NExT 2026 (National Exit Test) is the proposed single medical licensing and exit examination to be conducted by the National Medical Commission (NMC) for all MBBS graduates in India and Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs). Designed to replace both NEET-PG and FMGE with a unified two-step framework, NExT will serve as the gateway for medical practice and postgraduate admissions in India. As of October 2026, the NMC has officially deferred NExT until further notice, with full implementation now expected no earlier than 2027-2028.
- NExT Implementation Timeline: NMC has officially deferred NExT for two to three more years. Full launch is now expected around 2027-2028 at the earliest. The NMC plans mock tests and feasibility studies before the live exam begins.
- FMGE October 2026: Since NExT remains deferred, Foreign Medical Graduates must appear for FMGE. FMGE October 2026 registration opened on September 11, 2026. NBEMS conducts FMGE twice a year and it will continue until NExT is officially launched.
- NEET PG 2026: With NExT on hold, NEET PG 2026 remains the main PG admission exam for Indian medical graduates. More than 2 lakh candidates appear for NEET PG every year for over 70,000 PG seats across India.
- NMC Eligibility for FMGs: NMC requires Foreign Medical Graduates to complete a 54-month MBBS program and a 12-month internship to be eligible for screening tests. Check the NMC official portal (nmc.org.in) for any regulatory updates before planning your career.
What is NExT (National Exit Test) 2026?
NExT, or the National Exit Test, is a proposed national-level medical examination for all MBBS graduates in India. The National Medical Commission (NMC) introduced NExT under the National Medical Commission Act, 2020. Before NExT, two separate exams existed — NEET-PG for Indian graduates seeking PG admissions, and FMGE for foreign medical graduates seeking a license to practice in India. NExT will replace both with a single, standardized assessment.
Once implemented, NExT will serve three key purposes:
- Grant a license to practice medicine in India to all MBBS graduates — Indian and foreign
- Serve as the merit basis for PG medical admissions across all government and private medical colleges (replacing NEET-PG)
- Replace FMGE as the qualifying screening test for Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs)
The exam has a two-step structure. NExT Step 1 is a computer-based multiple choice test (CBT) covering six clinical subjects. NExT Step 2 is a practical and clinical skills assessment covering seven subjects. You need to pass Step 1 and complete your 12-month internship before you can appear for Step 2.
NExT is one of the most significant reforms in Indian medical education in decades. It aims to standardize the quality check for all MBBS graduates — whether they studied in India or abroad — through a single examination framework.
NExT 2026 Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | National Exit Test |
| Abbreviation | NExT |
| Conducted by | National Medical Commission (NMC) |
| Official Website | nmc.org.in |
| Exam Type | Medical Licensing and PG Admission Test |
| Replaces | NEET PG (for Indian graduates) and FMGE (for FMGs) |
| Number of Steps | 2 — Step 1 (MCQ/CBT) and Step 2 (Clinical/Practical) |
| Total Questions (Step 1) | 540 MCQs |
| Step 1 Exam Days | 3 exam days spread over 5 calendar days |
| Step 1 Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Step 2 Mode | Offline (Practical and Clinical) |
| Passing Marks (Step 1) | 270 out of 540 (50%) |
| Negative Marking | -0.25 per wrong answer |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year (expected — May and November) |
| Application Fee | Rs. 2,000 (General) | Rs. 1,000 (SC/ST/EWS) | Exempt (PwD) |
| Current Status | (Deferred until further notice — October 2026) |
| Expected Implementation | 2027-2028 (tentative) |
NExT 2026 Latest News: Exam Deferred by NMC
NExT was originally planned for the 2019 MBBS batch, which was expected to take the exam in 2024. However, the NMC officially deferred NExT and has not announced a new implementation date as of October 2026. The NMC stated that feasibility studies, infrastructure readiness, and student preparedness all need to be examined before NExT can go live.
