Ritik Kumar · November 7, 2025 
Introduction
Thinking of practicing medicine in India after earning your degree abroad? The new National Exit Test (NExT) has changed everything for Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) with a host of fresh rules set by the National Medical Commission (NMC). From eligibility certificates to multi-stage exams and supervised internships, the path to permanent registration in India may seem complicated—but you’re certainly not alone! This comprehensive blog unpacks the latest 2025 rules, the NExT registration process, and actionable strategies for FMGs to overcome common pitfalls. Ready to decode your path to an Indian medical license?
NMC’s NExT Registration Rules: What’s New in 2025?
Why Did NMC Introduce NExT for FMGs?
The NExT exam replaces the previous FMGE and is now the single gateway for both Indian and foreign graduates to earn permanent medical registration and enter postgraduate programs in India. The primary goal: ensuring consistent quality of medical practitioners nationwide while maintaining global equivalence.
- NExT brings parity between Indian and foreign graduates.
- Uniform exit criteria mean no more ambiguity across Indian states or foreign universities.
Who Needs to Register for NExT?
Are You Eligible as a Foreign Medical Graduate?
To register for NExT as an FMG, you must meet all of the following at the time of application:
- Completed an MBBS/MD (or equivalent) of at least 54 months from a recognized foreign university.
- Full course taught in English.
- 12-month clinical internship in the same country/institution of graduation.
- Possession of a registration/licensure that permits you to practice in your country of graduation.
- Obtained an NMC Eligibility Certificate (mandatory for all FMGs seeking permanent/ provisional registration).
Rhetorical Question: Unsure if your degree meets NMC’s ever-changing benchmarks? Skipping verification could mean years of heartbreak—double-check before investing your time and money.
The NMC NExT Registration Process for FMGs: Step by Step
1. Confirm Your Foreign Medical Qualification
- Degree must align with NMC’s Schedule I of Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations, 2021.
- Verify your university’s legitimacy on NMC’s official website.
- Ensure your degree grants a license to practice in your university’s country.
2. Obtain an NMC Eligibility Certificate
- Application Opens (2025): March 10; Deadline: April 9 (for FMGE July session).
- Submit documents: degree certificate, academic transcripts, internship certificate, proof of registration eligibility, passport, result of NEET-UG (for batches after 2018).
- Pro Tip: Incomplete or forged documents can result in lifelong disqualification.
3. Pass NExT Step 1 (Theory Exam)
- Computer-based MCQ exam.
- Six key clinical subject papers must score at least 50% in each.
- No limit to the number of attempts, but all subjects must be cleared in one session for PG eligibility.
- Appear after returning to India and receiving NMC clearance.
4. Undergo Compulsory Indian Internship
- Duration: 12 months (rotatory), at any NMC-recognized hospital or college in India.
- Provisional registration is granted after clearing NExT Step 1.
- Maintain detailed records—required for ultimate NMC verification and registration.
5. Pass NExT Step 2 (Practical/Clinical Exam)
- Only after successfully completing the Indian internship.
- Conducted as clinical and viva-based assessment at your assigned medical college or university.
- The result is pass/fail; a pass is essential for full medical registration.
6. Receive Permanent Registration
- Granted by State Medical Council or NMC.
- Only after clearing both steps of NExT and submitting all valid documents.
Comparison Table: Indian MBBS vs. FMG NExT Pathway
| Step | Indian MBBS Graduate | Foreign Medical Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | MBBS from NMC-recognized Indian college | MBBS/MD (min 54 months) + NMC eligibility |
| Step 1 (Theory) | End of final year MBBS | After NMC clearance, on return to India |
| Internship | 12 months in India | 12 months abroad + 12 months in India |
| Step 2 (Practical) | After Indian internship | After Indian internship |
| PG Admission | Centralized PG counseling (Step 1 score) | Same as Indian graduates |
| Permanent Registration | After Step 2 | After Step 2 |
Common Pitfalls: How to Avoid Disqualification
- Studying at an unrecognized college or program not meeting NMC’s criteria.
- Failure to complete or properly document the required internships (abroad and in India).
- Missing deadlines for eligibility certificate applications.
- Skipping NEET-UG before MBBS admission abroad (if enrolled after 2018).
- Submitting incomplete or inaccurate documents at any step.
Rhetorical Question: If you could sidestep these landmines with expert mentorship, would you still risk going it alone?
How Career Plan B Helps FMGs Navigate NExT & NMC Rules
At Career Plan B, the mission is clear: Right to Quality Education and Career, hence Quality Life! With more than 15 years in educational and career counseling, the team has a deep understanding of the NMC’s complex, evolving guidelines and real-world FMG scenarios in 2025. Here’s how Career Plan B puts you in the driver’s seat:
- Personalized Eligibility Assessment: One-on-one reviews of your foreign degree, course structure, and university recognition before you make crucial decisions.
- Document Coaching: Checklists, reminders, sample forms, and thorough document verification before NMC submission.
- Timeline Management: Stay ahead of critical application deadlines—never miss a chance at registration or exam attempts.
- Exam Strategies & Prep: Tailored NExT prep plans, with resources and mentor guidance to conquer both Step 1 and Step 2.
- Internship Placement: Insights and network connections to secure your mandatory Indian internship swiftly.
- Problem-Solving Hotline: Unbiased advice on unique or tricky situations like lost certificates, delayed transcripts, or country-specific issues.
Real Success Story: A recent FMG from Eastern Europe, advised by Career Plan B, avoided disqualification due to a potential documentation lapse—saving a full year and gaining NExT eligibility with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is NExT mandatory for all foreign medical graduates in 2025?
Yes. All FMGs (except those with PG and medical license from USA, UK, Australia, Canada, or New Zealand) must clear NExT for permanent registration.
2. What if my foreign MBBS does not meet the NMC’s “duration” or “internship” criteria?
You will be disqualified from writing NExT or seeking permanent registration in India—so always check NMC’s latest regulations before enrolling or returning.
3. Are there limits to NExT attempts for FMGs?
No cap on total attempts, but you must clear all six papers in one go to be eligible for PG seats in a particular year.
4. Do I need NEET before studying MBBS abroad?
Yes—for batch 2018 and later, a valid NEET-UG qualification is mandatory before joining foreign MBBS programs.
5. What is the typical timeline from FMG graduation to registration in India?
It generally takes 2–3 years: time for documentation, clearance, NExT Step 1, 12 months’ Indian internship, NExT Step 2, and then registration.
6. How can Career Plan B assist me at each step?
Career Plan B delivers expert, not-for-profit guidance at each hurdle: eligibility checks, paperwork, exam prep, internship advice, and practical support throughout your registration journey.
Conclusion
The NMC’s NExT rules for foreign medical graduates demand precision, planning, and patience—but clearing every stage means you’re ready for a rewarding Indian medical career. Begin your journey by verifying credentials, planning for the new exam structure, and assembling all documents ahead of time. For expert help, personalized planning, and the support every FMG deserves, connect with Career Plan B—your trusted ally for every milestone. Step confidently into your future; you’re not alone on this path!
