NExT Exam Deferred: NMC Confirms Delay, Assures Gradual Implementation and Stakeholder Consensus

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has officially announced that the National Exit Test (NExT) — a proposed standardised qualifying examination for medical graduates — will not be implemented immediately. The decision came after a key meeting between NMC Chairman Dr. Abhijat Sheth and the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), which represents resident doctors across India.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Dr. Sheth clarified that although the groundwork for NExT has begun in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the rollout will take time. The exam, earlier planned to be introduced in August 2025, has now been deferred indefinitely, allowing time for planning, stakeholder feedback, and structural readiness.

Adequate Transition Time Promised for Smooth Rollout

Dr. Sheth confirmed that NExT will not be rushed into implementation and that all stakeholders — including students, medical colleges, and regulatory bodies — will be given two to four years before the test becomes mandatory.

“Another two to four years will be given before full implementation, consensus, and adaptability among all stakeholders — including institutions, students, and regulatory bodies — to ensure smooth and effective execution,” Dr. Sheth stated.

This assurance is meant to calm growing concerns among medical students, who have repeatedly expressed anxiety about sudden exam changes without sufficient clarity or preparation time.

NExT: A Vision for Standardised Medical Assessment

For both the government and the NMC, NExT represents a national vision for uniformity in medical education and evaluation. It aims to bring together three major functions into a single comprehensive test — serving as a qualifying examination, a licensing test, and a postgraduate entrance examination.

According to Dr. Sheth, NExT is a “forward-looking medical exit examination model” designed to provide a sustainable and efficient system for assessing medical graduates. The goal is to ensure that every doctor in India meets a standardised level of competency, strengthening not only medical education but also healthcare delivery standards nationwide.

The Journey So Far: Deferred Plans and Ongoing Discussions

The NMC had initially planned to conduct the first NExT exam in 2023 for the MBBS batch of 2019. However, following widespread protests by medical students and various stakeholders, the plan was deferred indefinitely.

Students argued that introducing such a major exam without adequate consultation violated provisions of the NMC Act, 2019, and created unnecessary stress for batches already midway through their MBBS courses.

In response to these concerns, the NMC opened up the decision-making process by inviting inputs from stakeholders — including medical colleges, faculty members, and student bodies. They were asked to share feedback on key issues such as:

• Whether NExT should replace existing MBBS final exams and NEET-PG;
   
• The exam’s structure and mode of conduct; and
   
• The curriculum framework it should follow.

As these consultations are still ongoing, the rollout has been paused until consensus is achieved.

Why the Delay? Lack of Infrastructure and Operational Clarity

One of the major reasons behind the delay is the lack of clarity over which institution will conduct the NExT exam. According to Dr. Rohan Krishnan, Chief Patron of FAIMA, several national authorities have declined responsibility for conducting the test.

“No authority was taking responsibility to conduct NExT because the aim was to implement it pan-India. Proposals were sent to the National Board of Examinations (NBE) and AIIMS Delhi, but both refused. The responsibility was then given to the National Medical Commission, which currently lacks the necessary infrastructure. Because of this, the exam was put on hold,” he explained.

This logistical hurdle underscores a deeper challenge — creating a testing system that is uniform, transparent, and technologically sound, while being accessible across India’s diverse medical institutions.

Benefits and Challenges of the NExT Framework

Medical experts believe that while NExT has strong potential to standardise medical education, its success depends on clarity and phased implementation.

Dr. Shubham Anand, National Chairman of the Global Association of Indian Medical Students (GAIMS), highlighted both sides of the debate.

“The biggest benefit of NExT is standardising medical education evaluation and ensuring all doctors meet a uniform competency level. It also integrates licensing and PG admission under one umbrella. However, the biggest drawback was the absence of clarity surrounding it, with NMC making several flip-flops, which added to the chaos,” said Dr. Anand.

Indeed, while many educationists see NExT as a progressive reform, students remain wary due to the frequent changes in plans, unclear exam format, and uncertainty about its syllabus alignment with current medical education standards.

NExT as a Long-Term Reform

Despite the challenges, the NMC’s commitment to developing NExT reflects its long-term strategy to reform medical education in India. Once implemented, the exam will replace multiple assessments — NEET-PG, FMGE, and the final MBBS exams — thereby streamlining the evaluation process and making it more consistent nationwide.

The NExT framework aligns with the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, which envisions a system that enhances transparency, accountability, and quality assurance in medical education.

For students and institutions alike, this transition marks a step towards an internationally aligned medical education system, comparable with licensing exams like the USMLE (United States) and PLAB (United Kingdom).

The Road Ahead: Measured Progress and Collaboration

The deferment of NExT offers both a challenge and an opportunity. The NMC now has a chance to refine the exam structure, build necessary infrastructure, and ensure that students, faculty, and testing bodies are all on the same page.

Dr. Sheth emphasized that the goal is not just to launch an exam but to create a robust, inclusive, and adaptable framework that serves future generations of medical graduates. “Adequate time will be given for feedback and transition,” he reiterated.

For now, students can expect a two-to-four-year window before NExT becomes a mandatory component of medical education in India. The Commission has assured that the implementation will only occur once consensus and operational readiness are achieved.

Conclusion

The National Exit Test (NExT) remains a cornerstone of India’s future medical education system, but its journey toward implementation is still in progress. With the NMC taking a measured approach, prioritising feedback, and addressing logistical challenges, the medical community can expect a gradual, well-planned rollout rather than an abrupt transition.

While the exam’s potential benefits — including standardisation, integration, and quality enhancement — remain strong, success will depend on transparency, infrastructure, and communication between the Commission and stakeholders.