NExT remains officially deferred as of October 2026. Students from the 2019 MBBS batch and Foreign Medical Graduates must continue to follow existing pathways — NEET PG and FMGE — until NMC announces the NExT launch date officially.
Here is a quick timeline of key NExT developments:
- 2020: NMC Act passed; NExT formally proposed as the national medical exit and licensing test
- 2021-2022: Mock runs and pilot tests discussed; AIIMS Delhi proposed as the conducting body for initial tests
- 2023: NMC stated NExT would be conducted for the 2019 MBBS batch; date not confirmed
- 2024: Multiple delays; 2019 batch students and medical associations sought official clarity from NMC
- 2025: NMC officially deferred NExT; stated "implementation and preparedness are being examined"
- 2026 (current): NExT still officially deferred until further notice; FMGE and NEET PG continue as active exams
Until NExT officially launches, all existing medical licensing and PG admission exams remain active. Foreign Medical Graduates must clear FMGE to practice in India. Indian graduates must appear for NEET PG for PG admissions.
NExT 2026 Important Dates
Since NExT has been officially deferred, no confirmed exam dates are available for 2026. The table below shows upcoming expected milestones at the top, followed by key past events. All upcoming dates are tentative, based on NMC documents and the proposed exam schedule.
| Event | Expected Date / Status |
|---|---|
| NExT Mock Test / Feasibility Pilot | Not announced — expected before official launch |
| NExT Official Launch / Implementation | Expected 2027-2028 (tentative) |
| NExT Step 1 Registration Opening | To be announced (TBA) |
| NExT Step 1 Exam (Session 1) | Expected May (tentative, post-launch) |
| NExT Step 1 Exam (Session 2) | Expected November (tentative, post-launch) |
| NExT Step 2 Exam (Session 1) | Expected 3rd week of June (tentative) |
| NExT Step 2 Supplementary | Expected 1st week of September (tentative) |
| NMC Act Passed (NExT Proposed) | September 2020 (Over) |
| CBME Curriculum Launch (NExT basis) | 2019-2020 (Over) |
| NExT Deferred — Official NMC Notification | 2025 (Over) |
All upcoming dates are tentative and based on the NMC’s proposed schedule. Confirm dates from the official NMC portal before planning your preparation or registration.
NExT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Two main categories of candidates are eligible to appear for NExT once it is launched. The eligibility criteria are based on the NMC Regulations for Graduate Medical Education, 2023.
1. Indian MBBS Graduates
- Must have an MBBS degree from an NMC-recognized medical college in India
- Must have passed the final year MBBS examination from the respective university
- Must have a valid NMC enrollment number
- Appearance in NExT Step 1 is allowed after passing the final MBBS exam (before completing internship)
- NExT Step 2 requires passing Step 1 and completing the 12-month compulsory rotating internship
2. Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs)
- Must hold an MBBS or equivalent primary medical qualification from a foreign institution listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and recognized by NMC
- The foreign medical college must have had NMC recognition at the time of the candidate’s enrollment
- Must have a valid NEET-UG qualification from the year of admission (mandatory for NMC recognition of the degree)
- Must have completed a minimum 54-month (4.5-year) MBBS program — shorter programs are not eligible
- Must have completed the internship requirements of the foreign university
- Must have completed a 12-month clinical internship (mandated by NMC) before appearing in NExT Step 2
NExT Step 2 Specific Eligibility
- Must have passed NExT Step 1 (qualifying score of 50% or above)
- Must have completed the 12-month compulsory rotating internship recognized by NMC
Note: FMGs who enrolled in a foreign MBBS program after 2019 must have appeared in NEET-UG as a mandatory eligibility condition for NMC to recognize their degree in India.
NExT 2026 Application and Registration Process
Since NExT has not been officially launched, the final registration process has not been confirmed by NMC. Based on NMC guidelines and the proposed framework, here is what the registration process is expected to look like once NExT goes live.
