NExT Deferred Again: NMC to Hold Mock Exams Nationwide in 3–4 years

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has once again deferred the implementation of the National Exit Test (NExT) for the next three to four years. The decision was announced following a high-level meeting between NMC Chairman Dr. Abhijat Sheth and representatives of the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) in New Delhi.

During the meeting, Dr. Sheth confirmed that instead of immediate implementation, the Commission will conduct a series of mock NExT examinations across India. These mock tests will be fully funded by NMC and will serve to evaluate the preparedness of medical colleges, infrastructure adequacy, and student readiness for the eventual rollout.

Purpose of Conducting Nationwide Mock NExT Exams

According to the Commission, the mock exams aim to gather comprehensive feedback from students, medical institutions, and administrators. The data collected will help assess the feasibility, logistics, and academic alignment required before nationwide execution. Dr. Sheth emphasized that this step is essential to ensure that the system is “fully prepared” — not only in terms of physical infrastructure but also in legal and administrative frameworks. The NMC’s focus is to make the transition to NExT smooth and effective once officially implemented. The Commission clarified that the mock tests will be conducted over the next three to four years, and their outcomes will directly influence the timeline for the official launch of the National Exit Test.

FAIMA’s Role and Nationwide Student Concerns

The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) played a significant role in bringing attention to the issues faced by medical students and institutions regarding NExT. The association had recently conducted a nationwide survey, revealing concerns related to training quality, institutional readiness, and increased workload among students and resident doctors. Dr. Sheth appreciated FAIMA’s evidence-based representation and confirmed that the NMC would incorporate the survey findings while revising policies related to medical education and examination systems.