Are you a student in India pursuing an MBBS, or are you studying overseas with plans to become a doctor in India? Then, a significant turning point in your medical career will be the NEXT Exam 2025. In India, the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) and the final year MBBS exams are being replaced by the National Exit Test (NExT), which was created to expedite the licensing process and guarantee consistent medical education standards.
This guide will help you with everything you need to know about NExT 2025 preparation, including its structure, eligibility, and syllabus. How Education Vibes NExT advice may help you ace this crucial test will be covered in this good guide.
Understand What is the NExT Exam 2025
The NEXT Exam 2025 is a exam which is mandatory licensure test for all final-year MBBS students in India and abroad. It is for the ones who are willing to or wish to practice medicine in India. It is always conducted by the National Medical Commission (NMC), NExT is designed to serve three key purposes:
Licensing of Indian and foreign MBBS graduates to practice medicine in India.
Certification for internships across India.
Admission criteria for postgraduate medical education (replacing NEET-PG).
In essence, NExT is both a qualifying and ranking exam for medical aspirants.
Learn NExT Syllabus and Pattern
Understanding the National Exit Test syllabus is very important to acing the exam. The test is always conducted in two parts:
NExT Step 1: A computer-based exam with multiple-choice questions covering the core subjects of the MBBS curriculum, such as Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, ENT, Ophthalmology, and related pre- and para-clinical subjects.
NExT Step 2: A practical/clinical exam to evaluate clinical, diagnostic, and patient management skills during internship.
The NEXT exam pattern 2025 is designed to assess both theoretical knowledge and practical competence. It emphasizes application, problem-solving, and integration across various medical disciplines, making it essential to start your NExT preparation early.
Understand NMC NEXT eligibility criteria
So, All undergraduate medical students pursuing MBBS from medical colleges approved by NMC. All Foreign Medical Graduates approved by NMC for the purpose of obtaining a licence to practice medicine as a registered medical practitioner in India under NMC NEXT eligibility criteria
It’s very much important to note that clearing both parts of the NEXT Exam is necessary to obtain a license and pursue further medical education.
Know NEXT Step 1 and Step 2 details
The National Exit Test (NExT) is a two-part exam for medical graduates in India, required for licensure and postgraduate studies. NExT Step 1 is a theoretical exam, while NExT Step 2 is a practical exam.
NExT Step 1:
Purpose: To assess theoretical knowledge in various medical subjects.
Format: A written test, typically online.
Content: 540 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering 19 medical subjects.
Eligibility: Final year MBBS students for Medical licensing exam India
Timing: Conducted twice a year, likely in May and November, with the first NExT 1 exam in August 2025.
Score validity: NExT 1 scores are valid for two years.
Passing: Candidates need to score a minimum of 50% (50 out of 100) in each of the 6 papers in NEXT Exam
NExT Step 2:
Purpose: To evaluate clinical skills and practical knowledge.
Format: A practical exam conducted at state medical colleges or universities.
Eligibility: Requires passing NExT Step 1 and completing a 12-month internship.
Timing: The NExT 2 exam is expected to be held in February 2026.
Passing: Candidates are evaluated based on their ability to demonstrate adequate competencies, and the results are declared as either Pass or Fai
Above are NEXT Step 1 and Step 2 details
Conclusion
The NExT Exam 2025 marks a new era in India’s medical education landscape. It ensures that every doctor entering the healthcare system is well-trained, competent, and ready for clinical challenges. While the exam may seem daunting, with the right guidance and preparation strategy, success is entirely achievable.
In your journey, let the guidance from Education Vibes for NExT serve as your compass.