Expected Steps to Register for NExT
- Step 1: Visit the official NMC portal at nmc.org.in
- Step 2: Create a new candidate account using a valid email address and mobile number
- Step 3: Fill the online application form with personal details, academic information, and MBBS college details
- Step 4: Upload required documents (MBBS degree or provisional certificate, photo, ID proof, internship certificate for Step 2)
- Step 5: Pay the application fee online (Net banking, UPI, debit/credit card)
- Step 6: Download the confirmation and acknowledgement slip
Documents Required (Expected)
- MBBS degree certificate or provisional certificate from the university
- Internship completion certificate (required for Step 2 only)
- Valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar card, Passport, etc.)
- Recent passport-size photograph in the required format
- NEET-UG scorecard (mandatory for FMGs who enrolled after 2019)
- Foreign university enrollment certificate and degree (for FMGs)
- NMC enrollment or provisional registration number (if available)
NExT Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee (Expected) |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | Rs. 2,000 |
| SC / ST / EWS | Rs. 1,000 |
| Persons with Disability (PwD) | Exempt (No Fee) |
The above fee structure is based on NMC’s proposed schedule and may be revised when the exam is officially notified.
NExT Step 1: Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
NExT Step 1 is the computer-based theory examination. It will cover six clinical subjects in a multiple choice question (MCQ) format. The exam will span five calendar days, with three actual exam days and two gap days built in for rest and travel.
NExT Step 1 Exam Pattern Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Questions | 540 MCQs |
| Total Exam Days | 3 exam days (spread over 5 calendar days) |
| Questions per Exam Day | 180 MCQs (across two subjects per day) |
| Marks per Correct Answer | +1 |
| Marks for Wrong Answer | -0.25 (Negative Marking) |
| Unattempted Questions | 0 (No marks deducted) |
| Maximum Marks | 540 |
| Passing Marks | 270 (50% of total) |
| Language | English |
| Number of Subjects | 6 Clinical Subjects |
NExT Step 1 Day-wise Subject and Question Distribution
Each exam day has two subjects — one larger subject with 120 questions (180 minutes) and one shorter subject with 60 questions (90 minutes), with a two-hour break in between.
| Exam Day | Subject | Number of Questions | Allotted Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Medicine and Allied Subjects | 120 | 180 minutes |
| Paediatrics | 60 | 90 minutes | |
| Day 2 | Surgery and Allied Subjects | 120 | 180 minutes |
| Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) | 60 | 90 minutes | |
| Day 3 | Obstetrics and Gynaecology | 120 | 180 minutes |
| Ophthalmology | 60 | 90 minutes | |
| Total | 540 | — | |
Source: NMC NExT Exam Pattern — Careers360
NExT Step 1 Question Types
The 540 MCQs in NExT Step 1 are clinically-oriented, unlike the heavily recall-based pattern in NEET-PG. The expected distribution of question types is:
- Problem-solving questions: Around 60% of total questions — clinical case vignettes requiring diagnosis and management decisions
- Analysis-based questions: Around 30% — test interpretation of lab results, imaging, or clinical data
- Recall-based questions: Around 10% — direct factual questions from the MBBS curriculum
This makes NExT Step 1 more application-focused than any existing Indian medical exam. Your ability to apply clinical knowledge matters more than rote memory.
NExT Step 2: Clinical and Practical Assessment
NExT Step 2 is the practical examination. You must pass NExT Step 1 and complete your 12-month compulsory rotating internship before you can appear for Step 2. The result of Step 2 is pass or fail — no ranks or percentiles are generated from this step.
