NExT 2025 Exam Pattern:
The National Exit Test (NExT) is a critical examination introduced to standardize medical licensing in India. It is designed for students graduating from MBBS, BAMS, BUMS, BSMS, and BHMS programs, and will also serve as a screening test for foreign medical graduates. The exam will replace the NEET PG and FMGE exams and is expected to be implemented from August 2025. This article provides an overview of the NExT 2025 exam pattern, detailing its structure, marking scheme, and question patterns.
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NExT 2025 Exam Pattern Overview
The NExT 2025 Exam Pattern Overview provides a comprehensive outline of the National Exit Test, which is crucial for MBBS, BAMS, BUMS, BSMS, and BHMS students, as well as for foreign medical graduates. This two-part examination, conducted by AIIMS New Delhi, includes an online theoretical assessment in Step 1 and an offline practical evaluation in Step 2. This table provides a clear overview of the NExT 2025 exam, including its purpose, structure, and key dates.
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NExT 2025 Exam Pattern Overview
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Aspect
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Details
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Exam Name
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National Exit Test (NExT)
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Frequency
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2 Time in a Year
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Conducting Body
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AIIMS New Delhi
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Exam Date
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Step 1: August 2025 (Tentative)
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Step 2: February 2026 (Tentative)
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Purpose
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Final assessment for MBBS, BAMS, BUMS, BSMS, BHMS students; Screening test for foreign medical graduates
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Step 1
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Mode:
Online
Questions:
540 MCQs
Subjects:
Medicine & Allied Subjects, Paediatrics, Surgery & Allied Subjects, ENT, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ophthalmology
Duration:
3 days
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Step 2
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Mode:
Offline, conducted in person
Format:
Practical examination with simulated cases/patients
Timing:
After internship completion
Passing Evaluation:
Pass/Fail based on demonstrated competence
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NExT 2025 Exam Pattern Step Wise
The National Exit Test (NExT) is a pivotal examination for medical graduates in India, designed to streamline licensing and postgraduate admissions. The exam is divided into two distinct phases: Step 1 and Step 2. Each phase evaluates different aspects of medical knowledge and practical skills. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the exam pattern for NExT 2025:
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NExT 2025 Exam Pattern Step Wise
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Component
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NExT Step 1
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NExT Step 2
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Mode
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Online
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Offline, conducted in person
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Questions
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540 MCQs
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Practical examination with simulated cases
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Subjects Covered
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Medicine & allied subjects, Paediatrics, Surgery & allied subjects, ENT, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ophthalmology
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Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paediatrics, ENT, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, PMR
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Duration
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3 days, with specific time allocations for each subject
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Held after internship completion
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Evaluation
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Raw scores converted to percentages; minimum of 50% required
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Pass/Fail based on demonstrated competence
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NExT 2025 Exam Marking Scheme
The marking scheme for the NExT 2025 Exam varies significantly between its two steps. While Step 1 uses a detailed scoring system to assess theoretical knowledge, Step 2 relies on a pass/fail evaluation based on practical skills. Here’s a concise overview of how each step is scored:
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NExT 2025 Exam Marking Scheme
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Component
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NExT Step 1
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NExT Step 2
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Scoring Method
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Raw scores converted to percentages; minimum 50% required
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Pass/Fail based on practical skills and clinical competence
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Score Presentation
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Presented as whole numbers with appropriate decimals
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No percentage or detailed scoring system
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NExT 2025 Exam Question Pattern
Unlike NEET PG and FMGE exams the NExT 2025 Exam Pattern follows a structured pattern across its two distinct steps, designed to assess both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Step 1 comprises multiple-choice questions distributed over three days, covering various medical subjects. Step 2 focuses on practical, case-based evaluations conducted by state universities or institutions to test clinical competence.
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NExT 2025 Exam Question Pattern
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Step
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Day/Format
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Subject
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Number of Questions
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Duration
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Step 1
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Day 1
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Medicine & allied subjects
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120
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3 hours
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Paediatrics
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60
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90 minutes
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Day 2
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Surgery & allied subjects
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120
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3 hours
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ENT
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60
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90 minutes
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Day 3
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Obstetrics & Gynaecology
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120
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3 hours
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Ophthalmology
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60
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90 minutes
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Step 2
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Format
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Practical case-based evaluations
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N/A
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Conducted by state universities or institutions
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NExT Step 1 Total Questions:
540
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NExT 2025 Step 1 Question Types:
65% problem-solving and analytical, 25% comprehension, 10% recall-based
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NExT Step 1
involves a comprehensive theory-based assessment over three days, while
NExT Step 2
consists of practical, case-based evaluations conducted after the internship.
NExT Merit List Preparation
The merit list for postgraduate course admissions based on the NExT Step-1 exam is determined by the cumulative raw scores from the examination. Scores from NExT Step-1 are valid for five years, but only the most recent attempt is used for ranking. Candidates must apply for rank generation to be considered for admission in a given academic year.
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Validity of Scores
: NExT Step-1 scores are valid for five years. However, the latest attempt’s score will be used for ranking if a candidate retakes the exam.
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Application for Rank Generation
: Candidates must apply as per the Commission's procedure to be eligible for admission in that academic year.
Tiebreaker Rules for Rank Generation
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Normalized Scores
: The rank is first determined by the normalized sum of raw scores from the NExT Step-1 exam.
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Number of Attempts
: In case of a tie, candidates with fewer attempts at NExT Step-1 are ranked higher.
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Subject-wise Preference
: If ties persist, candidates are ranked based on higher marks in the following order of preference:
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Medicine and allied disciplines
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Surgery and allied disciplines
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Obstetrics and Gynaecology
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Paediatrics
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Otorhinolaryngology
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Ophthalmology
The NExT exam will play a pivotal role in standardizing medical education and practice in India. Familiarity with the detailed pattern and requirements will be crucial for candidates aiming to succeed in this examination.
The detailed NExT Exam syllabus for 2025 will be officially released by AIIMS, Delhi once the exam dates are finalized. Stay tuned for updates to ensure you have the most current information.
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