NExT Exam: A major relief has come for MBBS students. In an interview with a prominent media outlet, Dr. Abhijat Sheth, Chairman of the National Medical Commission (NMC), stated that the National Exit Test (NEXT), which was mandatory for medical license and PG admissions after completing an MBBS degree, will no longer be implemented for the next three to four years.

This decision was made following a meeting in New Delhi between NMC Chairman Dr. Abhijat Sheth and representatives of the Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA).

What is the NExT Exam?

The NExT (National Exit Test) is a national-level exam to be introduced by the National Medical Commission (NMC). Its purpose is to standardize the level of medical education and qualifications of doctors across the country.

Through this exam, students who pass an MBBS degree will receive recognition for their medical degree and admission to MD/MS (postgraduate courses).

It will serve as the eligibility test for foreign MBBS students (FMGs) to practice in India. This means a single exam will serve three purposes: licensing, PG admissions, and uniform assessment.

It was initially expected to be implemented from August 2025, but the deadline has been pushed back due to legal, structural, and logistical challenges.

The NMC initially announced the NExT exam for the 2019 batch in 2023. However, students protested, calling it a violation of the NMC Act 2019, and the exam was postponed indefinitely.

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