NExT Step 2 Key Details
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Offline (Practical and Clinical) |
| Type | Competency-based Clinical Skills Assessment |
| Number of Subjects | 7 (one more than Step 1 — Community Medicine added) |
| Assessment Method | Simulated cases, live patient examination, viva voce |
| Result | Pass / Fail (no rank or percentile) |
| Eligibility | Must have passed Step 1 + completed 12-month internship |
| Step 2 Regular Session | Expected 3rd week of June and December (post-launch) |
| Step 2 Supplementary Session | Expected 1st week of September and March (post-launch) |
Subjects Assessed in NExT Step 2
- Medicine and its subspecialties
- Surgery and its subspecialties
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBG)
- Paediatrics
- Ophthalmology
- Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
- Community Medicine (added for Step 2 — not in Step 1)
What NExT Step 2 Assesses
Step 2 will test your practical and clinical skills through a range of competency-based tasks. These include:
- Clinical case examination using simulated and real patients
- Diagnosis and clinical reasoning from a live presentation
- Patient communication and bedside manner
- Medical documentation and record-keeping
- Basic clinical procedures and emergency management skills
Important: Your NExT Step 1 score determines your PG admissions rank. Step 2 is only for licensing — it does not contribute to your PG merit ranking. You need to pass both steps to get your medical license to practice in India.
NExT 2026 Syllabus: Step 1 and Step 2 Subjects
NExT does not have a separate published syllabus document. The NMC has confirmed that NExT will be based on the Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum for MBBS, which all NMC-recognized medical colleges follow. This curriculum covers pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects across the entire MBBS program.
NExT Step 1 Syllabus: Clinical Subjects
Step 1 focuses entirely on clinical subjects, but questions will require applied knowledge of pre-clinical and para-clinical topics. The six clinical subjects and their allied areas are:
| Subject | Allied Topics Included |
|---|---|
| Medicine and Allied Subjects | General Medicine, Psychiatry, Dermatology and Venereology, Infectious Diseases |
| Surgery and Allied Subjects | General Surgery, Orthopaedics, Anaesthesia, Radiology, Dentistry |
| Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBG) | Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Reproductive Medicine |
| Paediatrics | Paediatric Medicine, Neonatology, Paediatric Nutrition |
| Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) | Ear, Nose and Throat disorders and surgery |
| Ophthalmology | Eye diseases, clinical ophthalmology |
Foundational Knowledge Tested in Step 1
While Step 1 is a clinical exam, many questions will test your ability to apply foundational knowledge from earlier MBBS years. You should revise key concepts from:
- Pre-clinical subjects: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry
- Para-clinical subjects: Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine
The exam focuses on clinical application of these subjects — for example, knowing the pharmacology of a drug to choose the right management in a clinical case. Standalone pre-clinical MCQs are not expected in NExT Step 1.
NExT Step 2 Syllabus: Additional Subject
Step 2 covers the same six clinical subjects as Step 1, plus Community Medicine as a seventh subject. Community Medicine is not tested in Step 1 but is assessed in the practical setting of Step 2 through public health and preventive medicine competencies.
NExT 2026 Admit Card
Since NExT has not been officially launched, no admit card has been issued for the 2026 cycle. Once NExT is implemented, here is what you can expect for the admit card process.
Expected Admit Card Details
- The NExT Step 1 admit card will be released around 10 to 15 days before the exam
- It will be available for download on the official NMC portal at nmc.org.in
- You will need your registration number and date of birth to download it
- The admit card will mention your exam center, exam date, reporting time, subject-wise schedule, and candidate details
- A separate admit card may be issued for NExT Step 2
Documents to Carry on Exam Day
- NExT Admit Card (printed copy)
- Original government-issued photo ID matching the one submitted at registration (Aadhaar card, Passport, Driving License, or Voter ID)
Do not carry electronic devices, notes, or study material into the exam hall. Only the printed admit card and a valid photo ID are required.
NExT 2026 Result and Scorecard
NExT has not been conducted yet, so no result has been declared for 2026. Once the exam is implemented, here is what the result and scorecard process will look like.
