National Exit Test (NEXT)
The National Exit Test (NEXT) embodies a universally applicable principle - there can be no compromise on quality standards in the medical profession.
Evidently, corruption was widespread within the 88-year-old Medical Council of India (MCI). There was ample evidence indicating that officials were engaging in illegitimate activities in collusion with political leaders at various levels. Furthermore, there was a lack of consistency in the process of admitting new members to the medical fraternity. In essence, while foreign medical graduates were required to undergo the MCI Screening Test, doctors from Indian Medical Universities were exempt.
Additionally, it was widely acknowledged that the quality of medical education varied significantly across the globe. Significant differences were observed between the quality of education in government and private institutes, as indicated by major surveys. Moreover, there was no quality assessment to evaluate a significant portion of the medical workforce entering the Indian healthcare industry.
After extensive deliberation by the Government of India (GOI), the National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill came into effect on September 25, 2020. This led to the dissolution of the MCI and the establishment of the National Medical Commission in its place. A significant step taken by the NMC was the replacement of the MCI Screening Test with the National Exit Test (NEXT).
NMC NEXT Examination
As previously mentioned, the National Exit Test (NEXT) is the exit examination for MBBS. Just as NEET UG serves as the entrance examination, NEXT serves as the exit examination.
Let's delve into the purpose of the NEXT Examination in India. Firstly, the NEXT Examination will verify an MBBS graduate's eligibility to commence an internship. Secondly, the score obtained in the National Exit Examination will determine an aspirant's merit for Medical PG seats. Finally, the NEXT Examination, applicable to both foreign and Indian medical graduates, will grant them the license to practice medicine in India.
In essence, the NEXT Examination will amalgamate two separate examinations - the NMC NEET PG and the MCI Screening Test. Importantly, like foreign medical graduates, Indian medical graduates will also be required to pass the same examination to practice medicine. This ensures uniformity, addressing the disparity that existed previously.
About the NEXT Examination
Let's outline the structure of the proposed National Exit Test (NEXT).
The NEXT Examination will consist of two stages - NEXT 1 and NEXT 2. Essentially, the NEXT 1 Examination will determine two aspects: an aspirant's eligibility to commence an internship and their knowledge and skill levels to secure a seat in Indian Medical PG programs. Conversely, the NEXT 2 Examination will assess an aspirant's eligibility to practice medicine in India.