Hey there, medical students! Today, we're going to talk about the latest updates on the NExT guidelines and how they impact you. So grab a cup of coffee and let's dive in!
Eligibility Criteria: Who's In?
Let's start with the eligibility criteria for the NExT exams. If you're an Indian medical graduate seeking provisional registration to pursue an internship, you need to pass all six Theory Papers of NExT Step-1. Additionally, you must pass the III MBBS/Final MBBS (Part 2) Practical/Clinical Examination as regulated by your university or institution. Remember, your MBBS degree will only be awarded after successfully completing a one-year internship.
For foreign medical graduates, if you've completed your undergraduate Medical Education overseas, you're eligible for a Compulsory Rotation Internship after passing each of the six Theory Papers of NExT Step-1.
License to Practice: The Key to Your Future
To obtain a license to practice modern medicine in India, you must fulfill certain requirements. First, you need to complete the appropriate duration of the internship. Second, you must pass the NExT Step 2, either the practical or clinical examination. Once you've met these criteria, you'll be eligible and granted a license to practice.
The Road to Postgraduate Medical Courses
If you're aiming for postgraduate medical courses, here's what you need to know. You must be eligible and have been granted a license to practice modern medicine in India. Additionally, participation in counseling is required. It's important to note that NExT Step 2 will be an additional examination, alongside the practical exam in the Final Year. While there won't be a theory exam in the Final Year, you'll still need to appear for the practical exam.
Let's Talk about MCQs
Now, let's discuss the types of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) you can expect in NExT Step-1. They include single best answer, match the following, and assertion & reasoning type questions. It's good to familiarize yourself with these question formats to prepare effectively.
Frequency of Exams and Attempts
NExT Step-1 is conducted twice a year, in May and November. The best part is there's no restriction on the number of attempts you can make for NExT Step-1. As long as you pass both NExT Step-1 and Step-2 within 10 years of joining the MBBS course, you can take the exams multiple times. However, for score improvement purposes, you can only take the examination after completing Step 2. Remember, you cannot appear in the NExT Step-1 exam solely for the purpose of score improvement without completing NExT Step-2.
Passing Criteria: What Do You Need to Succeed?
To pass NExT Step-1, you must score a minimum of 50% marks (in raw scores) in each of the six papers. Now, let's explore a couple of scenarios to understand the passing criteria better.
Scenario 1: If you've scored the minimum passing marks in two subjects but failed in four subjects, you'll have to appear for the complete NExT Step-1 exam cycle (all six papers). However, if you've scored the minimum passing marks in the remaining four subjects, you'll be considered to have fulfilled the passing criteria.
Scenario 2: If you've scored the minimum passing marks in two subjects but failed in four subjects, you'll have to appear for the next cycle of NExT Step-1 (all six papers). Once again, if you've scored the minimum passing marks in the two subjects, you can appear in the next exam cycle of NExT Step-1. If you've scored the minimum passing marks in the remaining two subjects, you'll be considered to have fulfilled the passing criteria.
Calculating Scores for PG Course Admission
When it comes to determining merit for admission to PG courses, your scores will be calculated from the raw scores obtained in each paper/subject in a single NExT Step-1 examination. Your scores will remain valid for five years, within 10 years of joining the MBBS program. However, if you've appeared in the next cycle of NExT Step-1, your previous NExT Step-1 score will be considered invalid for determining the rank. Only the last attempt of the NExT Step-1 score will be considered for rank determination.
Rank Tie Breaker Rule
In the case of a tie in ranks, a tiebreaker rule comes into play. The normalized sum of raw scores obtained in each paper/subject in a single NExT Step-1 examination will be considered. Candidates with a lower number of attempts in NExT Step-1 will be given a higher rank. In addition, candidates with higher marks in medicine and allied disciplines, surgery and allied disciplines, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, otorhinolaryngology, and ophthalmology will be given higher ranks.
NExT Step-2: The Next Level
Moving on to NExT Step-2, the pattern of the exam includes objective structured, clinical case-based, and simulated cases/patients aimed at evaluating your practical and clinical skills, clinical decision-making, and communication skills. The frequency of NExT Step-2 exams is twice a year, with supplementary exams also held twice a year.
If you fail in one or more subjects (up to three), you'll have to appear for the NExT Supplementary exam. However, if you fail in more than three subjects, you'll need to retake the entire NExT Step-2, which includes all seven subjects.
Counselling Schedule: Plan Ahead
When it comes to counseling for PG course admissions, the major session is usually held in the month of May-June. However, there will also be counseling in December for any remaining vacant seats after the earlier counseling held in May-June, as mentioned in the notification.
Stay Prepared and Reach for Success!
That wraps up our discussion on the NExT guidelines and their implications for students. We hope this overview has given you a clearer understanding of the eligibility criteria, passing criteria, scoring methods, and more. Remember, staying well-informed and prepared is the key to your success in these exams. Best of luck on your journey toward a bright medical career!
Signing off
Deepakshi Bora


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