NExT Step 1 Result
- Results will be published on the official NMC portal
- You will get subject-wise scores and a total aggregate score out of 540
- A percentile and rank will be generated from Step 1 scores — this rank is used for PG admissions at all medical colleges
- The qualifying cutoff is 50% (270 out of 540 marks for General category)
- Step 1 result will also contain a pass/fail status for licensing purposes
NExT Step 2 Result
- Step 2 result will be a simple Pass or Fail outcome
- No rank or percentile is generated from Step 2
- Candidates who fail Step 2 can appear in the supplementary session
- Passing Step 2 is required along with Step 1 to obtain the medical license from NMC
How NExT Score is Used
Your NExT Step 1 score will be your single merit credential for PG admissions. The NExT merit list will replace the NEET-PG merit list currently used for MD/MS/Diploma admissions. Higher Step 1 scores mean better ranks and better choices among government and private medical colleges. For FMGs, passing both Step 1 and Step 2 grants the right to register with NMC and practice medicine in India.
NExT 2026 Passing Marks and Cutoff
The NMC has proposed a minimum passing threshold for NExT Step 1. Since the exam has not been conducted yet, no actual cutoff data is available. The information below is based on NMC’s proposed regulations.
NExT Step 1 Qualifying Cutoff (Proposed)
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks | Qualifying Percentile (Proposed) |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | 270 / 540 (50%) | 50th Percentile |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | To be confirmed by NMC | To be confirmed |
| SC / ST | To be confirmed by NMC | To be confirmed |
| Persons with Disability (PwD) | To be confirmed by NMC | To be confirmed |
Category-wise cutoffs below General are expected to be lower (similar to NEET-PG), but the exact percentile thresholds will be officially notified by NMC when the exam is launched.
How Cutoff Affects PG Admissions
The NExT Step 1 qualifying cutoff and the actual PG admission cutoff are two different things. The qualifying cutoff (50%) is the minimum you need to pass Step 1. But to get admission into a top PG college or a competitive specialty, you will need a much higher score. The admission cutoff at each college will depend on the number of candidates, seat availability, and reservation policy — similar to how NEET-PG closing ranks work today.
For example, in NEET-PG 2024, the General category qualifying percentile was 50th, but admission to top government colleges like AIIMS required ranks in the top 1,000 to 2,000 out of more than 2 lakh candidates. NExT is expected to follow a similar competitive pattern for PG admissions once implemented.
NExT vs FMGE vs NEET PG: Key Differences
NExT will eventually replace both FMGE and NEET-PG once it is officially launched. Until that happens, both exams remain active. Here is a direct comparison of all three:
| Feature | NExT | NEET PG | FMGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conducted by | NMC (proposed) | NBE (via NTA) | NBEMS |
| Eligible Candidates | All MBBS graduates (Indian + FMG) | Indian MBBS graduates only | Foreign Medical Graduates only |
| Exam Steps | 2 Steps (MCQ + Practical) | Single step (MCQ) | Single step (MCQ) |
| Total Questions | 540 MCQs (Step 1) | 200 MCQs | 300 MCQs |
| Exam Duration | 3 exam days (Step 1) | 3.5 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Passing Marks | 50% — 270/540 (General) | 50th percentile (General) | 150/300 (50%) |
| PG Admissions | Yes — via Step 1 rank | Yes | No |
| Medical License | Yes — via Step 1 + Step 2 pass | No | Yes (screening only) |
| Frequency | Twice a year (expected) | Once a year | Twice a year |
| Current Status (Oct 2026) | (Deferred) | Active | Active |
The biggest advantage of NExT over the current system is that it is a single, unified gateway for both licensing and PG admissions, applicable to Indian and foreign graduates alike. This eliminates the need for separate FMGE and NEET-PG pathways.
Top Medical Colleges: NExT Score for PG Admissions
Once NExT is implemented, the Step 1 score and rank will be the merit basis for PG admissions at all NMC-recognized government and private medical colleges in India. This includes the most competitive PG medical seats in the country.
