The National Medical Commission (NMC) has announced that the National Exit Test (NExT) exam will be postponed for the next three to four years . This important exam, meant to replace both the NEET PG and FMGE exams for medical students, will now first go through several mock runs and gather feedback from everyone involved.
The NMC stated that mock tests will be conducted over the coming years instead of directly starting the exam. This will help the commission collect necessary feedback from medical students, colleges, and institutions. The aim is to check how practical, fair, and organized the NExT exam is before it becomes compulsory.
What is the NExT Exam?
The NExT exam is a planned test that would take the place of two major medical exams in India:
- NEET PG: This exam allows MBBS graduates to get admission into postgraduate medical courses (like MD or MS).
- FMGE: This exam is for Indian doctors who studied medicine abroad. They need to pass it to practice medicine in India.
NExT would also act as a licensing exam, meaning medical graduates would need to pass it to get their license to practice medicine in India.
Why the Delay?
The NMC explained that the delay is necessary to make the examination process better and ensure it is fair for all. The main reasons for postponing NExT include:
- Need for Mock Trials: The commission wants to conduct many trial runs to test the exam's structure and fairness.
- Gathering Feedback: Collecting opinions and suggestions from students, medical colleges, and other important groups is crucial.
- Improving Medical Education: The delay gives time to improve teaching methods, update study materials, and train teachers across all medical colleges in India.
- Addressing Infrastructure: Ensuring all medical colleges have the necessary facilities and a standard way of teaching before the exam is introduced.
- Student Concerns: There have been concerns from students and other important groups that need to be addressed.
Dr. Sandeep Dagar, Patron of the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), confirmed that the NExT exam will be introduced in about 3 to 4 years. He mentioned that for the first two to three years , only mock tests will be held. The NMC will cover all expenses for these mock tests. He added that the time will also be used to standardize teaching, update courses, and train faculty. If done correctly, NExT can improve the quality and consistency of medical education in India.
Student and Doctor Reactions
The announcement has received mixed reactions from doctors and students. While some see it as a chance to improve the exam, others highlight the need to listen to students.
Dr. Lakshya Mittal, Chairperson of United Doctors Front (UDF), stressed the importance of involving students in such big decisions. He said that any major exam like NExT should have a clear plan and at least six months' notice before it starts. He added that students' concerns must be heard through proper discussions with all involved groups.
One doctor, who did not want to be named, shared a specific concern. The doctor mentioned that NExT is a licensing exam and will improve medical education quality. However, if the exam is held over multiple days, it could be difficult for doctors who are already working (in-service candidates) to get leave from their jobs to appear for the exam and secure a postgraduate seat.
The NMC hopes that this delay will help create a more fair system and ensure that NExT truly makes medical education in India better.
