Should Prepare For in 2025
There will be major transition in the field of medicine in 2025 in India where the government plans on introducing National Exit Test for students appearing for NEET-PG and FMGE exams. This news by
NMC came with a vast ocean of views and discussions which has divided for and against such implementation.
The change is tentatively scheduled for the August 2025. However, to facilitate and to implement takes a lot of sectors and criteria to visualize. This article is a voyager of what kind of exams are NEET-PG and FMGE exams and how NEXT exam differs, and what Indian MBBS student should prepare for the coming years
What is the basic understanding of NEXT Exam 2025?
We know that India has revolutionised after COVID and became global service provider in various fields including medicine. To combat the recent scenarios where students give licensing exams and leave to practice in countries like UK,USA,Australia etc . This will reduce the timeline to become a specialised doctor as it will replace NEET-PG (postgraduate exam) .
The Next Exam will be a national-level examination to assess both theoretical and practical competence of a MBBS individual who’s going to appear.
Goal behind this exam-
1- Replacement of Post graduate exam- This exam will replace the NEET-PG exam, which will help in the process of entry into specialities, ensuring that medical professionals are qualified to take advanced courses in medicine, surgery, paediatrics, community medicine etc.
2- Licensing exam for MBBS student- The graduate will be assessed on various application of medical field which includes- medical laws and ethics, pre-clinical, para-clinical and clinical
subjects. Upon which the candidate will be given eligibility to practice in India.
3- FMGE burden- Foreign medical graduates coming from abroad currently have the burden of passing FMGE and then do one year of rotational internship which will give them license to practice or appear for post-graduate exam. The introduction of Next will be able to provide unified system for all students.
Basic Structure of the NEXT EXAM
The exam will be a two-phase process-
1- NEXT Step-1- This stage will be conducted at the end of MBBS course and will assess theoretical knowledge as well as basic practical skills. The subjects included will be- anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, and clinical medicine. The exam will be conducted online and will include MCQs, short answers and long
answers. The theory part of the exam will be administered online, comprising of nearly 540 multiple choice questions and, also OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) with case-based scenarios. Those who clear the first paper will be qualified for internship program. The patterns will be modified into a combined structure of USMLE, NEET-PG and INICET.
2- NEXT Step-2- This stage will occur after the completion of the mandatory one-year rotational internship where the candidate will be handling real-life medical cases, focussing on diagnostic skills, patient management, treatment plan and medical ethics. The basic concepts that one needs to be thorough with are the subjects namely ENT, Opthalmology.Surgery & Allied subjects, Medicine &Allied subjects, Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology. This step is going to be a PASS or FAIL exam and no marks will be allotted.
Question framework of NEXT Exam?
Now the commotion will be regarding the probable questions to be expected? What will be the format? Exam is said to be conducted on 6 different days testing 6 different subjects.
Expected 50-60% will be easy level, 20-30% will be moderate level and 8-10% is expected to be difficult.
The following Table 1 provides the subjects in each paper with respective number of items and time allotted
| PAPERS | SUBJECTS | NO. OF MCQs | DURATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Medicine & Allied Subjects | 120 | 3 Hrs |
| 2 | Surgery & Allied Subjects | 120 | 3 Hrs |
| 3 | Obstetrics & Gynaecology | 120 | 3 Hrs |
| 4 | Paediatrics | 60 | 1.5 Hrs |
| 5 | Otorhinolaryngology | 60 | 1.5 Hrs |
Note: If a student doesn’t score 50% across all 6 subjects individually shall not be allowed to take their internships. However, in case one doesn’t score 50% there will be a supplementary exam held, where the student must make sure that they cover the
required percentage and start the internship.
Why being introduced?
The introduction of the exam is part of a larger vision for reforming medical education and healthcare in India. The objectives behind are multifold:
1. Uniformity and Standardization: The primary goal is to standardize medical education and ensure that all medical graduates, regardless of where they studied, meet the same criteria for qualification. By combining the Final MBBS Examination, NEET-PG, and FMGE into a single examination, the NEXT ensures uniformity in licensing and postgraduate admissions.
