The journey to becoming a doctor in India is about to enter a new phase. Whether you’re studying in India or abroad, one exam now stands between you and your stethoscope: the National Exit Test (NExT). NExT replaces NEET PG and FMGE to unite Indian and foreign medical graduates under one gatekeeping challenge. This blog talks about everything you need to know about NExT exam.
The National Exit Test (NExT) is set to become the standard exam for MBBS graduates to get a license to practice medicine in India. It will be mandatory for all medical students, regardless of whether they’ve studied in India or abroad.
Students are required to pass the NExT to qualify for medical practice in India. This exam will be conducted in two parts: one to test theoretical knowledge and the other to assess practical skills.
It is set to serve as a replacement for both NEET PG and FMGE. NExT is going to bring all Indian and foreign medical graduates under a single evaluation system.
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The main difference between FMGE and NExT is in who they apply to and what they test. FMGE is a screening test designed exclusively for students who have completed their MBBS abroad and wish to practice in India. On the other hand, NExT is a common exit exam for all MBBS graduates, whether they've studied in India or overseas.
It’s set to replace both FMGE and NEET PG. While FMGE only tests theory, NExT will assess both your theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
As per recent announcements, the inaugural NExT exam is provisionally planned for August 2025 and will be attempted by MBBS students from the 2020 batch. However, please bear in mind that the official date for the NExT PG 2025 exam is yet to be confirmed. The National Medical Commission (NMC) will soon release the official brochure containing key dates and details.
The NExT exam is set to begin in August 2025, covering six subjects in Step 1 and seven subjects in Step 2. The exam is anticipated to take place in February 2026 for MBBS students of the 2024 batch.
The NExT PG 2025 exam for MBBS students will be held in two stages. Step 1 focuses on theoretical knowledge, whereas Step 2 tests practical skills. Only candidates who pass Step 1 will be allowed to begin their internship and can later appear for the Step 2 practical assessment. Here’s an overview of the exam structure:
The exam will be conducted online and will comprise 540 multiple-choice questions. It will include six papers that cover subjects from the third and final year of the MBBS course.
This will be a live, practical exam focused on hands-on skills, clinical knowledge, and viva-style evaluations. It will test students through simulated clinical scenarios across seven subjects and aims to assess the real-world application of medical skills.
The Step 1 theoretical exam will be split into three parts, with each part having two subjects. Each subject carries either 120 or 60 marks, based on its weightage.
Candidates must fulfil specific eligibility criteria defined by the National Medical Commission (NMC) to be eligible for the NExT exam. The exam is open only to:
Official dates for the NExT 2025 exam have not yet been announced by the National Medical Commission. But Step 1 is anticipated to happen in August 2025, and Step 2 is probably going to happen in February 2026.
The NExT was initially planned for MBBS graduates from the 2019 batch, but it was postponed. The NExT 2025 exam will now apply to students from the 2020 MBBS batch as per the latest updates.
Clearing the NExT exam is essential for anyone aiming to practice medicine in India. Recognise the format and keep abreast of any modifications. Even though it might seem overwhelming right now, if you take the proper approach, you will overcome it and get closer to your objective.
Don’t know how to start your NExT preparation? Contact Meduhub to become exam-ready!
Q.1 Which MBBS batch will give the NExT exam?
Answer: The 2020 batch of MBBS students will take the first NExT exam.
Q.2 Who is eligible for NExT exam?
Answer: The NExT (National Exit Test) can be attempted by the MBBS graduates from Indian and foreign medical colleges.
Q.3 Is the NExT exam tough?
Answer: While the NExT exam might feel different from what you’re used to (especially compared to NEET PG), it’s not meant to be tougher. This exam intends to assess the clinical understanding and practical skills of the students.
Q.4 What is the full form of next?
Answer: The National Exit Test, or NExT for short, is a common exit exam for MBBS graduates and is intended to standardise medical education.
Q.5 Can I write the next exam without NEET?
Answer: Candidates who do not appear for the NEET examination will be ineligible to practice medicine in India. According to NMC guidelines, NEET qualification is essential for the recognition of a medical degree in India. Without it, students cannot apply for the FMGE (now NExT), which is the mandatory licensing exam for practising medicine in the country.
