NMC Defers National Exit Test (NExT) by 3–4 Years; Plans Mock Exams Before Launch

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has officially announced that the National Exit Test (NExT) for MBBS graduates will not be implemented immediately. The exam has been deferred for another three to four years to allow more preparation time for students, colleges, and authorities.

ABOUT THE NExT EXAM

The National Exit Test (NExT) is a single exam for MBBS students. It works as both a licence test to allow them to practice medicine and an entrance test for postgraduate medical courses. It was supposed to start in August 2025, but legal and practical issues have caused delays in its implementation.

According to NMC Chairman Dr Abhijat Sheth, the commission wants to first conduct a few rounds of mock exams across different medical colleges in the country. These mock tests will help the NMC understand the challenges students may face and improve the exam model before it becomes a regular feature. The tests will also help assess whether colleges have the required infrastructure, such as digital systems and proper evaluation methods, to conduct such an exam smoothly.

Medical associations such as the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) had earlier raised concerns about the readiness of medical colleges for NExT. They pointed out that many institutions still lack basic resources, and students need more time to adapt to the new exam pattern. The NMC considered these views before deciding on the postponement.

Trial Exams to Check Practicality

The NMC clarified that there are no immediate plans to implement NExT until the model is fully tested and refined. This move aims to reduce stress among students and ensure that the system is fair, transparent, and efficient once launched.

Earlier, NExT was expected to be conducted in 2024, but its implementation has faced multiple delays due to protests, technical difficulties, and a lack of clarity about its structure. The decision to defer it by another few years is seen as a practical step to avoid confusion and ensure better planning.

For now, MBBS students will continue to appear for their traditional university exams and NEET-PG for postgraduate admissions. The NMC said that details about mock exams, schedules, and participating colleges will be released soon.

In short, the NMC’s decision gives both students and medical institutions more time to prepare for a smooth and effective rollout of the NExT exam in the future.