Physics Wallah

NExT Exam in August 2025 for MBBS 2024 Batch, Check Latest Updates, Dates, Syllabus, Pattern

NExT Exam scheduled tentatively for August 2025, its two-stage structure, Check eligibility criteria, mock exam cancellation, and objectives to unify medical licensing in India.
authorImagePriyanka Agarwal1 Jul, 2024
Share

Share

NExT Exam in August 2025 for MBBS 2024 Batch, Check Latest Updates, Dates, Syllabus, Pattern

NExT Exam in August 2025 : The Step 1 exam of NExT is scheduled tentatively for August 2025 for final year MBBS students of the 2020 batch, with Step 2 following in February 2026. The official exam date is yet to be announced by the NMC. Candidates should await the release of the official brochure by the NMC, which will detail crucial dates and exam specifics. Previously, a mock exam scheduled for July 22, 2023, was canceled after widespread student protests nationwide. NTA had already initiated the registration process for the NExT mock test, with a deadline for basic candidate information submission set for July 10.

The NExT mock exam aims to familiarize candidates with the software interface and examination center procedures. The NExT exam, held biannually in May and November, will be computer-based and consists of written and practical steps. Candidates must clear Step 1 and complete an internship to qualify for Step 2. The NMC NExT exam serves as a single-window exit test for MBBS students to obtain a license for medical practice in India. It comprises two steps assessing both theoretical and practical knowledge. Once implemented, the NExT exam will replace NEET PG and FMGE exams for foreign medical graduates seeking registration for medical practice in India. The objective of the National Exit Test, as per draft guidelines, is to standardize summative evaluation nationwide based on minimum common educational and training standards for medical graduates.

NExT Latest Updates

According to the latest updates from NMC, the NExT exam is scheduled to debut in 2025 for MBBS students of the 2020 batch. Earlier, the mock exam faced cancellation. On July 13, NMC postponed the NExT exam for 2019 MBBS batch students. Since the announcement of the NExT mock exam date, MBBS students across the country have been protesting against NMC's decision, citing dissatisfaction with the short notice and the qualifying criteria for NExT 2025, which now mandates a minimum score of 50% in NExT Step 1 as per new regulations of the National Exit Test.

NExT Mock Exam Dates

NExT Mock Exam Dates
Dates Exam Dates
28 Jun '23 - 10 Jul '23 Registration for NExT mock exam
28 Jun '23 - 14 Jul '23 Application completion for NExT mock exam
28 Jun '23 - 14 Jul '23 Generation of EUC for NExT mock exam
Feb '28 NExT Step 1 exam

NExT Exam: Objective and Features

The Ministry of Health aims to fortify the Indian healthcare system through the NExT exam. Its primary objective is to introduce a unified examination strategy in the medical field, eliminating the need for candidates to undergo multiple exams like NEET PG and FMGE for obtaining a medical license. The NExT exam aligns with the government's initiative of ‘one nation one exam’. The exam consists of two stages: Step 1 and Step 2. Step 1 assesses candidates' theoretical knowledge, while Step 2 evaluates their practical skills. Candidates who clear Step 1 must complete a 12-month internship before qualifying for Step 2. To pass NExT Step 1, candidates need to achieve a minimum of 50% marks in each paper.

What is National Exit Test (NExT)?

NExT, known as the National Exit Test, is designed as a universal entrance examination granting licenses for MBBS graduates to practice in India. Final-year MBBS students must pass this exam to qualify for admission into postgraduate courses. The exam is compulsory for all medical graduates, regardless of whether they completed their primary medical education in India or abroad. It serves as both the final year MBBS exam and a screening test for foreign medical graduates, conducted in two stages: NExT Step 1 and NExT Step 2, both in computer-based mode.

