NEXT Exam 2025: Dates, Syllabus, Pattern, Eligibility

The National Exit Test (NExT), formerly known as the MCI/NMC Screening Test, is a licensure examination for medical graduates, particularly foreign medical graduates aiming to practice medicine in India. Introduced under the Screening Test Regulations of 2002, the NExT exam is conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) under the aegis of the National Medical Commission (NMC). 

This exam serves as a gateway for foreign medical graduates to secure provisional or permanent registration with the NMC or State Medical Councils. The NExT exam is held twice annually, and it not only validates the medical qualifications of international graduates but also ensures they meet the standards required to practice in India. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality of healthcare professionals in the country, aligning with global medical standards.

The NExT Exam 2025 for MBBS is an upcoming exam designed to evaluate the competencies of medical graduates and assess their eligibility to practice medicine. Expected to be held in August 2025, the NExT exam is essential for MBBS students to obtain a license to practice medicine in India. It will be conducted in two stages, assessing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. 

The exam will replace the existing National Eligibility-Cum-Entrance Test for postgraduate seats (NEET PG) and the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), thereby streamlining the process for both national and international medical graduates.

NExt Exam: Quick Highlights

NExT Exam Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility criteria for the NExT exam ensure that only qualified candidates can appear. The table below outlines the necessary qualifications and requirements.

NExT Exam Application Form

Timely application is crucial for exam preparation. The following table provides details on the expected release date and registration method for the NExT exam application form.

NExT Qualifying Criteria

Meeting the qualifying criteria is essential to pass the NExT exam. The table below outlines the minimum score and passing marks required for each paper.

NExT Exam 2025 Objectives

The objectives of the NExT exam are designed to assess various aspects of a candidate's medical education. This table highlights the key objectives evaluated during the exam.

NExT 2025 Question Pattern

The question pattern for the NExT exam is designed to cover various medical subjects comprehensively. This section provides details on the distribution of questions and marks.

The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) is a mandatory licensure test for Indian citizens with medical degrees from foreign institutions, enabling them to practice medicine in India. In 2023, the FMGE pass rates varied significantly by country, reflecting differences in educational standards and training quality.

FMGE Pass Rates by Country (2023)

• Nepal: 34.54%
• China: 19.01%
• Ukraine: 18.81%
• Philippines: 18.48%
• Romania: 12.50%

These statistics indicate that graduates from Nepal had the highest success rate in the FMGE, while those from Romania had the lowest among the listed countries.

Latest Exam Date: The next NExT exam is scheduled for January 12, 2025 (exact date to be announced). Below are the important pieces of information regarding the NExT Exam one should keep in mind while sitting for the MCI/NMC screening test/NExT exam

Understanding the exam pattern helps candidates prepare effectively. The NExT 2025 exam includes two steps, focusing on theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

The syllabus for the NExT exam covers a wide range of subjects, ensuring comprehensive medical education. Below is a list of the key subjects included in the syllabus.