The National Medical Commission (NMC) published the National Exit Test (NExT) regulations on June 27, signalling a substantial shift in India's medical education environment. The laws were precisely crafted after over 6,500 opinions were received after a lengthy consultation process.
Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Health Minister, said the Rajya Sabha that the draught regulations were debated and adopted at a meeting of the NMC, which included members from universities and state medical councils.
The process was not without difficulties, with students, notably those from Tamil Nadu, expressing reservations. These issues were addressed, resulting in the deferral of the NExT via a public notice dated July 13.
The NExT will be a thorough computer-based test with high-quality multiple-choice questions (MCQs). These multiple-choice questions are intended to address higher domains of knowledge, corresponding with the competencies anticipated of a medical graduate practising modern medicine.
The NExT will serve as the basis for certifying the eligibility of medical graduates to register to practice modern medicine in India, thereby functioning as a licentiate examination.
In addition to serving as a licentiate examination, the NExT will also determine the eligibility and ranking for admission to postgraduate medical education in the country.
This makes it an entrance examination for admission to PG courses, including for foreign medical graduates.
