Yash Overseas, the leading education consultancy for MBBS abroad, is committed to keeping students informed about the latest developments in the medical education field. In this blog post, we bring you important information about the National Exit Test (NExT) as per the recent notification released by the National Medical Commission (NMC). Aspiring doctors, including Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs), who wish to pursue a postgraduate (PG) course in India, can benefit from understanding the purpose, schedule, and procedure of the NExT exam.
Understanding the NExT Exam
The NExT exam is designed for all doctors aspiring to join a PG course in India. While the existing NEET PG will continue to be held for previous batches, the NExT exam will eventually replace it for PG admissions. The NExT exam will be conducted twice a year, in May and November, or as per the decision of the NMC.
Exam Structure
The NExT exam consists of two phases :
- It is a Computer Based Test (CBT) and includes Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). It covers six papers, encompassing both parts 1 and 2 of the Final MBBS subjects.
- on the other hand, is a practical exam accompanied by a viva voce, focusing on seven clinical subjects.
Scoring and Passing Criteria
To pass Step 1, candidates must secure a minimum of 50% marks in all six papers. In case a candidate fails to pass a subject in the first attempt, they will have to reappear for Step 1 after six months specifically for that subject. Only upon passing all subjects can a candidate begin their internship. While there is no limit to the number of attempts for clearing the NExT exam, candidates must pass both Step 1 and Step 2 within 10 years of joining the MBBS course.
NExT Exam Curriculum & Exam duration
| Papers | Subjects | No of items | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Medicine & allied Disciplines | 120 items | 3 hours |
| 2 | Surgery & allied disciplines | 120 items | 3 hours |
| 3 | Obstetrics & Gynecology | 120 items | 3 hours |
| 4 | Pediatrics | 60 items | 1.5 hours |
| 5 | Otorhinolaryngology | 60 items | 1.5 hours |
| 6 | Ophthalmology | 60 items | 1.5 hours |
Improvement and Validity of Scores
Candidates who wish to improve their scores in Step 1 must clear Step 2 before reappearing for the exam. The NExT exam scores will remain valid for five years. Physicians who already hold a license to practice medicine in India but seek to pursue PG courses are only required to appear for Step 1. FMGs are also required to pass Step 1 to be eligible for the Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI).
Conclusion
Candidates who wish to improve their scores in Step 1 must clear Step 2 before reappearing for the exam. The NExT exam scores will remain valid for five years. Physicians who already hold a license to practice medicine in India but seek to pursue PG courses are only required to appear for Step 1. FMGs are also required to pass Step 1 to be eligible for the Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI).
For personalized guidance and expert assistance regarding the NExT exam and admissions to PG courses, contact Yash Overseas, your trusted partner in realizing your dream of pursuing quality medical education abroad.
Remember, Yash Overseas is here to support you every step of the way!
Note : This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Candidates are advised to refer to the official notifications and consult with appropriate authorities for accurate and up-to-date information.