Let’s talk NExT – Key takeaways from the latest NMC draft

By now, you must’ve heard the news regarding NExT, and yes, it is happening. In 2021, the NMC released a draft of its proposals for the National Exit Test (NExT), which intended to replace the current system of licensing medical professionals in the country as a more reliable assessment. However, it did not come to pass for various reasons until now. 

Let’s discuss some important takeaways from the latest NMC Draft regarding NExT and what it means for you. You can also watch a detailed video on NExT by Dr. Nachiket Bhatia. 

1. This might come as a surprise; however, as of now, no date, year, or batch is specified for NExT. Undoubtedly, this has left many PG aspirants shocked and in panic as to when it will come into action.
   
2. NExT will serve as both a licensing exam and a PG entrance exam, i.e., there will no longer be any National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Postgraduate (NEET PG).
   
3. As of now, Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) is used as a screening examination for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) or medical graduates that completed their education overseas but want to practice in India. NExT 2024 will most likely replace FMGE as well. Therefore, candidates would neet to pass NExT Step 1 and a compulsory internship to get a provisional registration.
   
4. Although NExT is proposed as a replacement for NEET PG, it is also stated that if the situation demands, both NExT and NEET PG may run parallel.
   
5. NExT will be divided into two “Steps”. Step 1 will be an MCQ-based examination that will be exclusively online.
   The distribution of questions in NExT Step 1 is as followed:
   • Problem-solving and analytical skill types – 65% Clinical vignetted
   • Comprehensive types                                – 25%
   • Recall Type                                                – 10%

The level of knowledge :

• Must know    – 60%
• Nice to know – 30%
• May know      – 10%

6. When it comes to NExT Step 2, it will be a practical or clinical examination, including viva. Unlike Step 1, you will either pass the NExT Step 2 or not. Subjects for NExT Step 2 are: 
   • Medicine and Surgery plus allied subjects
   • Obstetrics and Gynaecology
   • ENT
   • Ophthalmology 
   • Pediatrics 
   • Orthopedics and PMR

7. NExT Step 1 will comprise 6 exams with 2 sessions per day, and the entire examination will be conducted over a period of 3 days. Here’s a breakdown of the schedule:
   
   120 questions, Time allotted: 3 hours
   Subjects:
   • Medicine & allied subjects
   • Surgery & allied subjects
   • Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Break (2 hours)
60 questions, Time allotted: 1.5 hours

Subjects:

• Pediatrics 
• ENT
• Ophthalmology
  

Also, note there will be questions from subjects of Prof. 1 to Prof. 3. 

8. Now, you must be wondering, who’s eligible for NExT? Students who have cleared Prof.3 and Prof.4 of M.B.B.S.
   
9. In case a candidate fails one or more of the six papers in NExT Step 1, then, they will need to take NExT Step 1 Supplementary Examination.
   
10. Both NExT Step 1 Regular and NExT Step 1 Supplementary will be held once a year. 

11.  In case, you fail both NExT Step 1 Regular and NExT Step 1 Supplmementray, then, you’d need to take the NExT Step 1 Regular in the following year. Also, there are no restrictions on the number of attempts as long as you take NExT within 10 years of joining the M.B.B.S. course.

12.  NExT Step 1 will replace the University’s final Prof’s examination, along with replacing practical exams for Prof.3 and Prof.4. 

13. It will be based on objective, clinical case, simulated cases/patient-aimed to assess a candidate’s clinical evaluation and decision-making along with their communication skills as per expected of a doctor.

14. Raw scores will be a part of NExT scoring system, i.e., scores will be counted in whole numbers. As for passing requirements, you must score at least 50% and you must pass each subject individually. Additionally, only raw scores obtained in the NExT Step 1 are required for PG counseling. Plus, these can be used for employment, scholarships, fellowships, and more. 

15. Lastly, here’s the proposed schedule for NExT
    • NExT Step 1 Regular – 2nd week of December
    • Prof. 4 Practical          – 1st week of January 
    • Internship                    – 1st February
    • NExT Step 2 Regular  – 2nd week of March
    • PG Admission             – May to June
    • PG Course                  – 1st July
      

These are the major takeaways from NMC Draft for NExT. Hopefully, these cleared some of your doubts and confusion regarding NExT. If you are looking for NExT-based preparation, then DBMCI eGurukul contains everything you need because we are NExT-ready.

If you are preparing for NEET PG 2023, read this blog to avoid mistakes while preparing for it.