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The National Medical Commission (NMC) replaced the Medical Council of India (MCI) in September 2020 through the enactment of the National Medical Commission Act 2019. This transition aimed to enhance the accessibility and quality of medical education, ensure the availability of skilled medical professionals across India, and promote equitable healthcare services. After this administrative overhaul, the medical field underwent several notable changes, which particularly impacted Indian medical students intending to return to India after completing their MBBS abroad.
This article will focus on two significant modifications recently implemented by the National Medical Commission affecting such students.
Mandatory Double Internships for MBBS Students Abroad
According to the latest NMC guidelines, students pursuing an MBBS abroad must complete a 54-month English-medium course equivalent to India’s MBBS, which includes theory, practical, and clinical training. They must also complete a 12-month internship at the same foreign institution and receive hands-on training in clinical subjects.
Foreign graduates returning to India must pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), complete another 12-month supervised internship in India, and obtain provisional registration before being eligible for permanent registration.
NExT to replace NEET and FMGE
Every year, numerous students in India take medical exams, with NEET UG and NEET PG being the major ones for undergraduate and postgraduate studies, respectively. Previously, qualifying students underwent internships and earned a license to practice until 2018. However, in 2019, the National Medical Commission Bill introduced the NExT exam, or National Exit Test, a significant advancement in medical education and practice.
What Is the NExT Exam?
As per the latest guidelines, the NExT (National Exit Test) exam will replace NEET PG, INI-CET, and FMGE, serving as the sole gateway for obtaining a medical license in India. The NExT exam is mandatory for both Indian and foreign medical graduates, replacing various existing entrance exams for postgraduate courses.
As of now, the NMC has not announced an official date for the NExT MBBS exam. The Next Step 1 exam is anticipated to be held in August 2025 for final-year MBBS students of the 2020 batch. Additionally, the NMC recently released the academic calendar, scheduling the first edition of the NExT exam for the 2023-24 batch of MBBS students in February 2028.
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NExT Exam Eligibility Criteria:
Students pursuing undergraduate courses in medical sciences are eligible for the NExT exam, according to guidelines provided by the NMC in the released draft. The eligibility criteria for the NExT exam are outlined as follows:
- Students enrolled in MBBS programs at medical institutes approved by the NMC qualify for the National Exit Exam.
- MBBS graduates from foreign medical universities affiliated with the NMC must take the next exam to obtain a license to commence their medical practice in India.
- The National Exit Test for MBBS consists of two papers – NExT Paper-1 and NExT Paper-2.
- NExT Paper-1 is a substitute for the final year MBBS exams.
- After successfully clearing Paper-1, students must complete a mandatory 12-month clinical internship to be eligible for NExT Paper-2.
- The NExT Paper-1 score is applicable for seat allocation in PG courses after the completion of the internship.
- The validity of NExT Paper-1 is two years.
NExT Exam Process
The National Exit Test consists of two stages, NExT 1 and NExT 2. NExT 1 is a theoretical exam, and NExT 2 is a practical exam. Those who pass Step 1 must undertake an internship and then proceed to the practical exam in Step 2. The NMC will provide an information brochure detailing the application process and other important information about the NExT PG exam.
NExT Step 1 Overview
The exam will be conducted in a computer-based mode, with 540 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The paper will comprise six subjects (Medicine and allied disciplines, Surgery and allied disciplines, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pediatrics, Otorhinolaryngology, and Ophthalmology) from the third year/final MBBS course, Parts 1 and 2.
Important Points
- Candidates who will complete the third year/Final MBBS course from a recognized medical college will be eligible to appear in the examination.
- NExT MBBS will be held once a year before the University Practical Examination for III MBBS (Part 2)/Final MBBS, preceding the Compulsory Rotating Internship.
- NMC NExT Step 1 supplementary examinations will be held annually, allowing candidates who fail in one or more of the six subjects to appear.
- There will be no restriction on the number of attempts in the NExT exam, with the only condition that candidates should have passed NExT Step 1 within 10 years of joining MBBS.
NExT Step 2 Overview
The exam will be conducted in person, practical/clinical, and viva-based, by the respective state health universities/institutions once a year.
This phase will include seven clinical subjects/disciplines:
- Medicine and allied disciplines
- Surgery and allied disciplines
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Paediatrics
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopaedics and PMR (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)
Important Points
- NExT Paper 2 will focus on clinical case-based, simulated scenarios to assess practical/clinical skills, clinical decision-making, and communication skills.
- Successful completion of this exam is a prerequisite for candidates to choose between pursuing a postgraduate degree in medical education or practicing medicine in India.
- The result of the NExT-1 exam will remain valid for the next two years to fulfill the requirement for clearing the NExT-2 exam.
How is NExT the Complete Alternative to NEET PG and FMGE?
The NExT primarily encompasses both exams, covering a significant portion of the NEET PG and FMGE exam syllabus. As mentioned earlier, Part 1 assesses students’ theoretical knowledge in various medical science subjects, fostering improvement in the education system and promoting healthy competition.
Students who perform well in the National Exit Test Paper-1 and clear the exam become eligible for an internship. Following the internship, the universities will exclusively conduct NEXT-2. Students must note that failing NEXT Paper-2 means waiting for a year, as the exam is held once a year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How is NExT different from NEET PG?
NExT (National Exit Test) is the new standardized exit and licensing exam for MBBS students, replacing NEET-PG. Unlike NEET-PG, NExT assesses a broader range of clinical skills.
Is preparing with the final year MBBS syllabus sufficient for clearing the NEXT Exam?
No, relying solely on the final year syllabus is insufficient. Students need to revisit the previous year’s studies and concepts to excel. Practical knowledge is crucial as PG admissions will be based on performance in the exam.
Does NEXT replace the FMGE Exam?
Yes! The NEXT exam officially replaces the FMGE Exam, the former licentiate exam of India. This implies that all MBBS graduates from abroad aspiring to pursue further studies or practice in India must undergo this exam.
What will happen if you fail the NExT exam?
If you do not pass the NExT exam, you won’t be able to proceed with your internship or finish your MBBS degree. Nonetheless, candidates can make another attempt in the following year.
What are the question types in the NEXT exam?
The exam includes three types of questions:
- MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)
- LAQs (Long Answer Questions)
- SAQs (Short Answer Questions)
Is the NEXT exam more difficult compared to the NEET PG exam?
The NEXT exam isn’t harder than NEET PG.
Book a Free Consultation Now!
Planning to study MBBS abroad? For personalized advice and answers to your questions, futureMBBS provides free consultations. Book a free consultation now to gain insights into the application process, eligibility requirements, and more for studying medicine in European countries.
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