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NEXT Exam 2025:

Dates, Eligibility, Syllabus & Registration

Prepare for the mandatory medical licensure examination for Indian and abroad MBBS graduates. Get latest pattern, syllabus guidance, and official updates to help you ace the NEXT and secure a medical practice license in India.

The National Exit Test (NExT) is a mandatory, standardized medical licensing and postgraduate admission examination introduced by the National Medical Commission (NMC) in India. It replaces multiple existing exams, including the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), NEET PG, and university final MBBS exams, consolidating them into a single uniform assessment.

What is the
NEXT Exam?

Who should
take the NEXT ?

The National Exit Test (NExT) is mandatory for all final-year MBBS students in India who want to obtain their medical degree and pursue a license to practice medicine. It is also required for foreign medical graduates (FMGs) who seek registration to practice in India. Candidates who have completed or are near completion of their MBBS degree from NMC-recognized medical colleges must take NExT.

Eligibility & Registration

Understand the eligibility criteria and registration process for the NEXT exam your gateway to international undergraduate admissions.

Registration Steps

Eligibility Criteria

Create Registration Profile: Register on the official NExT or NMC portal with valid credentials.

Fill Application Form: Provide personal, academic, and identification details, including proof of MBBS qualification or enrollment.

Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of ID proofs, MBBS degree/marksheet, and internship certificates as required.

Pay Exam Fee: Complete the payment through authorized digital platforms.

Receive Confirmation: Get confirmation of exam date, venue, and admit card for the exam.

Must be at least 21 years old.

Must hold or be pursuing an MBBS degree from recognized medical colleges.

Registered with the Medical Council of India or State Medical Council.

No restriction on the number of exam attempts.

Registration Steps

Create Registration Profile: Register on the official NExT or NMC portal with valid credentials.

Fill Application Form: Provide personal, academic, and identification details, including proof of MBBS qualification or enrollment.

Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of ID proofs, MBBS degree/marksheet, and internship certificates as required.

Pay Exam Fee: Complete the payment through authorized digital platforms.

Receive Confirmation: Get confirmation of exam date, venue, and admit card for the exam.

Eligibility Criteria

Must be at least 21 years old.

Must hold or be pursuing an MBBS degree from recognized medical colleges

Registered with the Medical Council of India or State Medical Council.

No restriction on the number of exam attempts.

NEXT Exam Pattern

The National Exit Test (NExT) is conducted in two distinct steps to assess both theoretical knowledge and practical clinical skills of MBBS graduates:

Section Duration Number of Questions/Tasks
Medicine & Allied Subjects
180 minutes
120
Paediatrics
90 minutes
60
Surgery & Allied Subjects
180 minutes
120
Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
90 minutes
60
Obstetrics & Gynecology
180 minutes
120
Ophthalmology
90 minutes
60

NEXT Exam Syllabus

Know the key topics covered in each section of the NEXT to focus your preparation.

Clinical and Allied Subjects

The NExT syllabus primarily covers clinical and allied medical subjects that are essential for practical patient care. This includes Medicine and its allied fields, Surgery and allied specialties, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, Otorhinolaryngology (ENT), and Ophthalmology. The exam tests applied medical knowledge required for real-world clinical scenarios.

Pre-clinical and Para-clinical Subjects

In addition to clinical subjects, the NExT syllabus incorporates pre-clinical and para-clinical subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Pathology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, and Community Medicine. These areas support the clinical knowledge base and help evaluate the foundational medical principles.

NEXT Scoring

The National Exit Test (NExT) is conducted in two distinct steps to assess both theoretical knowledge and practical clinical skills of MBBS graduates

Section Minimum Score Maximum Score
Medicine & Allied Subjects
10
160
  • Average score accepted by universities: 105–120

  • Top universities may require: 120+

  • You receive your score within 48 hours of finishing the test

Study Abroad FAQs & Guides

Every question is important! Find clear answers to the most common student and parent queries, plus helpful guides to make your study abroad dream simple.

1. Who is eligible for the NEXT exam?

Final-year MBBS students (India or abroad) who seek medical licensure or PG admissions in India.

2. How do I register for the NEXT exam?

Apply online at the official NMC/NBE portal, upload documents, pay fees, and download admit card.

3. How is the NEXT exam different from NEET PG/FMGE?

It is a combined qualifying, licensure, and PG entrance exam for MBBS graduates.

4. What is the exam mode for NEXT?

Entirely computer-based (online) across India.

5. Is there negative marking in NEXT?

Draft guidelines indicate no negative marking for wrong/unanswered questions.

6. What score is required to pass NEXT?

Passing marks will be notified by NMC prior to the exam.

7. How long are NEXT scores valid?

Validity is for current PG admissions and licensure cycle as per published rules.

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