NExT 2025 Overview

NExT 2025 Overview
Particulars Details
Exam name National Exit Test or NExT
Conducting body All India Institute of Medical Sciences (Most Likely)
Exam level Postgraduate exam at National level
Objective Medical License and admission to postgraduate courses
Session commencement 2024-25
Eligible candidates Final year MBBS students, Foreign Medical Graduates
Exam mode Online
NExT paper pattern Step 1 & Step 2
Frequency Twice a year
Question Type MCQs, LAQs, SAQs
Number of attempts No restriction

NExT Exam Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria to qualify for the NExT exam. Only individuals holding an undergraduate medical degree are eligible. Key eligibility requirements for the NExT exam include:
  • Possession of a valid MBBS degree with a minimum of 50% marks.
  • Completion of a 12-month internship after passing NExT paper 1.
  • Candidates meeting the above criteria are eligible to appear for NExT paper 2.

NExT Exam Application Form

The NExT MBBS application form is expected to be available online. Candidates must first register on the official website to access and submit the application form. The application process includes registration, completing the application form, uploading images, and paying the registration fee. It is advisable for candidates to review the eligibility criteria before applying for the NExT PG exam. AIIMS will release an official information brochure containing essential details such as important dates, application procedures, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and marking scheme.

NExT PG Exam Process

NExT PG is set to become a qualifying exam for MBBS students seeking admission into PG medical courses. Unlike NEET PG and FMGE, the National Exit Test for MBBS will span three days with two shifts each day. The exam certification remains valid for three years. Third-year/final-year MBBS students are eligible to appear for NExT Step 1, while completion of a 12-month internship is required for eligibility to take NExT Step 2, which focuses on practical skills. The exam will be conducted online and feature a variety of question types, including multiple-choice, short answer, and long answer questions.

NExT 2025 Exam Dates

The specific dates for NExT 2025 have not yet been announced by the National Medical Commission. Below are the tentative dates for various events related to the NMC NExT exam:
  • NExT Step 1 Regular exams are expected to be held in May or November, with results typically released in the first week of June or December.
  • Third-year MBBS/Final MBBS PART 2 Practical/Clinical University Examinations are tentatively scheduled for the first week of June or December, with results by the third week of the respective months.
  • Internship periods start on January 1st or July 1st and end on December 31st or June 30th of the following year.
  • NExT Step 2 Regular exams are planned for the third week of June or December, with supplementary exams in the first week of September or March and results by the third week of those months.
  • Postgraduate admissions counseling is expected in May-June 2024, with postgraduate courses commencing in the first week of July or January.
NExT 2025 Exam Dates
Events Exam Date Exam Result
NExT Step 1 Regular May/November 1st week of June/December
3rd year MBBS /Final MBBS PART 2 Practical / Clinical University Examination 1st week of June/December 3rd week of June/December
Internship 1st January/July 31st December/30th June following year
NExT Step 2 Regular 3rd week June/December Last week of June/December
NExT Step 2 Supplementary 1st week September/March 3rd week September/March
Postgraduate Admission May-June (Counselling) 30-Jun-24
Postgraduate course 1st week July/1st week January ------

NMC NExT Exam Syllabus

As per the draft, the syllabus for NMC NExT includes six subjects covering clinical, pre-clinical, and para-clinical areas. It should be noted that the National Exit Test will consist of two steps: theory and practical. The subjects included for the NExT Step 1 theory exam are as follows:
  • Medicine & allied subjects
  • Paediatrics
  • Surgery & allied subjects
  • Otorhinolaryngology
  • Obstetrics & Gynaecology
  • Ophthalmology

NExT Exam Pattern 2025

The NExT exam pattern includes details such as mode, medium, total number of questions, types of questions, and marking scheme. The official exam pattern for NExT 2025 will be released alongside the information brochure. According to available draft information, the exam will be conducted in two steps: Step 1 and Step 2. Step 1 will consist of a theoretical exam covering clinical, pre-clinical, and para-clinical subjects, conducted online. Step 2 will be a practical exam conducted offline. The exam will feature a total of 540 multiple-choice questions from 19 subjects. After completing Step 1, candidates must undergo internship. Those who pass both Step 1 and Step 2 will qualify for a license and admission into PG courses.
NExT Exam Pattern 2025
Exam Step Exam Type Mode Subjects Covered Number of Questions Internship Requirement
Step 1 Theoretical Online Clinical, Pre-clinical, Para-clinical 540 MCQs Required
Step 2 Practical Offline Clinical skills - Required

