NExT Exam To Be Held In February 2028 For MBBS 2024 Batch: NMC
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has recently unveiled its academic schedule, introducing the National Exit Test (NExT) for MBBS students starting from the class of 2024. Following the 2023 Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) guidelines, the NExT step 1 is slated for February 2028, followed by NExT step 2 in February 2029. Initially, the NMC announced that the inaugural batch to take the National Exit Test (NExT) would be the MBBS class of 2020. Furthermore, AIIMS Delhi had initially planned to administer a NExT mock test on July 28, 2023. However, the NMC subsequently opted to cancel the mock test, assuring a full refund of the registration fees to all candidates who had enrolled for the test.
During the inauguration of various departments, including an emergency department, at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Rae Bareli, Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya pledged that the newly introduced NExT would not exceed the difficulty level of the National Eligibility Cumulative Entrance Test (NEET). While students would receive their MBBS degrees from their respective universities, successful completion of the NExT exam would be a prerequisite for eligibility to secure a postgraduate seat.
On August 1, the Commission issued the Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) 2023 Curriculum Regulations. These regulations stipulate that universities must arrange admission scheduling and processes in such a way that the first academic year commences on August 1, beginning with the academic year 2024-25. Notably, no admissions will be allowed for academic sessions commencing after August 30. Institutions that admit students beyond this date will face penalties from the NMC. Additionally, students are required to undertake university exams at the culmination of each professional year, with retakes available for those who do not pass. Supplementary exams and their outcomes must be finalized within 3 to 6 weeks following the release of the main exam results, ensuring that successful candidates can proceed with the main batch.
The official notification states, "If a candidate does not pass the supplementary examination of the first MBBS, they will join the subsequent academic year's batch. Supplementary batches will not be offered. Partial attendance or incomplete examination in any subject will be considered an attempt."
The National Exit Test will be administered to MBBS candidates aspiring to practice modern medicine in India. Serving as the licentiate exam, the NExT will verify the eligibility of medical graduates to practice within the country.