Likhith · October 17, 2025 
Introduction
Are you an MBBS student bracing for the new National Exit Test (NEXT) in India? With NEXT now replacing NEET-PG and FMGE, mastering its updated pattern and syllabus is no longer optional—it’s essential for medical licensing and PG admissions in 2025. But what exactly will the NEXT test be, and how should one prepare for success? In this in-depth blog, discover everything about the NEXT exam’s pattern, syllabus, and actionable strategies—plus how expert guidance from Career Plan B can make your journey smarter, not harder. Ready to approach NEXT with clarity and confidence? Let’s begin!
Understanding the NEXT Exam: Big Changes for MBBS Graduates
Why Was NEXT Introduced?
The National Exit Test (NEXT) is a single-step solution for:
- Final-year MBBS medical licensing
- Ranking for PG medical admissions
- Qualifying foreign medical graduates (FMGs)
It replaces both NEET-PG and FMGE starting with the MBBS batch graduating in 2025.
Rhetorical question: Can one test truly address all these crucial milestones?
NEXT Exam Pattern 2025: What to Expect
Structure at a Glance
- NExT 1 (Theory): MCQ-based, online exam, covering 19 subjects; scores valid for internship and PG ranking.
- NExT 2 (Practical): Hands-on, viva/practical test at respective medical colleges after internship; grading is pass/fail.
- Eligibility: Final-year MBBS students, Indian and FMGs (Foreign Medical Graduates).
Detailed Breakdown
| Exam Stage | Type | Mode | Subjects (Main Focus) | No. of Questions | Duration | Passing Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEXT 1 | Theory | Online | 19 medical subjects, grouped | 540 MCQs | ~3 days (split) | 50% aggregate |
| NEXT 2 | Practical | Offline | Clinical skills & competencies | Case-based/Viva | College decided | Pass/Fail |
- NEXT 1 is split into 6 major papers over 3 days (e.g., Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, ENT, OBG, Ophthalmology).
- 65% weightage for problem-solving/applied questions; 35% for recall/foundation.
- Unlimited attempts within 10 years of MBBS admission, with annual main/supplementary cycles.
NEXT Syllabus 2025: Subject-Wise Coverage
Pre-Clinical & Para-Clinical Subjects
- Anatomy: Gross, histology, embryology
- Physiology: Body systems, neurophysiology
- Biochemistry: Metabolism, enzymes, basic nutrition
- Pathology: Systemic, hematology, clinical
- Microbiology: Bacteriology, virology, immunology
- Pharmacology: Drug mechanisms, therapeutics
- Forensic Medicine: Medical law, toxicology
Clinical Subjects
- Medicine & Allied: Internal medicine, dermatology, psychiatry
- Surgery & Allied: General surgery, orthopedics, anesthesia
- Obstetrics & Gynecology: Pregnancy, labor, women’s health
- Pediatrics: Neonatology, child growth, common disorders
- Community Medicine: Epidemiology, public health, preventive care
- Otorhinolaryngology (ENT): Ear, nose, throat
- Ophthalmology: Eye diseases, optics
Pro Tip: For a detailed topic-by-topic list, refer to your MBBS curriculum and the official MBBS NMC Logbook—this mirrors the NEXT exam content closely.
How Will NEXT Assess You? Marking Scheme and Strategy
- MCQs only: Single-best-answer format, no negative marking (as per latest draft rules).
- Raw scores: Direct marks, percentage/percentile for PG admissions.
- Problem-based case vignettes: Emphasizes application, not rote memory.
- NEXT 2: Clinical scenarios and skill demonstration—think practical application!
Preparation Tips: Crack NEXT with Confidence
1. Master Clinical Thinking
- Focus less on rote facts, more on how you’d manage real patients.
- Practice with clinical case banks and integrated, application-based questions.
2. Structured Revision Matters
- Make an “active recall” timetable–don’t just read, quiz yourself.
- Study in cycles: Foundation (1st/2nd year subjects) → Clinical (final year).
3. Attempt Previous/Model Papers
- Attempt NEXT-style papers to get a feel for applied MCQs.
- Use simulated computer-based tests for accuracy and speed.
4. Join Group Discussions
- Explain clinical reasoning to peers—teaching reinforces retention.
- Participate in online forums and mock VIVA rounds.
5. Expert Guidance & Progress Tracking
- Don’t guess your weaknesses—use analytics, progress charts, and expert review of your attempts.
- Seek out regular feedback from mentors or platforms like “Career Plan B” for targeted improvement.
How Career Plan B Supports NEXT Aspirants
At Career Plan B, our mission is simple: Right to Quality Education and Career, hence Quality Life! With over 15 years’ experience, we’ve guided MBBS students through NEET, FMGE, and now the NEXT transition. Here’s how we empower you:
- Personalized study plans matching your unique learning profile
- Unbiased counseling for exam and PG goal-setting
- Mock test series aligned to the latest NEXT exam standards
- Workshops on time management, stress control, and smart revision
- Up-to-date resources, including real NEXT pattern question banks
- Psychometric testing and motivational support for every step
Our not-for-profit, student-first approach means every piece of advice is unbiased.
Have any doubts?
📞 Contact our expert counsellor today and get all your questions answered!
FAQs: NEXT Exam 2025
1. Who has to appear for NEXT from 2025?
Any MBBS student graduating in 2025 or after, as well as foreign medical graduates (FMGs) seeking Indian licensure, must attempt NEXT 1 and 2.
2. What happens if I fail NEXT 1?
You can retake the failed paper(s) at the next scheduled exam. There is no limit on attempts as long as it’s within 10 years of MBBS admission.
3. How is NEXT different from NEET-PG?
NEXT serves as both a licensing and a PG ranking exam. It includes both clinical (NEXT 2) and theoretical (NEXT 1) evaluations, with more focus on problem-solving and real-life scenarios than NEET-PG.
4. What score is required to pass NEXT 1?
A minimum of 50% (aggregate) across all papers is needed to be eligible for internship and NEXT 2.
5. Can Career Plan B help if I’m stuck?
Absolutely—Career Plan B offers 1:1 doubt-solving, revision boot camps, and post-result PG counseling for India and abroad.
Conclusion: Approach NEXT with Strategy, Not Stress!
The NEXT exam marks a new chapter for Indian medical graduates—one that rewards practical knowledge, clinical acumen, and smart preparation. With the right resources, guidance, and an empowered approach, you can not only pass NEXT but also secure your ideal PG branch and a rewarding career. Reach out to Career Plan B for personalized support, and transform exam anxiety into exam mastery. Your future as a confident doctor begins here!