2. Focus on Clinical Competency: will shift the focus from traditional theoretical exams to a more holistic approach that evaluates both theoretical knowledge and practical clinical skills.
This is in response to concerns that traditional medical examinations do not fully assess a student’s readiness for real-world medical practice.
3. Streamlining of the Examination Process: eliminates the redundancy of having multiple examinations for different stages of a medical career. Students will no longer need to appear for separate exams for licensing, postgraduate entrance, or foreign medical graduate certification. This reduces the administrative burden on students, colleges, and examination authorities.
4. Addressing the Gap in Quality of Medical Graduates: aims to bridge the gap in the quality of medical education across different institutions, ensuring that students graduate with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute effectively to the healthcare system.
Candidates can submit the application form through online mode available at the official website of NTA (https://examinationservices.nic.in/Neet2025/Registration/Instruction.aspx). Applications are allowed only through this website no applications in any other form are not accepted. Candidates should not submit any false or fabricated information in the application form. Any incomplete information and applications that are not in accordance with instructions will be rejected.Important points to consider while filling up the application form is:
Provide all relevant information asked for
Check twice prior to proceed with the submit option
Payment is non-refundable
Payment is complete only after generation of the confirmation page
Improper applications or ineligible candidates applications can be rejected at any time and their payments are non-refundable.
In the pursuit of admission to medical and dental courses for the 2025-26 session in various Indian universities, aspiring candidates must navigate the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2025. This crucial examination evaluates candidates in three main subjects: biology, chemistry, and physics.
NEET-UG 2025 is conducted in about thirteen national languages, emphasizing inclusivity. The mode of administration remains traditional, employing pen and paper. To embark on an efficient preparation journey, it becomes imperative for candidates to grasp the intricacies of the exam format. Understanding key details such as the number of questions, marking scheme, and allocated time is foundational for success.
| Exam Name | NEET- National Eligibility cum Entrance Test | |
| Exam Mode | Offline Mode (Pen & Paper Mode) | |
| Total MBBS colleges | 657 | |
| Total Seats | 100388 | |
| Total BDS colleges | 324 | |
| Number of BDS seats available | 26949 | |
| Quota allotted | 15% for All India Quota and 85% State Quota | |
| Courses offered | MBBS, BAMS, BSMS, BUMS, BHMS and BDS | |
| Total number of questions given | 200 | |
| Total number questions to answer | 180 | |
| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Biology + Zoology) | |
| Type of questions | Multiple Choice questions | |
| Total Marks | 720 marks | |
| Marking Scheme | 4 marks for each correct answer awarded | |
| Negative marking | 1 mark is deducted for every wrong answer | |
| Un attempted questions | 0 marks for every un attempted answer | |
| Language | NEET 2024 question paper will be available in 13 languages –English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, Odia, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Punjabi | |
| Physics | Section A | Section B |
| Number of questions | 35 | 15 |
| Number of questions to attempt | 35 | 10 |
| Sectional marks | 180 marks | |
| Chemistry | Section A | Section B |
| Number of questions | 35 | 15 |
| Number of questions to attempt | 35 | 10 |
| Sectional marks | 180 marks | |
| Botany | Section A | Section B |
| Number of questions | 35 | 15 |
| Number of questions to attempt | 35 | 10 |
| Sectional marks | 180 marks | |
| Zoology | Section A | Section B |
| Number of questions | 35 | 15 |
| Number of questions to attempt | 35 | 10 |
| Sectional marks | 180 marks | |
As the exam approaches, MBBS students should begin preparing early for their own benefits and conceptual building of the subject as well as being ready for the challenges it presents.
Some effective and useful tips for preparation-
1-Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the NEXT exam syllabus. The exam will cover both pre-clinical and clinical subjects, so students should have a comprehensive understanding of topics from all years of their MBBS program.
