National Exit Test (NExT)

The next exam is the National Exit Test (NExT), a mandatory examination introduced by India's National Medical Commission (NMC) to serve as the single pathway for medical licensing and postgraduate admission after completing the MBBS course. It replaces the NEET-PG and FMGE exams and is taken by both Indian and foreign medical graduates to ensure they meet the required competency to practice medicine in India. The exam is conducted in two parts: NExT-1 is a theoretical examination, and NExT-2 is a practical assessment.

What is the NExT Exam?

• Purpose: It is a common exit exam for all medical graduates to obtain a license to practice medicine in India and to gain admission to postgraduate courses. 

• Replaces: It replaces existing exams such as NEET-PG and FMGE. 

• Who takes it: Both Indian and foreign medical graduates must pass the NExT exam to be eligible to practice in India. 

Key features of the NExT Exam:

• Two-step process:
  • NExT-1: A theoretical exam that serves as a qualifying exam for the final year MBBS and an entrance exam for postgraduate courses. 
  • NExT-2: A practical exam that is conducted after a mandatory internship to assess hands-on skills. 

• Mandatory: It is a compulsory exam for all medical graduates. 

• Standardized assessment: The exam aims to standardize medical education and set a benchmark for medical professionals' competency. 

Exam Status:

• The NExT exam was planned to be implemented in 2023 and rolled out subsequently. 

• An official notification for NExT 2025 application forms was not released as of late August 2025, but it was expected to be available in 2025. 

This video explains who is eligible for the NExT exam and the number of attempts: