All you need to know about NEXT (National Exit Test) exam 2026 for MBBS

Learn about the NMC NExT Exam 2026, its eligibility, pattern, syllabus, and latest updates. Get insights on this crucial test for medical graduates in India.
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3 min
18 November 2025

The National Exit Test (NEXT) is a crucial milestone for medical students in India. It aims to streamline the process of medical education and ensures that all graduates possess the necessary skills and knowledge to practise medicine. NEXT serves as a single examination for multiple purposes, including a licence to practise, entry to postgraduate courses, and a screening test for foreign medical graduates. Understanding the nuances of NEXT is essential for every medical student in India. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate through the details of NEXT, its eligibility criteria, objectives, exam pattern, and more. Whether you are preparing for the exam or planning your medical career, staying informed about NEXT is crucial for your success. Also, Bajaj Finance offers doctor loan for professionals seeking financial assistance.

 

Latest updates and news on NMC NEXT Exam

The NEXT exam was expected to be conducted in August 2025, with further implementation details to be announced by the National Medical Commission (NMC). The NMC NEXT exam is planned as a computer-based examination conducted twice a year, in May and November. 

The exam structure includes 

NEXT Step 1-covering six subjects and NEXT Step 2- covering seven subjects. The NMC has also provided updates through webinars to clarify the examination process, though final schedules may depend on official notifications. Medical students should regularly check updates from the NMC and prepare according to the latest guidelines.

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The NExT stands for National Exit Test, and the NExT exam is a national-level medical examination that assesses the competency of medical graduates before they can practise independently in India. It is the key answer to what is next exam for medical students preparing for professional licensure.

The National Exit Test aims to create a uniform assessment standard by replacing the existing NEET-PG and FMGE examinations. For next exam medical aspirants, the test evaluates clinical knowledge, practical skills, and readiness for medical practice. Medical professionals can also explore financial support options such as a Bajaj Finance doctor loan for career development and professional requirements.

 

NExt exam 2026 highlights

ParticularsDetails
Exam nameNational Exit Test (NExT)
Conducting bodyLikely to be conducted by the National Medical Commission (NMC)
Expected exam dateAugust 2025
Exam levelNational-level postgraduate exam
PurposeTo get a licence to practise medicine in India
Who can applyFinal year MBBS students and Foreign Medical Graduates
Exam modeOnline
How oftenHeld twice a year
Number of papersTwo papers – Paper 1 and Paper 2
Type of questionsMultiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Long Answer Questions (LAQs), Short Answer Questions (SAQs)
Number of attemptsNo limit on the number of attempts

Who is eligible for the NExT exam?

The National Exit Test (NExT) will apply to undergraduate medical students in India. As per the draft guidelines, the following individuals are eligible to take the NExT exam:

  1. Undergraduate medical students pursuing an MBBS degree from medical colleges recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
  2. Foreign Medical Graduates who have been approved by the NMC for the purpose of obtaining a licence to practise medicine as a registered medical practitioner in India.
  3. Other individuals with a medical degree who wish to pursue academic courses, observerships, or any other activities as specified and approved by the NMC.

The NExT exam is designed to standardise medical education and ensure that medical professionals meet the required competency levels before they can practise in India. It is an important step in regulating medical education and providing a benchmark for medical graduates, both from Indian and foreign institutions. This move is aimed at improving the overall quality of healthcare in the country by ensuring that only qualified professionals are licensed to practise medicine. The role of a Medical director is crucial in overseeing such standards within hospitals and institutions.

 

What are the objectives of the NExT exam?

The national exit test aims to:

  • Standardise the quality of medical graduates in India.
  • Ensure uniform competency among all practising doctors.
  • Serve as a licensee exam for medical practice.
  • Facilitate admission into postgraduate medical courses.

  • Replace multiple exams with a single, comprehensive test.


National exit test conducting body:

The National Medical Commission (NMC) is responsible for conducting the National Exit Test. The NMC ensures that the examinations are conducted fairly and transparently across the country.


What are the advantages of the NExT exam?

The NEXT exam offers several benefits:

  • Uniform standards: Ensures that all medical graduates meet a consistent standard.
  • Streamlined process: Combines multiple exams into one, reducing stress and confusion.
  • Comprehensive assessment: Evaluates both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

  • International recognition: Provides a common benchmark for Indian and foreign graduates.


What is the NExT exam syllabus?

The NExT syllabus is divided into six subjects, encompassing clinical, pre-clinical, and para-clinical domains. NExT 1 primarily assesses students' theoretical knowledge in these areas. The subjects included in the NExT 1 syllabus are as follows:

  • Medicine and allied subjects
  • Paediatrics
  • Surgery and allied subjects
  • Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • Ophthalmology

These subjects cover a broad spectrum of medical knowledge, ensuring that students are thoroughly tested on both theoretical understanding and clinical application. NExT 1 plays a vital role in evaluating the foundational knowledge necessary for aspiring medical professionals to progress to the next stage of their training. The syllabus aims to ensure that students are well-prepared for practical medical practice and have a comprehensive understanding of the core areas of medicine.

 

What is the NExT exam pattern?

The NEXT exam comprises two parts:

  1. NEXT 1: A written test assessing theoretical knowledge.

  2. NEXT 2: A practical exam evaluating clinical skills. Both parts must be cleared to obtain a medical licence and qualify for postgraduate courses.


Important points of NEXT exam pattern

  • Duration: NEXT 1 span over three days.
  • Sections: Divided into multiple sections covering various medical subjects.
  • Assessment: NEXT 2 focuses on practical skills through viva and clinical examination.
  • Eligibility: Clearing NEXT 1 is mandatory before appearing for NEXT 2.

