New Delhi: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has officially postponed the implementation of the National Exit Test (NExT) for another three to four years, bringing a major update for MBBS graduates and future medical practitioners across India.
Key Announcement
NMC Chairman Dr. Abhijat Sheth confirmed that the commission has decided not to implement NExT immediately. Instead, the NMC plans to conduct mock NExT exams over the next few years to evaluate the system’s readiness and collect feedback from medical colleges and students.
Originally, NExT was scheduled to be launched from August 2025 as a single national-level examination for MBBS licensing and postgraduate (PG) medical admissions. However, due to legal, infrastructural, and technical challenges, the rollout has been deferred.
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What the Delay Means for Students
The deferment of the NExT exam brings both relief and preparation time for medical aspirants.
Join NEET News 2025 - More Preparation Time: Students and institutions now have 3-4 years to understand and adapt to the new testing format.
- Current System Continues: Until NExT becomes operational, NEET-PG and MBBS final exams will remain the standard routes for admission and licensing.
- Mock Tests Ahead: NMC will organise mock NExT tests to assess feasibility, ensuring smoother implementation later.
- Better Institutional Readiness: Medical colleges can improve academic and digital infrastructure before NExT becomes mandatory.
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Next Steps for Medical Aspirants
- Stay Updated: Follow official NMC notifications for upcoming mock test details and revised timelines.
- Participate in Mock Exams: These tests will help students get familiar with the format and pattern before final rollout.
- Focus on Core Concepts: Continue strengthening MBBS and NEET fundamentals, as the future NExT exam will assess clinical understanding.
- Adapt Study Plans: Coaching centers and colleges should modify their preparation strategies accordingly.
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Background
The NExT exam was introduced under the National Medical Commission Act as a unified exam for medical licensing, PG entry, and foreign graduate screening. It was designed to replace NEET-PG and FMGE. However, concerns over exam structure, technology integration, and nationwide uniformity prompted this deferment.
What Lies Ahead
Over the next 3-4 years, NMC will observe the results of the mock exams and refine the NExT model based on feedback. The commission aims to ensure that when the test is finally implemented, it will be transparent, fair, and technologically sound.
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