Here are some of the top government medical colleges and institutes where NExT Step 1 rank will determine PG admissions:
- AIIMS New Delhi — All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi (among the most competitive PG seats in India)
- JIPMER Puducherry — Jawaharlal Institute of Post-Graduate Medical Education and Research
- CMC Vellore — Christian Medical College, Vellore
- MAMC Delhi — Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi
- Grant Medical College, Mumbai
- BJ Medical College, Ahmedabad
- KEM Hospital and Seth GS Medical College, Mumbai
- Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad
- Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI)
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai
All 706+ government medical colleges and most private medical colleges with NMC recognition in India will use NExT Step 1 rank for their PG admission counselling. The counselling process is expected to be centralized through MCC (Medical Counselling Committee) for the All India Quota seats — similar to the existing NEET-PG counselling structure.
For Foreign Medical Graduates, passing NExT (both steps) will grant NMC registration, which allows practice anywhere in India and is also required for government job applications in the health sector.
How to Prepare for NExT 2026
Even though NExT is deferred for 2026, it is a good idea to start building your preparation now. The exam is designed to be more clinical reasoning-focused than NEET-PG. Students who spend their final MBBS years developing strong clinical thinking — not just memorizing facts — will have a significant advantage.
Top Preparation Tips for NExT
- Follow the CBME curriculum: NExT is based on the Competency-Based Medical Education curriculum. Your MBBS textbooks and clinical training are the primary reference. There is no separate NExT preparation material from NMC.
- Focus on six clinical subjects: NExT Step 1 covers only Medicine, Surgery, OBG, Paediatrics, ENT, and Ophthalmology. Spend around 80% of your preparation time on these subjects. Allied topics within each subject (e.g., Psychiatry under Medicine, Orthopaedics under Surgery) are also important.
- Master clinical reasoning: Around 60% of questions will be problem-solving case vignettes. Practice reading clinical case presentations and working through diagnosis and management decisions step by step. This is very different from the recall-based approach that works for FMGE or older NEET-PG patterns.
- Study standard textbooks: Recommended references include Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, Bailey and Love’s Short Practice of Surgery, DC Dutta’s Textbook of Obstetrics, Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, Logan Turner’s Disease of Nose, Throat and Ear, and Kanski’s Clinical Ophthalmology. NExT rewards deep understanding of these texts.
- Solve MCQ banks daily: Practice at least 50 to 100 clinical MCQs every day. Focus on questions that ask you to interpret a clinical scenario. Go through explanations carefully — the reasoning behind a correct answer teaches you more than the answer itself.
- Prepare for Step 2 alongside theory: Step 2 assesses practical skills. During your clinical postings, actively practice patient examination, case presentations, procedural skills, and communication. Your internship year is also preparation for Step 2 — treat it seriously.
- Track NMC notifications: NExT’s launch date, final pattern, and official guidelines will be notified on the NMC portal. Keep checking nmc.org.in regularly so you do not miss registration deadlines when they are announced.
Preparation Resources to Follow
- NMC official website for regulatory updates and exam notifications
- CBME curriculum document published by NMC (available on nmc.org.in)
- Standard MBBS textbooks for all six Step 1 clinical subjects
- Clinical MCQ banks and case-based question practice platforms
- NEET-PG previous year papers (for topic coverage and exam mindset, keeping in mind NExT will be more clinical)
Frequently Asked Questions on NExT 2026
Ques. What is NExT exam 2026?
Ans. NExT (National Exit Test) 2026 is the proposed national-level medical exit and licensing examination by the National Medical Commission (NMC) for all MBBS graduates and Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) in India. It is designed to replace NEET-PG and FMGE with a single two-step exam. As of October 2026, NExT remains officially deferred by the NMC until further notice.
Ques. Is NExT exam happening in 2026?
