National Exit Test (NExT) is an examination recommended by the National Medical Commission (NMC) for uniformity in medical education and practice across India.
It was created for two reasons: To be the only national-level licensing test for MBBS medical graduates and to serve as a screening test for foreign nationals for admission to medical colleges in India.
The NExT exam in India will replace the NEET PG for postgraduate admissions and the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) for practicing medicine in India after studying medicine abroad. The examination is intended to ensure a minimum level of competence for all newly graduated doctors before they can enter clinical practice.
NExT Exam - Quick Highlights 2025
Here is a table providing the particulars of the National Exit Test (NExT):
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | National Exit Test or NExT |
| Conducting Body | National Medical Commission (NMC), most likely / AIIMS Delhi |
| Exam Date | August 2025 (Anticipated for Step 1) |
| Exam Level | Postgraduate exam at the National level |
| Objective | Medical License and Admission to Postgraduate Courses |
| Eligible Candidates | Final year MBBS students, Foreign Medical Graduates |
| Exam Mode | Online (Step 1), Practical/Clinical (Step 2) |
| Frequency | Twice a year (Likely May and November for Step 1) |
| Number of Papers | Paper 1 (Step 1 - Theory) and Paper 2 (Step 2 - Practical/Clinical) |
| Question Type | MCQs, LAQs, SAQs (for Step 1) |
| Number of Attempts | No restriction (Subject to clearing within a specified duration from joining MBBS) |
What is the NExT Exam?
National Exit Test (NExT) is a common licensing examination for Medical students graduating in India. Its first and foremost objective is to establish a standardized examination process nationwide to ensure that practicing physicians have the required capabilities to practice medicine safely and effectively.
By replacing several existing tests like NEET PG and FMGE, NExT is designed to simplify the process of fulfilling requirements for medical licensure and admission to postgraduate medical programs.
NExT Exam Important Dates 2025
As of May 2025, the official and confirmed schedule for the NExT exam in 2025 has not yet been announced by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and AIIMS Delhi. Here is the table with the details of the NExT exam dates.
| Event | Tentative Date |
| Notification Release | June 2025 |
| Application Form Start | June 2025 |
| Last Date to Fill Application | July 2025 |
| Edit Window | July 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | August 2025 |
| NExT Step 1 Exam | August 2025 |
| Result Declaration (Step 1) | September 2025 |
| NExT Step 2 Exam | February 2026 |
| Result Declaration (Step 2) | To Be Announced |
Eligibility Criteria for NExT Exam
To appear in the NExT examination, candidates need to meet the following eligibility criteria:
For Indian Medical Graduates:
The candidate should be a regular final-year MBBS student of a medical college that is recognised by the NMC.
Should have completed the MBBS course and clinical internship as prescribed by the university and NMC.
For Foreign Medical Graduates:
Should have passed their MBBS/MD or an equivalent medical degree from a recognised foreign university
Need to have an Eligibility Certificate from NMC before applying for NExT Step 1.
The FMGs are required to pass both the NExT Step 1 and Step 2 to become eligible for permanent registration to practice medicine in India , as well as postgraduate admissions.
NExT Exam - Application Form 2025
The NExT examination 2025 application procedure is conducted online. The main steps for completing the NExT exam form may include the following:
The applicants will have to fill out the application form on the official website with details such as name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number.
Log in with your registration details and fill out the detailed application form with personal, academic, and contact information.
Scan the necessary documents like photographs, signatures, education certificates, and identity proofs in the required format, size, and quality.
Submit the application fee online through payment methods such as a credit card, debit card, or Internet banking.
Check the details entered and click submit to submit the final application form.
Download and print out the confirmation page for future reference.
NExT Exam 2025 Pattern
Here is a table outlining the question pattern and duration for both steps of the National Exit Test (NExT):
| Particulars | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Duration and Timing | 3 hours (9 am to 12 pm) | 3 ½ hours (2:30 pm to 6 pm) |
| Total number of questions | 120 | 140 |
| Subjects | Medicine and allied subjects, Paediatrics and Ophthalmology (including applied aspects of these subjects covered under I, II, and III MBBS course) | Surgery and allied subjects, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Otorhinolaryngology (including applied aspects of these subjects covered under I, II, and III MBBS course) |
| Question Type | Multiple choice with a single correct option | Multiple choice with a single correct option |
| Correct answer | 1 mark | 1 mark |
| Incorrect answer | -1/4 mark | -1/4 mark |
NExT Exam Marking Scheme 2025
| Step | Subjects |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Medicine & Allied Disciplines |
| Step 1 | Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) |
| Step 1 | Ophthalmology |
| Step 1 | Surgery & Allied Disciplines |
| Step 1 | Obstetrics and Gynaecology |
| Step 1 | Pediatrics |
| Step 2 | Medicine & Allied Subjects |
| Step 2 | Ophthalmology |
| Step 2 | Orthopaedics & PMR |
| Step 2 | Pediatrics |
| Step 2 | Surgery & Allied Subjects |
NExT Exam Admit Card 2025
The admit card for the National Exit Test (NExT) is an essential paper that the conducting body (which can be the NMC or AIIMS Delhi) issues to the candidates for the examination process.
Although official dates for NExT 2025 have not been declared, the admit card is published for download from the official web portal 1-2 weeks before the examination, expected to be conducted in August 2025 for Step 1.
To download the admit card, candidates are required to log in using their registration details. It will have important information, including the candidate's name, roll number, photo, sign, date, time, and complete address of the exam centre.
Candidates need to download and print the admit card and carry it to the exam centre with a valid photo ID. Candidates must verify the details present on the admit card and should get in touch with the officials if any corrections need to be made. The admit card is proof of entrance to the examination hall and is also crucial for identity verification.
NExT cut-off marks 2025
Candidates applying for NExT PG courses need to score the minimum cut off marks to be allowed to take the NExT PG exam. Qualifying criteria are varied between the NExT 1 and 2.
For NExT 1, the pass marks to be set shall be 50% or half of maximum possible raw of NExT Step 1 - Criteria for passing NExT Step 2 will be satisfactory performance in demonstration of competencies that will be used for evaluation and declared as a Pass /Fail result.
NExT Exam Preparation strategy
Here’s a quick guide on how to prepare for the NExT exam.
Dedicate time to clinical subjects and their applied concepts from basic sciences.
Avoid rote learning and move to the why and how of each clinical scenario.
Attempt diverse types of MCQs, specifically clinical case-based ones, to enhance problem-solving ability.
Refer to good standard books, the latest study material, and books on practice.
Try to create a study timetable. Keep slots for revision, breaks, and practice.
NExT Exam Results 2025
The next results are not yet announced. It is expected to be released in September 2025
NExT Exam cut off 2025
Candidates need at least 50% marks in six papers. The rank is generated on the basis of the Next Exam scores.
NExT Exam 2025 - FAQs
What is the main target of the NExT exam?
How many levels are there to the NExT exam?
What is the lowest mark that will be considered as a pass on every paper in NExT Step 1?
How is NExT Step 2 assessed?
Which assessments will the NExT replace?
Admission Process For 2025-26 Starting Soon
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