NExT Exam Postponed to 2028–29: Impact on MBBS Students

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has announced that the National Exit Test (NExT) has been postponed. So, if you’ve been worrying about tackling this massive new exam soon, relax. You now have a few extra years to prepare and adjust — around three to four years, to be exact.

Let’s break down what this update really means, why it happened, and how you can make the most of it.

What Exactly Is the NExT Exam?

The National Exit Test, or NExT, was designed to be a single, nationwide exam taken at the end of your MBBS course. It was meant to replace two major exams — the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) and parts of NEET PG.

Think of NExT as a “one-stop exam.” Once you clear it, you’d not only get your license to practice medicine in India, but your score would also determine your postgraduate admission.

The NMC introduced the idea back in 2019, aiming to make medical education and evaluation more uniform across the country. With over 1 lakh MBBS graduates each year, the goal was to create a level playing field.

However, many students voiced genuine concerns — mainly about increased pressure. MBBS already involves intense coursework and endless hours of study, so the idea of one huge, high-stakes exam at the end felt overwhelming.

Why Has NExT Been Deferred?

On October 29, 2025, the NMC officially announced that the NExT exam, originally scheduled for August 2025, has been deferred to 2028 or 2029.

So, what led to this decision? Simply put, the NMC wants to ensure the system is ready before it’s implemented nationwide.

The Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) played a major role in this. They gathered feedback from students and doctors across India, highlighting a few key concerns:

• The exam would add extra stress.
• Students in different colleges receive varying levels of preparation.
• Over 70% of students in a national survey said they needed more time to get ready.

Taking this feedback seriously, the NMC decided to pause. The goal hasn’t changed — NExT will still happen — but only once the process is smooth, fair, and proven to work. Experts are calling this a smart and sensible move that builds confidence in the system.

Mock Exams: Your Practice Ground

Instead of jumping straight into NExT, the NMC plans to conduct mock exams over the next three to four years. Think of these as full-scale practice runs — same format, same structure, but no real pressure.

These mock tests will be completely free and government-funded, open to all medical students across India.

Here’s what you can expect from them:

• Real Experience Without the Risk: You’ll get to attempt actual NExT-style papers and get a feel for the question pattern and timing.
• Constructive Feedback: Your scores and feedback will help both you and the NMC identify what needs improvement.
• Confidence Building: Studies show that regular mock practice can reduce exam anxiety by up to 40%.
• Nationwide Access: With over 600 medical colleges participating, every student gets an equal chance to prepare.

These mock exams are expected to start soon — keep checking the official NMC website for updates.

How This Delay Actually Helps You

This postponement is more than just a break — it’s a huge opportunity. You now have time to strengthen your concepts, focus on your current exams, and plan your career path without last-minute surprises.

Here’s how you can make the most of it:

• Master the Basics: Revisit your core MBBS subjects. Use apps like Marrow or Prepladder, which already have NExT-style questions.
• Focus on NEET PG (for now): Since NEET PG will continue until NExT takes over, aim high — there are over 2 lakh PG seats up for grabs next year.
• Develop Soft Skills: Join student organizations, volunteer, or participate in hospital outreach programs. These experiences help you grow into a well-rounded doctor.
• Stay Informed: Follow official NMC announcements so you’re always in the loop.

Medical associations have praised this decision, calling it a “balanced approach” that keeps quality high while protecting student well-being. And it makes sense — India produces about 10% of the world’s doctors, and ensuring fairness and readiness benefits everyone.

The Bigger Picture: Strengthening the System

This decision shows that the NMC is listening. We’ve seen similar transitions before — when NEET was introduced in 2016, it also faced challenges before becoming a standardized, trusted system.

Now, by testing the waters with mock exams, the NMC is ensuring that when NExT finally rolls out, it will be smooth, transparent, and reliable.

Globally, countries like the United States have similar medical licensing exams, and their pass rates are around 95%. With careful preparation, India is on track to reach that level too — building a stronger, more consistent medical education system for future generations.

Wrapping Up

The NExT deferment to 2028–2029 isn’t a setback — it’s a second chance to prepare smarter and feel more confident. The upcoming mock exams will be your guide, helping you understand the process long before the real test arrives.

Medicine isn’t just about clearing exams — it’s about patience, compassion, and lifelong learning. So take this time to grow, learn, and get ready to become the best version of yourself as a doctor.

How will you use these next few years? Share your thoughts in the comments below — and if you’d like more updates and study tips, don’t forget to subscribe.

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