The National Medical Commission (NMC) recently unveiled its academic calendar, introducing the National Exit Test (NExT) for MBBS students starting from the class of 2024. As per the 2023 Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) regulations, NExT step 1 is scheduled for February 2028, followed by NExT step 2 in February 2029.
NExT exam Details :
Initially, the NMC planned for the MBBS class of 2020 to be the first to take the NExT. AIIMS Delhi had even scheduled a NExT mock test for July 28, 2023. However, the mock test was subsequently canceled, and registration costs were refunded to all candidates who had signed up.
Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said that the newly introduced exam would not be more difficult than the National Eligibility Cumulative Entrance Test (NEET). While students will receive their MBBS degrees from their respective universities, passing the NExT exam will be necessary for eligibility for taking admission to postgraduate courses.
On August 1, the Commission issued the Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) 2023 Curriculum Regulations, which assured that universities must commence the first professional year on August 1 of each year starting with the academic year 2024-25. No admissions will be allowed after August 30, and institutions admitting students after this date will face NMC fines.
Students will be necessary to take university exams at the end of each professional year, and those who do not pass must again take them. Supplementary exams and their results must be processed within 3 to 6 weeks of the main exam results, ensuring successful candidates can join the main batch further.
The National Exit Test will be an important exam for MBBS candidates seeking to practice modern medicine in India. It will serve as the licentiate exam to validate medical graduates’ eligibility for medical profession in the country, ensuring a standardized testing for medical professionals.
