Will NExT Replace NEET PG 2026 This Year? Medicos Seeks Clarity on NEET PG Dates & Schedule

Will NExT replace NEET PG 2026 is a common question among medical aspirants waiting for NEET PG 2026 exam dates and schedule. Reportedly, NMC has deferred the implementation of the National Exit Test, meaning NEET PG 2026 scores will be accepted for MD, MS and PG Diploma courses. 

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National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has delayed NEET PG 2026 registration this year. Students who are seeking admission to PG medical courses, i.e. MD, MS and DNB courses, are asking when will NEET PG registration 2026 begin.

A few medicos are also asking —Will NExT replace NEET PG 2026? The answer is no. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has made it clear that NEET PG will be continued for the session 2026 for PG medical admission. NMC has deferred the implementation of NExT exam for PG medical admission at least till the 2028–29 academic cycle.

This means candidates seeking admission to MD, MS and PG Diploma programmes in 2026 will have to appear for NEET PG. Now, students seeking admission to PG medical courses are seeking NEET PG 2026 dates and schedule. The NEET PG 2026 registration has been delayed this year. This will further delay the counselling and admission session. Resultedly, there is likely to be a shortage of medicos in the hospitals. 

Why Has NExT Been Deferred?

The following are the reasons for NExT exam deferral: 

• The academic infrastructure is not yet completed. 
• Stakeholders had expressed concerns regarding the new examination structure
• Curriculum and assessment changes take time

NEET PG 2026 Exam Date

NBEMS will conduct NEET 2026 exam on August 30, 2026. It is expected that NEET PG registration 2026 will begin soon at natboard.edu.in for students seeking admission PG medical courses. 

Read more:

• Will NEET PG Registration 2026 Begin This Week? Check Latest Update on Application Dates & Schedule
• NEET PG 2026 Registration Delayed: How Late Application Process Would Affect Counselling & Academic Session?