Ans. No. The NMC has officially deferred NExT until further notice. As of October 2026, the exam has not been launched and no implementation date has been announced. Full implementation is now expected around 2027-2028 at the earliest. Students should continue with NEET-PG (for PG admissions) and FMGE (for FMGs) until NExT is officially notified.
Ques. Will NExT replace NEET PG?
Ans. Yes, NExT is designed to eventually replace NEET-PG for Indian MBBS graduates. The NExT Step 1 rank will serve as the merit list for PG admissions at all government and private medical colleges, just as NEET-PG rank does today. However, since NExT is deferred, NEET-PG will continue to be the PG admission exam until NExT officially launches.
Ques. How many questions are there in NExT Step 1?
Ans. NExT Step 1 will have a total of 540 MCQs. The exam will span three days with 180 questions per day. Each day will cover two subjects — a major subject with 120 questions (180 minutes) and a shorter subject with 60 questions (90 minutes). The subjects are Medicine, Paediatrics, Surgery, ENT, OBG, and Ophthalmology.
Ques. What is the passing mark for NExT Step 1?
Ans. The proposed passing mark for NExT Step 1 is 50% of the total score, which means 270 out of 540 marks for the General category. There is negative marking of -0.25 for each wrong answer. Category-wise passing cutoffs for OBC, SC, ST, and PwD candidates will be confirmed by NMC when the exam is officially notified.
Ques. Can foreign medical graduates appear for NExT?
Ans. Yes. NExT will be open to Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs), and it will replace FMGE for them. FMGs must have an MBBS from an NMC-recognized foreign college, must have had a valid NEET-UG score at the time of admission, must have completed a 54-month MBBS program, and must complete a 12-month internship before Step 2. Until NExT launches, FMGs must appear for FMGE.
Ques. What is the difference between NExT Step 1 and Step 2?
Ans. NExT Step 1 is a computer-based MCQ exam with 540 questions covering six clinical subjects, and its score generates a rank used for PG admissions. NExT Step 2 is a practical and clinical skills assessment covering seven subjects (Step 1 subjects plus Community Medicine), and its result is pass or fail — no rank is generated. You must pass Step 1 and complete your internship before appearing for Step 2.
Ques. Is NExT harder than NEET PG?
Ans. NExT Step 1 is expected to be more clinically challenging than NEET-PG. Around 60% of Step 1 questions will be problem-solving case vignettes, compared to the more recall-heavy NEET-PG pattern. However, the total questions are 540 over three days versus 200 in NEET-PG over 3.5 hours, giving more time per question. Students who develop strong clinical reasoning during MBBS will be better positioned for NExT.
Ques. What is the NExT exam fee?
Ans. Based on NMC’s proposed fee structure, the NExT application fee is Rs. 2,000 for General category candidates, Rs. 1,000 for SC/ST/EWS candidates, and nil (exempted) for Persons with Disability (PwD). These figures are from the proposed schedule and may be revised when the exam is officially notified.
Ques. What subjects are in the NExT syllabus?
Ans. NExT is based on the NMC’s Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum. NExT Step 1 covers six clinical subjects: Medicine and Allied, Surgery and Allied, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, ENT, and Ophthalmology. Step 2 covers the same six subjects plus Community Medicine (seven total). No separate syllabus document has been published — the CBME MBBS curriculum is the official reference.
Ques. When will NExT exam be conducted?
Ans. As of October 2026, no official date has been announced for NExT. The NMC has deferred the exam for two to three years, and implementation is now tentatively expected around 2027-2028. The NMC will officially notify the launch date on nmc.org.in. Students should check the official portal regularly for updates.
Disclaimer: The information on this page about NExT 2026 (National Exit Test) is based on official NMC documents, proposed regulatory frameworks, and verified news sources available as of October 2026. Since NExT has been officially deferred and not yet implemented, all dates, patterns, and fee figures are subject to change. Candidates should always verify the latest information from the official NMC website at nmc.org.in before making any decisions related to exam preparation or registration.
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