What is the NEXT Exam for MBBS Abroad Students?

The National Exit Test (NEXT) is the single licensing and postgraduate entrance exam for all MBBS abroad graduates in India. It replaces both the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) and NEET-PG.

All students pursuing MBBS abroad in NMC-approved foreign medical colleges now need to pass the NEXT exam to become licensed doctors and get PG admission in India.

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Why the NEXT Exam Matters for MBBS Abroad Graduates

Previously, MBBS abroad students had to pass the FMGE to get a medical license and then appear for NEET-PG for PG admission. With the NEXT exam, both roles are merged into one national-level test.

The NEXT exam is now:

• The licensing test for MBBS abroad students (replacing FMGE)

• The PG entrance exam (replacing NEET-PG)

This single exam creates a fair, simplified process for foreign medical graduates.

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MBBS Abroad NEXT Exam Eligibility

To appear for the NEXT exam, an MBBS abroad graduate must meet these criteria:

1. Hold an MBBS degree from an NMC-recognized foreign university

2. Have a minimum of 50% marks in the MBBS abroad course

3. Complete a one-year internship after passing NEXT 1

Only after meeting these conditions can a foreign medical graduate appear for the NEXT 2 practical examination.

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NEXT vs FMGE: What Changed for MBBS Abroad Students

The NEXT exam not only replaces FMGE but also creates equal opportunity for both Indian and MBBS abroad students under a uniform system.

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NEXT Exam Format for MBBS Abroad Graduates

NEXT 1 (Replaces FMGE NEET-PG)

• 540 multiple-choice questions (MCQs)

• Subjects include Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, ENT, Ophthalmology, OBG

• Conducted over 3 days

• Passing marks: 50%

• Score valid for 2 years

NEXT 2 (Practical Exam)

• Conducted by university/hospital

• Post 1-year internship

• Result declared as Pass or Fail

This format ensures both knowledge and clinical skill evaluation for MBBS abroad graduates.

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NEXT Syllabus for MBBS Abroad Graduates

Subjects covered in NEXT 1 include:

• Medicine and Allied

• Surgery and Allied

• Paediatrics

• ENT (Otorhinolaryngology)

• Ophthalmology

• Obstetrics and Gynaecology

The NEXT exam syllabus is aligned with the Indian MBBS final-year curriculum, allowing MBBS abroad students to match Indian standards.

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NEXT Exam Timetable for MBBS Abroad Students

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MBBS Abroad NEXT Exam Marking & Qualifying

Marking Scheme:

• NEXT 1: Raw scores with decimal points, pass mark = 50%

• NEXT 2: Practical-based; result declared as Pass/Fail only

Question Breakdown:

• 65% problem-solving and clinical reasoning

• 25% comprehension and application

• 10% recall

MBBS abroad students must focus on problem-solving and applied clinical knowledge to succeed in NEXT.

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How NEXT Replaces FMGE and NEET-PG

The NEXT exam combines the purpose of both FMGE (for foreign medical graduates’ licensure) and NEET-PG (for PG entrance) into one standardized exam. This shift means:

• No need to appear separately for FMGE and NEET-PG

• Equal competition between Indian and MBBS abroad students

• Reduced confusion and increased transparency

• Better recognition for MBBS abroad degrees in India

The two-stage exam—NEXT 1 and NEXT 2—ensures a comprehensive evaluation of both academic knowledge and clinical skills.

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Benefits of NEXT Exam for MBBS Abroad Students

1. Replaces outdated FMGE system

2. Helps MBBS abroad students compete for PG seats in India

3. Promotes a national standard of evaluation

4. Pushes foreign colleges to improve quality

5. Ensures only competent foreign medical graduates enter Indian healthcare

The NEXT exam gives MBBS abroad graduates a clear, fair pathway to medical practice and PG in India.

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Final Words: NEXT is the Future for MBBS Abroad Aspirants

The NEXT exam is now the official, unified exam for all MBBS abroad students seeking to register as doctors and apply for PG courses in India. Whether you're currently studying MBBS abroad or planning to take admission soon, remember that clearing the NEXT exam is now non-negotiable.

The old FMGE system is no longer in place. The future of every foreign medical graduate in India depends on how well they prepare for the NEXT exam.

Stay updated on NMC regulations, MBBS abroad admission news, and NEXT guidance at Collnod.com – your trusted education portal for MBBS abroad and NEXT updates.