NExT Exam Deferred: Why Doctors Say Postponement of 3-4 Years is Both Relief and Setback

The NMC announcement for the postponement of the National Exit Test (NExT) for the NExT three to four years sparked mixed reactions from doctors over its impact on India’s medical education system. Meanwhile, the commission has notified that mock runs and stakeholder feedback are required for the betterment of the exam framework before its implementation.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has announced the postponement of the National Exit Test (NExT) for three to four years. The commission has notified that there is a need of having mock trials and stakeholders' feedback before the implementation of the NExT exam. 

Reportedly, the FAIMA's Chairperson, Dr Abhijat Sheth, has notified that the board will conduct a series of mock tests over the NExT few years rather than the direct implementation of the examination. The trials will help NMC to get the necessary feedback from the students, medical colleges and institutions about applicability, logistics and fairness of the National Exit Test. 

What is NExT Exam? 

NExT exam is a proposed exam that would replace the NEET PG and FMGE exams for admission in postgraduate medical courses.

While NMC has announced that the postponement of the NExT exam will offer betterment in the examination process, Students and the medical fraternity have mixed reactions about the delay. 

NeXT Exam Delay Offers Time to Upgrade Medical Education

Doctor Sandeep Dagar, Patron of the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), has mentioned, "After our recent meeting with the Hon’ble NMC Chairman, it was conveyed that the NeXT exam will be implemented in about 3 to 4 years. For the initial 2–3 years, it will only be conducted as a mock test, and all expenses will be borne by NMC." 

He further added that the third phase will include standardisation of teaching methods, updating curricula, and training faculty before the exam. When implemented properly, NeXT has the potential to significantly enhance the quality and uniformity of medical education in India.

Students Must be Heard Before Major Decisions

Meanwhile, Dr Lakshya Mittal, Chairperson of United Doctors Front (UDF), has highlighted the need for students' involvement in decision-making. He specified, " The main issue isn’t just delaying the NExT exam, but it is about improving medical education. Exams like NEET or NExT should always have a clear plan and at least six months’ notice before they start."

He further added, "Students’ concerns must be listened to through proper consultations with all stakeholders. For example, this year, NEET PG was held in a single shift only after intervention by the medical fraternity, which ensured fairness and transparency." 

Concerns for In-Service Candidates 

Further, a doctor (who wishes to remain unnamed) shared his viewpoint, saying, "It is good that this time NMC will launch the NEXT exam after taking feedback from students. As it is a licensing exam, it will improve the quality of medical education in India. As the exam will be conducted on multiple days as per the earlier plan, how will in-service candidates get leave to appear in this exam to get a PG seat?" 

Possible Reasons for Postponement 

The NMC has highlighted that the NExT exam delay will ensure that the system is equitable. Further, other reasons for delay in NExT exam include lack of infrastructure, standardisation in all medical colleges, students & stakeholder concerns, among others. 

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