 

NExT exam question pattern and marking scheme

The National Exit Test paper-1 exam is anticipated to have a structured question format, divided into three significant sections. The exam will comprise 540 multiple-choice questions. Of these, 60% will assess problem-solving abilities, 30% will focus on comprehension and analysis, and 10% will be recall questions.



DaysSessionsSubjectQuestionsTime
Day 1Pre-lunchMedical allied120180 minutes
 Post-lunchPaediatrics6090 minutes
Day 2Pre-lunchSurgery & allied120180 minutes
 Post-lunchENT6090 minutes
Day 3Pre-lunchObstetrics and gynaecology120180 minutes
 Post-lunchOphthalmology6090 minutes
Total  540810 minutes

How NEXT is the complete alternative to NEET PG and FMGE?

NEXT is designed to replace NEET PG and FMGE, providing a unified assessment system. It simplifies the process by:

  • Single examination: One exam for licence and postgraduate entry.
  • Consistency: Uniform standards for all graduates.
  • Efficiency: Reduces redundancy of multiple exams and confusion.
  • FMGE: NEXT also eliminates FMGE by integrating foreign medical graduate assessments into a single exam.

 

NEXT cut off

Candidates must achieve the minimum cut-off marks to qualify for the NExT PG exam. The qualifying criteria differ for NExT Step 1 and Step 2. For NExT Step 1, candidates must score at least 50% of the total possible raw marks to pass. The passing criteria for NExT Step 2 are based on the satisfactory demonstration of competencies. These competencies will be assessed, and the result will be declared as either a pass or fail. The evaluation for Step 2 focuses on the practical demonstration of skills and knowledge, rather than a numerical score. Therefore, candidates must meet the required standards in both steps to successfully qualify for the NExT PG exam.

 

What is the difference between NExT step 1 and step 2?

The NExT Step 1 and Step 2 under the next exam have different purposes: Step 1 is a theoretical written assessment that evaluates medical knowledge, while Step 2 is a practical clinical assessment that evaluates patient care skills and competency. Together, they assess whether medical graduates are prepared for independent practice.

ParameterNExT Step 1NExT Step 2
NatureWritten computer-based examination.Clinical and practical assessment involving patient interaction and skills evaluation.
FormatConsists of 540 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) conducted over 3 days.Includes clinical examination, practical assessment, and viva-based evaluation.
SubjectsCovers 6 subjects: Medicine, Paediatrics, Surgery, ENT, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Ophthalmology.Covers 7 subjects, including clinical skills and practical application of medical knowledge.
Passing BasisRequires minimum 50% raw marks to qualify.Requires satisfactory demonstration of clinical competency and is assessed on a pass/fail basis.

 

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Frequently asked questions

What is the national exit test?
The National Exit Test (NExT) is a two-part comprehensive examination introduced by the National Medical Commission of India. This test is designed for MBBS students to evaluate their knowledge, clinical skills, and comprehension of professional practices at the end of their academic cycle. The aim of NExT is to create a standard benchmark for medical education across the country.
Who is eligible for the NExT exam?
The NExT Examination is specifically intended for students who are completing or have completed their MBBS degree. As per the National Medical Commission (NMC), candidates who are studying in or have completed MBBS from any recognised medical college in India are eligible to take part in this examination. Also, foreign medical graduates looking to practise in India may down the line have to take the NExT Examination.
Is NEET PG replaced by NExT?
Yes, NEET PG has been replaced by the National Exit Test (NExT). The NExT exam is now the admission test for postgraduate courses in India as per the recent changes by the National Medical Commission. Thus, it plays a dual role as the licensing exam for MBBS students as well as the entrance exam for MD, MS and PG Diploma courses in medicine.
What happens if you fail NExT 2?
If you fail the 2nd part of the NExT examination, it means you will be unable to attain a licence to practise medicine as a doctor in India. You would need to retake the NExT Part 2 exam to get your licence. This is because passing the NExT Part 2 exam is mandatory for obtaining a licence for medical practice. So it is pivotal for MBBS graduates to adequately prepare for this examination to avoid any failures and consequent delays in their medical career.
How many attempts are allowed for the NExT exam?

There is no limit on the number of attempts for the NExT exam. Candidates can appear for the examination multiple times until they qualify, subject to applicable eligibility criteria. The exam is expected to be conducted twice a year, in May and November, allowing medical graduates more opportunities to complete the required assessment.

What is the full form of NExT?

The next exam full form is National Exit Test. The NExT exam is a national-level medical examination designed to assess the competency of medical graduates before they can obtain a licence to practise medicine independently in India. It evaluates both medical knowledge and clinical skills required for professional practice.

Is the NExT exam conducted online or offline?

The NExT exam is conducted in a computer-based online mode. The NMC NExT exam is planned as a national-level assessment conducted across designated examination centres. The examination is expected to be held twice a year, allowing medical graduates to appear as per the notified schedule.

What are the passing marks for the NExT exam?

Candidates must secure a minimum of 50% raw marks in NExT Step 1 to qualify. The NExT exam also includes a clinical assessment in Step 2, where candidates must demonstrate satisfactory competency. Passing both components is necessary to complete the examination requirements.

Which exams do the NExT test replace in India?

The NExT exam is designed to replace the existing NEET-PG and FMGE examinations in India. It aims to create a single standardised assessment system for medical graduates, including Indian and foreign medical graduates, before they can pursue postgraduate education or practise medicine.

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