Explanation:

  1. Exam Step : Indicates the stage of the NExT exam.
  2. Exam Type : Specifies whether it's theoretical or practical.
  3. Mode : Refers to the mode of examination (online for Step 1, offline for Step 2).
  4. Subjects Covered : Lists the categories of subjects included in the exam.
  5. Number of Questions : Specifies the total number of questions (540 MCQs for Step 1).
  6. Internship Requirement : Indicates whether completion of internship is required after each step.

NExT Marking Scheme

Candidates must achieve a minimum score to pass the NExT exam. In Step 1, marks will be computed as whole numbers, serving as Raw Scores, and may also be converted into corresponding Percentages (out of a maximum of 100) if necessary. Step 2 will assess candidates through practical/viva tests to determine pass or fail status based on their competency.

NExT 2025 Question Pattern

In contrast to NEET PG and FMGE exams, NExT Step 1 spans three days with a total of six papers, each conducted in two daily sessions. Paper 1 consists of 540 multiple-choice questions, with 65% focusing on problem-solving and analytical skills, 25% on comprehension, and 10% on recall. Candidates must achieve a minimum of 50% marks to qualify for NExT Step 1. The table below outlines the tentative schedule for NExT Step 1:
NExT 2025 Question Pattern
Days Subjects Number of Questions Allotted Time
Day 1 Medicine & allied subjects 120 180 minutes
Paediatrics 60 90 minutes
Day 2 Surgery & Allied subjects 120 180 minutes
ENT 60 90 minutes
Day 3 Obstetrics & Gynaecology 120 180 minutes
Ophthalmology 60 90 minutes
Total 540 810 minutes

NExT Qualifying Criteria

Candidates must achieve a minimum score to qualify for both Step 1 and Step 2 of the NExT exam. The minimum cutoff for NExT Step 1 is set at 50% marks or half of the maximum possible raw scores. This translates to scoring 50 out of 100 marks or half of the raw scores in each of the six papers. Candidates are assessed based on criteria including knowledge level, analytical skills, and practical aspects. For NExT Step 2, passing criteria involve demonstrating satisfactory competencies, which will be evaluated and resulted as Pass/Fail. 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.

NExT Exam in August 2025 for MBBS 2024 Batch FAQs

What is the schedule for NExT Step 1 exam in August 2025?

The NExT Step 1 exam for August 2025 is tentatively scheduled. Specific dates will be announced later by the National Medical Commission (NMC).

How many papers are there in NExT Step 1 exam and what are the subjects covered?

NExT Step 1 spans six papers over three days. Subjects include Medicine & allied subjects, Paediatrics, Surgery & Allied subjects, ENT, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and Ophthalmology.

What is the minimum score required to qualify NExT Step 1?

Candidates need to score at least 50% marks or half of the maximum possible raw scores in each of the six papers to qualify for NExT Step 1.

When will the NExT Step 2 exam take place after NExT Step 1?

Following NExT Step 1, candidates must complete a 12-month internship. Afterward, they can appear for NExT Step 2, which assesses practical skills.

How can candidates prepare for the NExT Exam?

Candidates are advised to stay updated with official announcements from the NMC regarding exam dates and eligibility criteria. Preparation should include thorough study of clinical, pre-clinical, and para-clinical subjects as per the NExT syllabus.
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Point IconLive & recorded classes available at ease
Point IconDashboard for progress tracking
Point IconMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Download ButtonDownload Button
Banner Image
Banner Image
Free Learning Resources
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others

Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.