New Delhi, October 31, 2025: In a significant update for Indian and international medical students, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has officially announced that the National Exit Test (NExT) will not be implemented immediately. Instead, the commission has decided to postpone the rollout for the next 3-4 years while it works on refining and perfecting the exam model through mock trials and feedback sessions.
This decision marks a crucial moment in India’s medical education reform, offering students more clarity and time to prepare for the transition from the current system of NEET-PG and FMGE to a unified national examination.
According to the NMC, the delay was necessary to ensure that the new exam system is fair, transparent, and technically sound before being introduced nationwide. The commission will conduct mock NExT exams, which will be fully funded by NMC, over the next few years to evaluate the model’s feasibility and gather feedback from students and institutions.
The announcement came after a meeting between NMC Chairman Dr. Abhijat Sheth and representatives from the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), one of India’s most prominent resident doctors’ associations. FAIMA confirmed that the NExT will be deferred for 3-4 years, and its implementation will only be considered after the outcomes of the mock tests are analyzed.
The National Exit Test (NExT) is a comprehensive reform proposed under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019. Once introduced, NExT will serve three major functions:
Essentially, NExT aims to standardize the evaluation process for medical students in India and abroad, ensuring that every doctor meets the same level of competence and knowledge, regardless of where they studied.
The postponement of NExT is a relief for both Indian MBBS students and Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) who plan to return to India for medical licensure.
This means students studying medicine in countries such as Russia, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and the Philippines can plan their education and return to India with greater clarity regarding the current licensing requirements.
The NMC’s decision reflects its commitment to building a more efficient and standardized evaluation system. By delaying implementation, the commission aims to avoid confusion, technical challenges, and disparities across institutions. It also ensures that the new exam will be data-driven, evidence-based, and student-friendly once introduced.
Medical associations have largely welcomed the move, describing it as a “mature and thoughtful decision.” Many experts believe that mock trials will help identify gaps in infrastructure and academic readiness, ultimately leading to a smoother transition.
While NExT remains on hold, students both in India and abroad should:
