Everything You Need to Know About NExT Exam

NExT Exam Pattern Overview

The NExT (National Exit Test) introduces a distinct approach compared to traditional NEET PG/FMGE exams. It consists of two separate exams known as "Steps," each designed to comprehensively evaluate medical graduates.

NExT Step 1 Details

NExT Step 1 is a theoretical examination conducted in online mode by AIIMS Delhi, encompassing multiple-choice questions from six papers:

1. Medicine and allied disciplines
2. Surgery and allied disciplines
3. Obstetrics and Gynaecology
4. Pediatrics
5. Otorhinolaryngology
6. Ophthalmology

This step covers applied aspects of III MBBS/Final MBBS, both Part 1 and Part 2, focusing on acquiring competencies crucial for medical practice.

• First Batch : Scheduled for 2019, with subsequent exams held biannually in May and November.
• Attempts : No limit, provided both Step 1 and Step 2 are cleared within 10 years of joining MBBS.
• Exam Replacement : Replaces conventional university/institutional theory exams for III MBBS/Final MBBS Part II.

Division and Types of Questions in NExT

Distribution of MCQs across subjects  (approximately)
Distribution of MCQs Across Subjects	Percentage Range
Problem-solving and analytical skill types	60-70%
Comprehension type	20-30%
Recall type	5-15%

The knowledge acquisition level is categorized as:

• Must Know: 60%
• Nice to Know: 30%
• May Know: 10%

NExT Step 2 Details

NExT Step 2 evaluates practical/clinical skills through:

• Practical/Clinical and Viva Voce examinations covering seven subjects/disciplines.

1. Medicine and allied disciplines
2. Surgery and allied disciplines
3. Obstetrics and Gynaecology
4. Paediatrics
5. Otorhinolaryngology
6. Ophthalmology
7. Orthopaedics and PMR (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)

• Evaluation Method : OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) and simulated cases/patients.
• Grading : "Competent" or "Pass" and "Non-Competent" or "Fail."

Important Points

• Objective : Evaluates clinical decision-making and communication skills expected of Indian Medical Graduates.
• Administration : Conducted in-person/live by state Health Universities/Institutions following NMC guidelines.
• Supplementary Exam : Offered for candidates needing to repeat specific subjects.
• Attempts : Unlimited, provided NExT Step 1 and Step 2 are passed within 10 years of starting MBBS.

For further details on the types of questions in the NExT exam, refer to the following section.

Also Check: NExT Exam Eligibility

Papers and Distribution of Subjects

The NExT Step 1 examination encompasses six subject papers, each allocated specific items and time durations. The integration of applied aspects from various MBBS subjects, including Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (FMT) and Community Medicine, will be embedded within relevant clinical subjects. Approximately 10% of the items in each paper will focus on the applied aspects of Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, and Forensic Medicine relevant to the evaluated subjects. Additionally, 10% of the items in each paper will cover the applied aspects of Public Health and Community Medicine relevant to the subjects assessed. Here is the breakdown of the NExT Step 1 examination:

Papers and Distribution of Subjects
Sr. No.	Subjects	No. of Items	Duration
1	Medicine & allied subjects	120 Items	3 Hours
2	Surgery & allied subjects	120 Items	3 Hours
3	Obstetrics & Gynaecology	120 Items	3 Hours
4	Pediatrics	60 Items	1.5 Hours
5	Otorhinolaryngology	60 Items	1.5 Hours
6	Ophthalmology	60 Items	1.5 Hours

Mock Practice Test for NExT

To facilitate students' preparation for the revised exam format and enhance their comprehension of it, an AIIMS NExT mock test is scheduled for July 28, 2023. Registration will commence on June 28, 2023. Participation in the mock practice tests is restricted to final-year MBBS students. The test aims to acquaint participants with the computer-based testing (CBT) software interface and examination center procedures. Additionally, the sample questions included in the mock test closely resemble the pattern and format of the NExT-Step 1 examination. Aiming to clear NExT Exam 2025 for MBBS with good scores ? Download the PW Med Ed app now and prepare for this exam from top medical professionals.