India’s medical education system is on the brink of a major transformation. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has announced plans to introduce the National Exit Test (NExT), a single, all-encompassing examination that will replace existing medical entrance and licensing tests. This change will mark the end of the NEET-PG era and unify the process of becoming a doctor in the country.
Until now, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) was the standard for admission to MBBS and BDS programs. The new NExT exam aims to bring together three critical stages—granting medical licenses, MBBS final examinations, and postgraduate admissions—under one streamlined system.
Key highlights of NExT:
- A single national exam to assess all medical graduates fairly.
- Evaluation and standardization across all medical institutions in India.
- Replacement for NEET-PG, FMGE, and MBBS final-year exams.
- Merit-based admission for postgraduate courses.
By introducing a common test, the NMC hopes to enhance the overall quality of medical education and ensure that every aspiring doctor meets the same national benchmark.
Implementation Plans and Challenges
According to the NMC, the NExT exam was initially targeted for August 2025 but has been deferred. The delay allows for better preparation, refinement of exam structure, and feedback from stakeholders.
To ensure a smooth rollout, the Commission plans to conduct mock exams over the next few years to test feasibility. These trial runs will be fully funded by the NMC.
Implementation timeline:
- NExT postponed from August 2025.
- Mock tests to continue for 3–4 years.
- Official implementation only after successful trials and feedback.
While this move aims to simplify and unify the medical education process, it has not been without controversy. In earlier years, student groups and medical associations voiced concerns regarding the pressure and fairness of the proposed system. Protests in 2019 led to the initial postponement of the NExT, which was originally planned for the 2019 MBBS batch. Critics argued that the exam added unnecessary academic burdens and contradicted certain elements of the NMC Act 2019.
How NExT Will Change Medical Education
Once implemented, the NExT exam will permanently replace several existing assessments, bringing efficiency and uniformity to the medical training process.
What NExT will replace:
- NEET-PG for postgraduate admissions.
- FMGE for foreign medical graduates.
- MBBS final professional examination.
Under this system, MBBS students will take NExT in their final year, and their results will decide postgraduate admissions. Similarly, international medical graduates can directly appear for NExT along with Indian students, removing the need for a separate licensing exam.
This integration not only simplifies the pathway for future doctors but also strengthens the evaluation of medical competency across India. With proper implementation and supportive planning, NExT could set a new benchmark for medical education and professional standards in the country.
