NEXT Exam 2026-27: Purpose, Syllabus, Eligibility, and Exam Pattern

The National Exit Test (NEXT) is a revolutionary exam introduced by the National Medical Commission (NMC) to overhaul medical licensing, postgraduate entrances, and MBBS graduation in India. Starting officially in 2026–27, NEXT replaces multiple exams like NEET PG, FMGE, INI CET, and even final MBBS university exams, creating a single, standardized pathway for Indian and foreign medical graduates.

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1. 🎯 Purpose of NEXT

1.1. One Unified Exam

NEXT consolidates various exams into a single, uniform test, encompassing:

• Licensing for Indian medical practice (previously FMGE)
  
  

• Gateway to postgraduate medical education (replacing NEET PG)
  
  

• MBBS degree exit evaluation
  
  

This aligns with India’s One Nation, One Exam vision and ensures consistency across medical institutions.

1.2. Quality Assurance

NEXT ensures that all graduating medical doctors, regardless of their MBBS college—be it Indian, foreign, public, or private—meet a uniform competency standard, enhancing national healthcare quality.

1.3. Practical Emphasis

Unlike traditional rote-learning exams, NEXT prioritizes clinical skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving, making graduates more practice-ready.

1.4. Efficient Resource Utilization

NEXT eliminates redundant multiple exams and optimizes resource use in medical education.

2. 📚 NEXT Syllabus

NEXT covers the entire MBBS curriculum but focuses on clinically relevant and PG-applicable topics. It is broadly divided into:

• Pre‑Clinical: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry
  
  

• Para‑Clinical: Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine
  
  

• Clinical: Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Ophthalmology, ENT, Psychiatry, Orthopedics & allied disciplines.
  
  

Thematic emphasis across the syllabus:

• 60% problem-solving and clinical reasoning
  
  

• 25% comprehension-based questions
  
  

• 10% memory/recall-based items
  
  

3. 🧠 Eligibility Criteria

NEXT eligibility covers a wide range of candidates:

• Final-year MBBS students from NMC-recognized Indian universities
  
  

• Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) with MBBS from NMC-listed foreign institutions
  
  

• Candidates with MBBS degrees pursuing academic, observerships, or equivalence registration in India
  
  

3.1. Internship Requirement

Completion of a one-year internship is mandatory to appear for NEXT Step 2.

3.2. No Attempt Limits

NEXT allows unlimited attempts; passing Next Step 1 within 10 years of MBBS entry is required.

3.3. Validity Period

NEXT Step 1 scores are valid for three years, allowing for flexibility in appearing for Step 2.

4. 📝 NEXT Exam Pattern

The NEXT is divided into two parts with a computer-based format.

Step 1 – Theory (CBT)

• Mode: Online MCQ-based
  
  

• Total Questions: 540 across six papers in three days
  
  

• Duration: Approx. 3 hours daily
  
  

• Marks Allocation:
  
  

  • 60% problem-solving
    
    

  • 25% comprehension
    
    

  • 10% recall
    
    

• Passing Marks: ≥50%
  
  

• Negative Marking: Likely ¼ mark deduction per wrong answer, similar to NEET/NEET PG
  
  

Step 2 – Clinical Skills and Internship Assessment

• Mode: Offline practical exam
  
  

• Timing: Conducted after completing internship
  
  

• Assessment Type: Objective structured clinical evaluation (OSCE), viva, procedural demos
  
  

• Grading: Pass/Fail—competency demonstration required
  
  

5. 📅 Exam Timeline: NEXT 2026–27

Based on Andhra shaping timelines:

• NEXT Step 1
  
  

  • Likely August 2026 for 2020 MBBS batch
    
    

• Internship Completion: By Jan–Feb 2027
  
  

• NEXT Step 2: Feb 2027, after internship
  
  

• Frequency: Two sessions per year (May and November)
  
  

6. 🛠 Preparation Strategies

To excel in NEXT, candidates should adopt holistic and structured preparation:

7.1. Understand Blueprint

Familiarize yourself with exam structure, weightage, question types.

7.2. Focus on Application

Prioritize clinically relevant concepts over rote learning.

7.3. Mock/Practice Tests

Regularly take full-length CBT simulations and practical skill assessments.

7.4. Case-Based Learning

Work through clinical scenarios and application-based MCQs.

7.5. Combined Prep for PG & Licensing

Since NEXT covers PG entrance, plan with integrated study materials.

7.6. Strong Internship Foundation

Treat internship as practical prep for Step 2 assessments.

7. 🏆 Benefits of NEXT

• Unified Exam: Reduces redundancy and anxiety
  
  

• Global Alignment: Comparable to USMLE Step 1/2
  
  

• Open Attempts: Greater flexibility and reduced impact of one poor attempt
  
  

• Competency-Based: Emphasizes practical readiness
  
  

8. 🕒 Important Dates to Remember

• NEXT Step 1: August 2026 (first session)
  
  

• Application Window: Likely July–August 2026
  
  

• Step 2 Clinical: February 2027 post-internship
  
  

• Next Cycle: May and November yearly sessions
  
  

9. ✅ Steps to Register

1. Check official NMC NEXT notices
   
   

2. Complete online application and fee payment
   
   

3. Download admit card in advance
   
   

4. Prepare and appear for Step 1, then complete internship
   
   

5. Appear for Step 2 exam
   
   

10. 💡 Common FAQs

Q: Who must take NEXT?

• All Indian and foreign MBBS graduates from NMC-recognized institutions (Education Vibes, All About Doctor, Shiksha)
  
  

Q: Is NEET still needed?

• NEET remains needed for admission to MBBS in India; NEXT is for exit, licensing, and PG purposes.
  
  

Q: How many attempts allowed?

• Unlimited, provided Step 1 is cleared within 10 years of MBBS start (Education Vibes, Shiksha)
  
  

Q: Are scores valid for PG admissions?

• Yes, Step 1 scores (≥50%) will be used for PG selection (All About Doctor, IAS Paper)
  
  

Q: When can foreign graduates take NEXT?

• After MBBS degree; Step 1 can be taken anytime, Step 2 post-internship (All About Doctor)
  
  

Q: What if I fail Step 1?

• Retake during next cycle; no cap on attempts (Shiksha)
  
  

🏁 Conclusion

NEXT marks a major shift in medical evaluation in India. This all-encompassing exit exam ensures:

• Licensing validity
  
  

• Equitable PG selection
  
  

• Standardized medical education quality
  
  

• Clinically skilled doctors entering the healthcare system
  
  

Kickstart your journey with NEXT 2026–27 by understanding its structure and preparing strategically. With the right approach, this unified exam can pave the way for a meaningful, internationally recognized medical career.