2-Focus on Clinical Knowledge: As clinical knowledge will be a significant component of the exam, students should spend considerable time in the hospital and clinical settings during their internship.
Participate in hands-on learning, attend rounds with senior doctors, and take part in case discussions to enhance your practical skills.
3-Take Mock Tests: Practicing with mock exams and previous year papers will help students get used to the format and time constraints of the NEXT. This will also help in identifying areas of weakness
and allow for focused revision.
4-Revise Regularly: The NEXT will test a wide range of topics, so regular revision is essential. Create a study schedule that allocates time for both theoretical learning and practical skill development.
5-Stay Updated on Medical Advances: As medicine is an ever-evolving field, students should stay updated on recent advancements and guidelines. Subscribe to medical journals, attend seminars,
and participate in discussions to keep abreast of the latest in medical science.
6-Balance Theory and Practice: Remember that the NEXT is not just a theoretical exam. It will assess how well you can apply your knowledge in clinical scenarios, so ensure that you balance your study
schedule between textbook learning and hands-on experience.
7-Join Study Groups: Collaborating with peers in study groups can help reinforce difficult concepts, discuss clinical cases, and share resources. Peer learning can be a great way to ensure that you are
prepared for both theoretical and practical components.
8- Stay Healthy: Maintaining good physical and mental health is essential during exam preparation. Ensure you get adequate rest, eat nutritious food, and engage in regular physical activity to stay
energized and focused.
Few Recommended Books for NEXT- Some recommended books for the exam-
Harrison’s for medicine
Bailey’s for Surgery
B D Chaurasia for Anatomy
Ghai for Pediatrics
As the exam approaches, MBBS students should begin preparing early for their own benefits and conceptual building of the subject as well as being ready for the challenges it presents.
Some effective and useful tips for preparation-
1-Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the NEXT exam syllabus. The exam will cover both pre-clinical and clinical subjects, so students should have a comprehensive understanding of topics from all years of their MBBS program.
2-Focus on Clinical Knowledge: As clinical knowledge will be a significant component of the exam, students should spend considerable time in the hospital and clinical settings during their internship.
Participate in hands-on learning, attend rounds with senior doctors, and take part in case discussions to enhance your practical skills.
3-Take Mock Tests: Practicing with mock exams and previous year papers will help students get used to the format and time constraints of the NEXT. This will also help in identifying areas of weakness
and allow for focused revision.
4-Revise Regularly: The NEXT will test a wide range of topics, so regular revision is essential. Create a study schedule that allocates time for both theoretical learning and practical skill development.
5-Stay Updated on Medical Advances: As medicine is an ever-evolving field, students should stay updated on recent advancements and guidelines. Subscribe to medical journals, attend seminars,
and participate in discussions to keep abreast of the latest in medical science.
6-Balance Theory and Practice: Remember that the NEXT is not just a theoretical exam. It will assess how well you can apply your knowledge in clinical scenarios, so ensure that you balance your study
schedule between textbook learning and hands-on experience.
7-Join Study Groups: Collaborating with peers in study groups can help reinforce difficult concepts, discuss clinical cases, and share resources. Peer learning can be a great way to ensure that you are
prepared for both theoretical and practical components.
8- Stay Healthy: Maintaining good physical and mental health is essential during exam preparation. Ensure you get adequate rest, eat nutritious food, and engage in regular physical activity to stay
energized and focused.
Few Recommended Books for NEXT- Some recommended books for the exam-
Harrison’s for medicine
Bailey’s for Surgery
B D Chaurasia for Anatomy
Ghai for Pediatrics
The NEXT Exam 2025 will significantly impact the way MBBS students in India approach their careers. By combining licensing, postgraduate entry, and clinical assessments into one exam, it aims to standardize and streamline the medical education process. Although, there are few hurdles which needs to be addressed.
Author Email: info@studytutelage.com Contact Number: +91 9818560331
