National Exit Exam (NExT Exam): Eligibility Criteria and Exam Process Explained
A new exam named NExT (NExt full form: National Exit Test) has been introduced by the National Medical Commission (NMC). This exam will replace existing NEET PG and FMGE examinations and serve as a single gateway to getting a license and practising medicine in India. However, NMC has claimed that a fake notice released on 7th June is going viral on social media regarding NExT.
NMC has issued a new notice announcing information regarding NExt exam regulations and the NExT Exam schedule. Before going further, let’s try to understand the National Exit Test for Medical Graduates in India.
What is NExT Exam in India
Till now, we have seen medical graduates appearing for NEET PG and FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduates Examination), but now there will be only one exam, “NExT”, for the same purpose.
According to the recent notification, the NExT exam will replace all the examinations medical students give for taking admission to postgraduate courses. The MBBS-qualified students will have to give the National Exit Test to get a license to start their practice. However, the notification for FMGE 2023 is out, and this year it will be conducted on July 30.
Organizing Body For National Exit Test for Medical Graduates
Initially, it was proposed that the National Medical Commission (NMC) would conduct the National Exit Test (NExT). But, now it has been decided that AIIMS Delhi will organize this exam. Students qualified for MBBS from India or foreign will have to qualify for the NExT exam to initiate their practice in India.
NExT Exam Eligibility Criteria: Validity of NExT Score and Other NExT Exam Rules
Those who are pursuing undergraduate courses in medical sciences will be eligible for the National Exit Test (NExT). NMC has shared the following guidelines for NExT exam eligibility in the draft released.
- The students pursuing MBBS from the medical institutes approved by NMC will be eligible for the National Exit Exam.
- All the MBBS graduates from foreign medical universities approved by NMC will have to appear for the NExT exam to get a license for initiating their practice as a licensed medical practitioner in India.
- Appearing candidates must have a minimum of 50% marks in their MBBS course.
- National Exit Test for MBBS will comprise two papers- NExT Paper-1 and NExT Paper-2.
- NExT Paper-1 will substitute for the final year MBBS exams.
- After clearing Paper-1, a clinical internship of at least 12 months is compulsory to appear for NExT Paper-2.
- The NExt Paper-1 score will be applicable for seat allocation in PG courses after the candidate has completed the internship successfully.
- The validity of NExT Paper-1 will be for three years.
So this is the NExT exam eligibility criteria for undergraduate medical students pursuing MBBS and foreign medical graduates. Further, let’s talk about the NExT exam schedule, including some tentative dates.
NExT Exam Schedule: Tentative Dates for National Exit Test
The NExT exam in India will be implemented for the students who will pass in 2024. Here is the tentative schedule for the National Exit Test. However, the organizing institute can make some changes to the schedule.
- NExT Paper-1: Second week of December 2023
- Results for NExT Paper-1: Second week of January 2024
- Internship Starts: First week of February 2024
- NExT Paper-2: Second week of March 2024
- Results for NExT Paper-1: First week of April 2024
The dates for supplementary examinations will be announced later. Matrix Academy will keep you updated regarding further information related to the National Exit Test (NExT).