Introduction to National Exit Test (NEXT)
The National Exit Test (NEXT) represents an unwavering commitment to upholding quality standards in the medical profession universally.

In light of rampant corruption within the 88-year-old Medical Council of India (MCI), which included officials allegedly engaging in illicit activities in collusion with political leaders, the need for reform became evident. Furthermore, discrepancies existed in the process of admitting new members to the medical fraternity, with foreign medical graduates subjected to the MCI Screening Test while doctors from Indian Medical Universities were exempt.

Acknowledging the significant variations in the quality of medical education worldwide, coupled with disparities between government and private institutes, the Indian government took decisive action. The National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill, effective September 25, 2020, led to the dissolution of the MCI and the establishment of the National Medical Commission. A pivotal move by the NMC was replacing the MCI Screening Test with the National Exit Test (NEXT).

Overview of NMC NEXT Exam
The National Exit Test (NEXT), as the name implies, serves as the exit examination for MBBS students, akin to NEET UG's role as the entrance exam.

The NEXT Exam serves several purposes. Firstly, it confirms an MBBS graduate's eligibility to commence an internship. Secondly, the NEXT score determines an aspirant's merit for Medical PG seats. Lastly, both foreign and Indian medical graduates must pass the NEXT Exam to obtain a license to practice in India, ensuring uniformity.

Structure of NEXT Exam
The NEXT Exam consists of two stages: NEXT 1 and NEXT 2. NEXT 1 determines an aspirant's eligibility for internship and their readiness for Medical PG admission. Conversely, NEXT 2 assesses eligibility for practice in India.

While NEXT 2 is purely qualifying, NEXT 1 serves dual purposes. It qualifies candidates for internship entry and competitively assesses their suitability for Medical PG admission. NEXT 1 may feature multiple-choice questions covering recall and clinical analytics, while NEXT 2 may focus solely on clinical skills assessment.