Explore the comprehensive guide to NExT 2023, the National Exit Test for MBBS students. Discover the eligibility criteria, exam pattern, mock exam date (July 28), question distribution, and stay updated with the latest news from the National Medical Commission (NMC). Revolutionize your understanding of medical education in India with this informative blog.
WHAT IS NeXT EXAM?
The NExT is designed to bring uniformity to the summative evaluation of medical graduates across the nation. By establishing minimum common standards of education and training, this examination aims to enhance the quality of medical professionals entering the workforce. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi is expected to conduct the NExT exam from 2024, subject to official confirmation.
NExT EXAM Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam name | National Exit Test or NExT |
| Conducting body | National Medical Commission (NMC) |
| Exam level | Postgraduate exam at National level |
| Objective | Medical License |
| Session commencement | 2024-25 |
| Eligible candidates | Final year MBBS students, Foreign Medical Graduates |
| Exam mode | Online |
| Number of Papers | Paper 1 and 2 |
| Question Type | – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Â | – Long Answer Questions (LAQs) |
| Â | – Short Answer Questions (SAQs) |
| Number of attempts | No restriction |
NExT Exam Eligibility Criteria
The NExT exam is open to all undergraduate medical students pursuing the MBBS degree in approved Medical Colleges, as well as foreign medical graduates seeking to practice modern medicine in India. It also extends to individuals with a medical degree who wish to pursue academic courses or other approved purposes specified by the National Medical Commission.
Exam Structure:
NExT Step 1:
Step 1 is a theoretical examination conducted in a Computer Based Test (CBT) format. It covers subjects related to MBBS/Final MBBS curriculum. There is no restriction on the number of attempts for appearing in NExT Step 1.
NExT Step 2:
Step 2 is a practical/clinical and viva voce examination that evaluates candidates on seven clinical subjects/disciplines. It will be conducted in person/live by state Health Universities/Institutions following the guidelines provided by the National Medical Commission. Similar to Step 1, there is no restriction on the number of attempts for Step 2, provided the candidate passes both Step 1 and Step 2 within ten years of joining the MBBS course.
Passing Criteria and Negative Marking:
To pass NExT Step 1, candidates must score a minimum of 50% or half of the maximum possible raw marks. It is important to note that NExT is a qualifying exam and does not involve negative marking.
Supplementary Examination:
Candidates who fail in one or more subjects in NExT Step 1 will have the opportunity to appear in the supplementary examination to rectify their performance.
NExT Application Form
- The official notification for the application process of NExT 2024 has not been released yet.
- The National Medical Commission (NMC) is expected to provide an online application form for the NExT 2024 exam.
- The specific application dates for NExT 2024 will be announced on the official website.
- Registration for NExT 2024 is likely to commence in the last week of October 2024.
- Candidates will need to register online and submit their application form for NExT 2024.
- The application process will include steps such as registration, filling out the application form, uploading images, and paying the registration fee.
- It is advisable for candidates to carefully review the eligibility criteria before applying for the NExT PG exam.
- Detailed information regarding the NExT Exam syllabus, including subjects, topics, and question distribution, will be provided in the official notification and exam guidelines issued by the NMC.
- Candidates should refer to the official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the syllabus.
NExT Exam Syllabus
The NExT exam syllabus is designed to evaluate the theoretical knowledge of students in various subjects. The syllabus consists of six subjects that cover clinical, pre-clinical, and para-clinical areas. Here are the subjects included in NExT Step 1:
- Medicine & allied subjects
- Pediatrics
- Surgery & allied subjects
- Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology
- Ophthalmology
It is important to note that the subjects mentioned above are based on general information, and it is recommended to refer to the official sources, such as the NMC or the official NExT exam guidelines, for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the NExT exam syllabus.
NExT Exam Question Distribution
The NExT Step 1 Paper follows a specific question pattern with three main sections. The exam consists of a total of 540 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). Here’s a simplified breakdown of the question types:
- Problem-solving questions: This section makes up 60% of the paper. These questions are designed to test your ability to solve complex medical problems. They assess your critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and decision-making skills.
- Comprehension and analysis questions: This section constitutes around 30% of the paper. These questions gauge your understanding and analytical skills. You’ll need to interpret information, make connections between concepts, and draw logical conclusions based on given medical scenarios or case studies.
- Recall, applied basic sciences, preventive, and public health questions: This section accounts for 10% of the paper. It includes questions that assess your knowledge of foundational medical sciences, the application of basic science principles in clinical situations, and your understanding of preventive measures and public health concepts.
By understanding the question pattern and the distribution of different question types, you can better prepare and plan your study approach for the NExT Step 1 exam.
Please keep in mind that the specific question distribution may be subject to updates or changes. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s advisable to refer to official sources such as the NMC or the official NExT exam guidelines.
| Day | Schedule | Subjects | No. of Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Pre-Lunch | Medical Allied | 120 | 180 minutes |
| Â | Post-Lunch | Paediatrics | 60 | 90 minutes |
| Day 2 | Pre-Lunch | Surgery & Allied | 120 | 180 minutes |
| Â | Post-Lunch | ENT | 60 | 90 minutes |
| Day 3 | Pre-Lunch | Obstetrics and Gynaecology | 120 | 180 minutes |
| Â | Post-Lunch | Ophthalmology | 60 | 90 minutes |
| Total | Â | Â | 540 | 810 minutes |
CONCLUSION:
The implementation of the National Exit Test (NExT) marks a significant step forward in the Indian medical education system. By serving as a qualifying and licentiate examination, as well as a merit-based admission process for postgraduate courses, NExT ensures a standardized evaluation process for medical professionals. This move is expected to bring in uniformity, enhance the quality of medical education, and provide deserving individuals with fair opportunities to pursue specialized medical fields in India.
