clinical. You can aim to return to India, work in Russia, or go global; your career trajectory depends on early planning, strategic preparation, and making the best use of your available resources. The career opportunities after MBBS in Russia are multiple. Moreover, alternative careers in research, public health, pharma, and healthcare management provide enriching paths for those looking beyond clinical practice.

Need to learn about how much an MBBS in Russia fees are at different universities? Register now with Education Vibes to talk with our experts!

Is the NEXT Exam Compulsory for Both an Indian and a Foreign MBBS Student
16OCT

Is the NEXT Exam Compulsory for Both an Indian and a Foreign MBBS Student

Overseas graduates will be expected to pass the new National Exit Test (NExT) instead of the Foreign Medical Graduate Exam beginning at an undetermined date (FMGE). Applicants who want to practice in India must pass NExT within two years of finishing their medical education overseas.

What exactly is the NEXT Exam?

The National Exit Test is now both the licentiate test and the national medical postgraduate exam that students/MBBS hopefuls must pass to receive a "Doctor" tag next to their name. The central government of India included the test in the National Medical Commission Bill 2019. The NEXT test will be established and rolled out in 2023 and will serve as a substitute for both the FMGE Exam and the NEET-PG Exam.

According to the presented by the National Medical Commission (NMC), all medical graduates who finished their MBBS abroad must also pass the National Exit Test within two years of their MBBS. This is because, as previously stated, it will replace the FMGE test, which was formerly the licentiate exam for practicing in India. Candidates must pass the NEXT test to be registered for medical practice in India. PG admission in Indian medical institutes will be solicited and determined based on the results of the Upcoming medical test. The NEET-PG exam, which is meant to assess the abilities and knowledge of final-year medical students, is also likely to be changed.

The new medical bill's goal is to provide a single-window exit test for final-year medical students. After the new legislation is in effect, there will only be one test for a final year degree, medical practice license, and medical PG admittance.

Full Name of Exam

National Exit Test (NExT)

Taking effect in

2023

Conducting body

National Board of Examination (Expected)

Aim of exam

  • Final year degree
  • Medical License
  • Medical PG entrance exam

Exam Mode

Offline

Question Type

Exam paper

  • MCQs
  • SAQs
  • LAQs
  • Paper 1
  • Paper 2

What are the benefits of the NExT Exam?

  • The National Exit Test will make sure that education is the same and the same all over the country. This is because it will be a pan-Indian test that every state will be required to take, including the same curriculum system for medical studies. In reality, it must also provide an equitable and consistent educational quality. Karnataka, Punjab, and Delhi have the most significant medical institutions today, but due to the NEXT Exam, other states will be able to compete as well. Colleges will raise their educational standards as their students compete in the same tests as overseas medical graduates.
  • In some ways, it will compel/persuade medical colleges to raise their educational standards since their students will be competing against international medical graduates in the same test.
  • If the president signs the measure into law, it will require people to work toward raising the standard of medical education in the country, which will contribute to an overall improvement. This would also lead to India adopting the same (or comparable) educational culture as industrialized nations.
  • Foreign graduate physicians will no longer need to take separate tests thanks to the NEXT Exam since they will get a practicing license if they pass the National Exit Test. There will be a consolidated test in which they would compete against Indian students.

Frequently asked Questions

NExT (National Exit Test) is a mandatory licensing and postgraduate entrance examination for medical students in India. It is designed to replace the existing Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) and National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Postgraduate (NEET PG). 

Yes, NExT is set to replace the NEET PG and act as the final year MBBS practical exam, serving as a unified, multi-purpose exam for licensing (medicine practice) and PG admission (entrance exam) in India.

The NExT exam will be mandatory for all the final year MBBS students in India (including AIIMS), all Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) seeking a license to practice medicine in India, and medical graduates who want to pursue postgraduate studies.

NExT (National Exit Test) is a computer-based examination, categorised into 2 steps, which are NExT Step 1 and NExT Step 2. NExT Step 1 is a theory-based, computer-based test (CBT), while Step 2 is a practical exam.

The NExT exam syllabus covers all 19 subjects of the Indian MBBS curriculum, divided into 3 phases, i.e. clinical, pre-clinical, and para-clinical areas. Subjects that are included in the syllabus are Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, etc.

The National Exit Test (NExT) has been officially postponed by the National Medical Commission in India, with an extension of 2 to 3 years. It is expected that the examination will be implemented around 2028–2029.

The format of the next exam is more comprehensive than the existing NEET PG, and clinical skills are thoroughly tested. The first part of this exam (NExT 1) consists of an objective MCQ-based paper whose rank determines the placement in PG medical courses and the eligibility for post-MBBS internships. The second part of NEXT (NExT 2) is practice-oriented and tests students' practical performance. If a student fails to master any part of it, that student will not be given a PG seat and a licence to practise in India.