NEXT Exam Pattern: What MBBS Students Need to Know
The National Exit Test (NEXT) is a major reform in India’s medical education system. Designed to replace NEET PG and FMGE, this single, standardised exam will serve two purposes: granting a licence to practice medicine and acting as the gateway for postgraduate admissions.
For every MBBS student, understanding the NEXT exam paper pattern, NEXT exam format for MBBS, new exam pattern for NEXT, NEXT exam stages (Step 1 & Step 2), and the NEXT exam type and marking scheme is crucial to prepare effectively for the coming change.
NEXT Exam Format for MBBS Students
The NEXT exam format for MBBS graduates focuses on testing conceptual understanding and practical skills, not just memorisation. It aims to produce doctors who can think clinically, diagnose accurately and treat patients with confidence.
The exam will be held in two stages- Step 1 and Step 2
NEXT Step 1- Theory Examination
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Timing: After the final year of MBBS
- Purpose: To qualify for an internship and determine for PG admission rank
- Syllabus Coverage:
- Medicine and Allied subjects
- Surgery and Allied Subjects
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Pediatrics
- ENT (Otorhinolaryngology)
- Ophthalmology
- Structure: Each subject will include a mix of clinical and applied questions that integrate concepts from Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Pharmacology and Community Medicine.
The question pattern is designed to test:
- Problem-solving and analytical skills: 60-70%
- Comprehension and interpretation: 20-30%
- Recall-based knowledge: 10-15%
NEXT Step 2- Practical/Clinical Examination
- Mode: Practical/Oral/Clinical Examination
- Timing: After completing the internship
- Purpose: To assess clinical competence for obtaining a license to practice
- Evaluation: Conducted by respective medical colleges under NMC guidelines
- Subject Included:
- Medicine and Allied
- Surgery and Allied
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Pediatrics
- ENT
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopaedics and PMR
This step will focus on assessing how well a candidate can handle patients, communicate and apply clinical skills in real or simulated scenarios.
NEXT Exam Stages (Step 1 & Step 2)
Both steps have distinct objectives:
- NEXT Step 1: Tests theoretical and applied medical knowledge. Your score here will determine your PG seat eligibility.
- NEXT Step 2: Test your clinical competence. You must pass this stage to obtain your medical license.
Students must clear both steps within 10 years of joining the MBBS to qualify as registered medical practitioners.
New Exam Pattern for NEXT
The new exam pattern for NEXT is built on the principles of Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME). This means that rather than focusing on memorisation, the test evaluates your ability to apply knowledge to patient care.
Here’s how it differs from older exams like NEET PG:
| Criteria | NEET PG | NEXT Exam |
| Exam Type | Single MCQ-based test | Two stages (Theory + Clinical) |
| Focus | Recall-based questions | Application & problem-solving |
| Purpose | PG Admission | Licensing + PG Admission |
| When Conducted | After Internship | Step 1 before internship; Step 2 after |
| Question Nature | Purely theoretical | Integrated & clinically oriented |
This structure aligns Indian medical evaluation with international standards like the USMLE and PLAB.
NEXT Exam Type and Marking Scheme
NEXT Step 1: Theory
- Exam Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Duration: Conducted over three days
- Marking Scheme:
- +1 for each correct answer
- No negative marking (as per current draft pattern)
- Minimum passing score: 50% in each paper
- Purpose: Determine internship eligibility and PG ranking
NEXT Step 2: Practical
- Exam Type: Clinical/Practical assessment (OSCE, viva, or case-based evaluation)
- Marking Scheme: Pass/Fail based on competence in patient management, diagnosis and communication
- Purpose: Licensure to practice medicine in India
How to Prepare for the NEXT Exam
- Shift focus from memorisation to understanding: Since NEXT emphasises problem-solving, build your clinical reasoning skills.
- Revise subjects in an integrated way: Combine preclinical, paraclinical and clinical concepts.
- Practice case-based and applied MCQs: Resources like DigiNerve can help with the style of mock tests for the examination.
- Simulate OSCE-style exams: Practice for Step 2 by working on patient interaction, physical exams and presentation skills.
- Follow CBME principles: Study with an outcome-based approach, focus on what competencies are expected.
The NEXT exam pattern marks a transformative step in Indian medical education. It ensures that all MBBS graduates meet uniform national standards before practising or pursuing postgraduate studies.
By understanding the NEXT exam format for MBBS, familiarising yourself with the new exam pattern for NEXT and preparing strategically for both NEXT exam stages (Step 1 & Step 2), you can set yourself up for success.
The NEXT exam type and marking scheme demand conceptual clarity and clinical application skills that will ultimately make you a confident and competent doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the next exam for MBBS students?
Ans – The next major exam for MBBS students is the National Exit Test (NExT), a two-part exam that will replace the NEET PG and FMGE exams. The first part, NExT Step 1, is a theoretical exam for final-year MBBS students to qualify for their license to practice, and the second part, NExT Step 2, is a practical and clinical skills exam. The scores from both parts will be used for admission to postgraduate courses.
Q2. What are the passing marks for the next exam, MBBS?
Ans – Students who pass NEXT 1 are eligible to start their internship. To pass, candidates must score at least 50% marks. It is important to note that students must clear both NEXT 1 and NEXT 2 to get a license to practice medicine in India.
Q3. What is the 60/40 rule in MBBS?
Ans – The “60:40 rule” in MBBS is a passing criterion for university examinations, requiring students to score a minimum of 50% overall for a subject, with a separate minimum of 60% in either the theory or practical component and 40% in the other. For example, a student could pass by scoring 60% in theory and 40% in practical, or vice versa. This rule applies to the university-conducted examinations and was introduced under the Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) guidelines, effective for exams held after September 1, 2023.
Q4. How do I prepare for my NExT exam?
- Make a realistic revision schedule
- Find a revision style that suits you
- Customise your notes to make them more personal
- Make sure you understand everything
- Look at past exam papers
- Take regular short breaks
- Reward yourself
- Do something physical
