The National Exit Test (NExT) is a landmark reform in Indian medical education, introduced by the National Medical Commission (NMC). It will serve as a single, unified examination for:
- Students graduating from Indian medical colleges (both government and private)
- Indian students completing MBBS from foreign universities
What is NExT?
NExT is a two-step licensing examination that will replace both the final year MBBS university exam and the existing FMGE for foreign medical graduates. Once implemented, all medical students — regardless of where they studied — must clear NExT to practice medicine in India.
NExT Step 1 & Step 2
Step 1: Theory-based exam covering all major clinical subjects. Clearing Step 1 is required to proceed to internship.
Step 2: Clinical and practical skills assessment, conducted after internship completion.
Impact on Students Going Abroad
Students pursuing MBBS abroad need to prepare rigorously not just for their university exams but also for NExT. This makes the choice of university even more important — universities with strong clinical training and English medium instruction give students a better chance of clearing NExT.
Sukhada Global Education guides students in selecting universities that align with both their academic goals and NExT preparation requirements.