The Big Shift in Medical Education
If you’re pursuing MBBS in India or abroad, you’ve probably heard about NEXT — the National Exit Test.
This single exam will soon replace NEET-PG and FMGE, becoming the gateway for medical licensing and PG admissions in India.
But what exactly are NEXT 1 and NEXT 2? When are they conducted? How do they affect Indian and foreign MBBS students?
Let’s break it down clearly 👇
What is NEXT Exam?
The National Exit Test (NEXT) is a nationwide medical licensing examination introduced by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India.
It’s designed to bring all medical graduates — both from India and abroad — under a single standard assessment system.
In simple terms, NEXT is one exam that serves three major purposes 👇
- Acts as a Final MBBS Qualifying Exam
Every MBBS student in India must pass NEXT to complete their degree.
Instead of separate university final exams, NEXT ensures all students are tested equally across the country. - Serves as a Medical Licensing Test
Whether you completed MBBS in India or abroad, you’ll need to clear NEXT to receive your license to practice medicine in India.
This replaces the old FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination). - Acts as a PG Entrance Exam
NEXT 1 score will be used to determine your rank for PG medical admissions (MD/MS) — meaning it also replaces NEET-PG.
Purpose Behind Introducing NEXT
Before NEXT, Indian medical graduates had to pass university exams, and foreign graduates had to pass FMGE, while PG aspirants took NEET-PG — three completely different systems.
This caused:
- Unequal evaluation standards between universities
- Confusion and repetition for students
- No single quality benchmark for licensing doctors
Hence, the NMC introduced NEXT to simplify and standardize the entire system.
✅ One exam = Qualify MBBS + Get License + Apply for PG Admission
NEXT 1 – The Theory Exam
NEXT 1 is the first step of the National Exit Test.
It’s a computer-based theory examination conducted at the end of the final year of MBBS, before internship.
This exam is designed to test not just your memory, but your conceptual clarity and clinical understanding — how well you can apply your knowledge to real-life medical situations.
Purpose of NEXT 1
NEXT 1 is a multi-role exam that serves three important purposes:
- ✅ Acts as your Final MBBS Qualifying Exam
Passing NEXT 1 means you’ve officially cleared your academic phase of MBBS. - 🩺 Decides Your PG Admission Rank
The marks you score here will determine your rank for MD/MS admissions, replacing NEET-PG. - 🎓 Makes You Eligible for Internship
You can start your internship only after passing NEXT 1.
So essentially — without clearing NEXT 1, you can’t proceed to internship, get a PG seat, or receive your degree.
Structure and Pattern of NEXT 1
Although the NMC hasn’t released the final blueprint yet, the proposed format is expected to look like this 👇
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Duration | 3 Days (Divided into system-based papers) |
| Evaluation | Objective Scoring — Marks / Percentile Rank |
| Result Type | Rank-based (for PG) + Pass/Fail (for MBBS qualification) |
Subjects & Focus Areas
The focus will be on clinical and applied concepts, not rote memorization.
Major subjects include:
- Medicine & Allied
- Surgery & Allied
- Pediatrics
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Ophthalmology
- ENT
- Community Medicine
Pre- and Para-Clinical subjects like Pathology, Pharmacology, and Microbiology will be integrated within these papers.
How NEXT 1 Differs from Traditional Exams
| Aspect | Old University / NEET-PG | NEXT 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Type | Separate final exams + NEET-PG | One unified national test |
| Question Style | Theory + short notes | Clinical MCQs & case scenarios |
| Purpose | University result / PG entrance | MBBS qualification + PG ranking |
| Evaluation | Varies by university | Nationally standardized by NMC |
Result & Scoring
- The NEXT 1 score will be given as marks or percentile, similar to NEET-PG.
- Based on this score, you’ll get your PG admission rank.
- If you don’t pass, you must reappear in the next exam cycle — only then can you start your internship.
NEXT 2 – The Practical Exam
NEXT 2 is the final step of the National Exit Test (NEXT) and serves as the clinical and practical evaluation for MBBS graduates.
It takes place after completing the one-year internship and is the gateway to receiving your permanent medical license in India.
If NEXT 1 checks your academic and conceptual understanding, NEXT 2 ensures that you can apply that knowledge in real-life patient care.
Purpose of NEXT 2
NEXT 2 is conducted to test your hands-on clinical competence — how you handle patients, diagnose conditions, and make decisions as a doctor.
It focuses on real-world medical practice, including:
- Clinical examination and case diagnosis
- Emergency response and patient management
- Communication and ethical behavior with patients
- Decision-making in critical scenarios
You must pass NEXT 2 to receive your permanent registration/license from the National Medical Commission (NMC).
When & Who Can Appear?
- You can appear for NEXT 2 only after successfully completing:
- ✅ NEXT 1
- ✅ One-year Internship
- Both Indian MBBS graduates and Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) (after internship in India) must clear NEXT 2 to start medical practice.
Structure & Format (Expected)
The exact structure is yet to be finalized by NMC, but as per current drafts, it will include:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Type of Exam | Practical / Viva-based |
| Mode of Conduct | Offline – in medical colleges & affiliated hospitals |
| Evaluation Method | Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) / Bedside Viva |
| Subjects Covered | Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, OBG, Orthopedics, ENT, Ophthalmology, etc. |
| Result Type | Pass / Fail (no rank or score) |
OSCE means you’ll move through different “stations” — each testing a specific clinical task like diagnosing, examining, or counseling a patient.
