A significant change is coming to India's medical education system. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has indicated that in the coming years, the NExT exam will replace NEET-PG, integrating the MBBS final exam, medical licensing, and PG admissions. For now, mock tests will run for 3-4 years, and only after that will this system be implemented.
NExT Exam: The National Medical Commission has announced a significant change in the process of becoming a doctor in India. Preparations are underway to implement the NExT exam in place of NEET-PG, as part of medical education reforms. This exam will integrate the MBBS final, medical licensing, and PG admissions into a single system. The decision will apply to medical students across the country, but it will not be implemented immediately. The NMC stated that mock tests would be conducted for the next 3 to 4 years to ensure the effectiveness of the new system and students' preparedness. The objective is to bring uniformity in the quality and evaluation of medical education.
How NExT Will Change the Medical System
According to the NMC, while NEET has so far been the primary route for admission to medical colleges, with the implementation of NExT, this examination will become the central medium for becoming a doctor. This will integrate the MBBS final exam, medical licensing, and NEET PG into one system. The aim of this change is to enhance the quality of medical education and evaluate all medical students at a uniform level.
The NMC stated that the exam is designed in such a way that all medical graduates in the country can be evaluated on a single standard. This will help in producing qualified doctors and foster uniformity in the medical field.
NExT Will Not Be Implemented Immediately
The NMC Chairman clarified that the NExT exam was planned for implementation from August 2025, but it has been postponed for now. Mock tests will be conducted for the next 3 to 4 years to understand how effective and practical it will be to implement this system.
The NMC will bear the full cost of these trial examinations. These mock tests will also help students understand the new pattern. It will be officially implemented only after preparations, feedback, and the structure are finalized.
Opposition Also Arose from Students
Previously, medical students and several doctor organizations had raised objections regarding the NExT exam. In 2019, students protested against the plan to implement it, arguing that it would increase academic pressure. Following this, the exam was postponed indefinitely.
The Federation of All India Medical Associations had also met with the NMC to discuss this. However, the commission has now indicated that it will be implemented after proper preparations.
What Will Change After NExT is Implemented
If NExT is implemented, NEET-PG, FMGE, and the MBBS final exam will cease to exist. MBBS students will have to take NExT in their final year, and PG admissions will also be based on this exam. Students pursuing MBBS from abroad will also receive their license through this test instead of FMGE.