Why NEXT 2 Matters
NEXT 2 ensures that doctors entering the healthcare system are not just book-smart, but also:
- Skilled in practical patient care
- Competent in clinical reasoning and communication
- Aware of medical ethics and safety protocols
Once you pass NEXT 2, you’ll receive:
- 🩺 Permanent Registration Number (License to Practice)
- 🏛️ Eligibility to pursue PG (MD/MS) courses
If You Fail NEXT 2
If a student fails NEXT 2, they can reappear in the next cycle.
However, they cannot start independent medical practice until they pass it.
The exam is qualifying only — meaning it doesn’t affect your PG ranking (which depends solely on NEXT 1).
Summary
| Aspect | NEXT 1 | NEXT 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Theory (MCQ) | Practical / Clinical |
| Conducted | During Final Year | After Internship |
| Purpose | PG Rank + Internship Eligibility | Medical License |
| Evaluation | Marks / Rank | Pass / Fail |
| Importance | Academic Knowledge | Practical Skill & Patient Care |
NEXT for Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs)
For students who complete their MBBS abroad, the NEXT Exam is especially important — because it will replace the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) and become the only pathway to get a medical license in India.
Earlier, FMGs had to pass FMGE, complete a 1-year internship, and then appear for NEET-PG if they wished to specialize.
Now, under the National Medical Commission (NMC) system, everything will come under one exam — NEXT.
How NEXT Works for FMG Students
Here’s the step-by-step process for foreign medical graduates 👇
| Step | Stage | Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | After completing MBBS abroad | Appear for NEXT 1 in India | Qualify to start internship in India |
| 2 | Internship (12 months) | Must be done in NMC-recognized Indian hospital | Gain clinical training under Indian standards |
| 3 | After internship | Appear for NEXT 2 | Qualify for permanent medical license |
| 4 | Post-license | Eligible for PG (MD/MS) admissions based on NEXT 1 score | Same ranking system as Indian students |
What Changes from the Old System
| Old System (Before NEXT) | New System (With NEXT) |
|---|---|
| Step 1: FMGE (Screening Test) | Step 1: NEXT 1 (Common exam for all) |
| Step 2: Internship | Step 2: Internship |
| Step 3: NEET-PG for specialization | Step 3: NEXT 1 score used for PG admission |
| Multiple exams for different purposes | One unified exam for qualification + license + PG |
This new model ensures equal standards between Indian and foreign medical graduates — everyone will be evaluated under the same exam framework.
Benefits for FMG Students
- No separate FMGE → only NEXT 1 & 2 for all.
- Equal opportunity to compete for PG seats in India.
- Transparent evaluation and national-level recognition.
- Internship in India ensures exposure to the country’s healthcare system.
Important Note
FMG students must:
- Graduate from a WDOMS-listed, NMC-recognized university abroad
- Hold valid eligibility and completion certificates
- Register with the NMC for NEXT 1 after returning to India
Without clearing NEXT 1 & 2, even an international MBBS degree cannot be used for practice in India.
Benefits of the NEXT System
- One unified exam for Indian & abroad MBBS students
- Removes duplication (no more FMGE & NEET-PG)
- Focus on concepts & clinical skills instead of memorization
- Transparent licensing system — ensures every doctor meets minimum national standards
- Encourages early preparation during MBBS itself
Challenges Students Face
- Confusion about the transition batch (when exactly NEXT starts)
- Uncertainty in NEXT 2 format (how practicals will be standardized)
- Pressure on final-year students balancing academics and PG prep
Tip: Focus on understanding, not rote learning — NEXT rewards clinical logic and reasoning.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for MBBS Students
NEXT marks the start of a new era in Indian medical education — one that emphasizes skill, clarity, and global parity.
Whether you’re studying in India or abroad, preparing for NEXT early ensures your future as a licensed doctor in India is secure.
🚀 Planning to Study MBBS Abroad?
If you dream of becoming a doctor and want to study MBBS abroad, it’s crucial to choose a university recognized by India’s National Medical Commission (NMC) and aligned with the upcoming NEXT exam system.
At Noha Overseas, we don’t just help you get admission — we help you build a complete medical career roadmap:
- ✅ NMC-approved & WDOMS-listed universities
- 🌍 Countries with high-quality medical education (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Philippines, and more)
- 🧭 Guidance on NEXT exam preparation and licensing process in India
- 🏫 Personalized counseling based on your marks, budget, and long-term goals
- ✈️ Complete support from admission to visa, travel & hostel arrangements
With Noha Overseas, your journey from MBBS admission to NEXT clearance and medical license is handled by experts who’ve already guided hundreds of Indian students to success.
Talk to our experts today to find the right country, university, and pathway for your MBBS + NEXT success.
Your dream of becoming a globally qualified doctor starts here — with Noha Overseas.
FAQs
Is NEXT compulsory for all MBBS students?
Yes. Once implemented, all Indian and foreign MBBS graduates must pass NEXT 1 & 2.
Does NEXT replace NEET-PG and FMGE?
Yes. NEET-PG (for PG admission) and FMGE (for foreign graduates) will both be replaced by NEXT.
How many attempts can I take for NEXT?
Unlimited attempts for NEXT 1 (to improve PG rank); however, you must pass NEXT 2 to get your license.
Can I do internship abroad?
No, FMG students must do internship in India after clearing NEXT 1.