![What is the Difference Between NExT and NEET PG? [Updated 2025]](https://neetcoachingsikar.com/uploads/images/202504/image_430x256_680fd17ee9715.jpg)
What is the Difference Between NExT and NEET PG? [Updated 2025]
Understand the key differences between NExT and NEET PG, exam patterns, eligibility, preparation tips, and latest updates for medical graduates in India.
![What is the Difference Between NExT and NEET PG? [Updated 2025]](https://neetcoachingsikar.com/uploads/images/202504/image_870x_680fd17eda62a.jpg)
NExT and NEET PG Difference: The transformation of medical education in India includes the introduction of National Exit Test (NExT) which will function as the new admission and licensing examination instead of NEET PG. NExT serves as both a licensing certification for doctors and a ranking mechanism for PG courses following the former role of NEET PG in MD/MS admissions. Both MBBS students and foreign medical graduates need to understand the difference between NExT and NEET PG because NExT implementation will begin in 2025.
What is NEET PG?
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate known as NEET PG derives its management and organization from the National Board of Examinations (NBE). The admission process to MD, MS and PG Diploma courses in India needs candidates to pass this exam. The MBBS graduates need Postgraduate medical seats in government and private colleges to pass NEET PG as their standard entrance examination.
Read More: NEET PG 2025 Registration Begins
What is NExT?
The National Medical Commission (NMC) established NExT (National Exit Test) as the new assessment method which will eliminate both NEET PG and Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE). NExT will serve three purposes:
- MBBS final-year exam
- Medical licensing exam
- PG entrance exam
The purpose of this assessment strategy is to establish one unified testing environment for medical professionals throughout India.
Why is NExT Replacing NEET PG?
The National Medical Commission has implemented NExT to eliminate both NEET PG and the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE). The Indian government initiated NExT as a standardized medical education assessment system to increase its transparency. Followed by this change both PG admission test (NEET PG) and foreign medical graduate exam (FMGE) became necessary steps for MBBS graduates seeking licensing. The evaluation system operates under NExT which combines these three tests into one unified system.
Read More: NEET PG 2025 Two-Shift Format Controversy
NEET PG vs NExT: Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | NEET PG | NExT |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | PG Admission | Licensing + PG Admission + MBBS Exit |
| Type | Single Entrance Test | Two-Step Exam (Theory + Practical) |
| Eligibility | MBBS Graduates | Final Year MBBS Students |
| Frequency | Once a Year | Step 1 Yearly, Step 2 Multiple Times |
| Conducted by | NBE | AIIMS/Designated Authority |
| First Batch Affected | NA | 2020 MBBS Batch Onward |
Read More: NEET PG vs INI CET 2025
Differences Between NExT and NEET PG in Detail
- NExT evaluates practical medical skills together with clinical aptitude through its evaluation process while NEET PG primarily consisted of theoretical MCQ questions.
- The NEET PG ran as a single-day MCQ examination. NExT consists of two parts including Step 1 theory section and Step 2 practical clinical section.
- The licensing and seat allocation functions for PG education exist under NExT which replaces the PG admission requirement of NEET tests.
- NExT covers both Indian and foreign medical graduates under the same assessment system.
Who Will Appear for NExT Exam?
- All graduating Medical Bachelor - Bachelor of Surgery students from Indian medical universities must appear for the examination.
- The examination NEXT serves as a qualification requirement for Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) who seek to practice medicine in India.
Read More: NEET PG Eligibility Criteria 2025
When Will NExT Exam Start?
The NExT examination program will become active from 2026 according to recent information for patients enrolled in their first year of MBBS study in 2020. The National Medical Commission through its official notification will disclose the final examination timeline for NExT.
Is NExT Compulsory for Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs)?
An Indian medical license for practice requires all candidates including FMGs to pass the NExT examination. The examination will unite as one standard through the merging of NExT and FMGE for all medical professionals.
NExT Exam Pattern Explained
NExT Step 1: Theoretical MCQ Exam
- Computer-based
- It concentrates on clinical practice while testing understanding of principles.
- Final-year MBBS subjects such as Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology will be included in NExT testing.
NExT Step 2: Practical/Clinical Assessment
- Hands-on clinical examination
- During this assessment section the candidate shows their ability to identify and manage patients.
- Respective colleges implement the tests according to NMC supervision.
Read More: NEET PG 2025 Exam Pattern
How Will NExT Scores be Used?
- To obtain a medical licensing permit you need to pass both NExT Step 1 and Step 2 components.
- MD/MS program admissions at PG level will receive their ranking positions from NExT Step 1 examination results.
- Both NExT Step 1 and Step 2 must be cleared to register with the State Medical Council.
Is NExT Tougher Than NEET PG?
Most medical professionals predict NExT to be harder than NEET PG because of its distinct characteristics. Clinical knowledge occupies most weight in NExT while memorization of words takes less emphasis. The development of practical skills by students will now determine their eligibility for both medical licensing and their professional advancement. Students need to alter their preparation approach for NExT due to its differences from standard NEET PG tests.
How to Prepare for NExT Exam?
- The focus in MBBS Clinical Subjects should be on Medicine along with Surgery alongside Pediatrics and OBGYN.
- Medical candidates must convert from remembering facts to solving clinical-based MCQs for NExT.
- In terms of medical practice students need both ongoing clinical training and practical clinical experience.
- Students should conduct strategic revision by studying critical important medical courses from their final year that follow new official guidelines.
Conclusion
National Exit Test (NExT) introduces a benchmarking achievement which transforms Indian medical education. The evaluation will transform the career trajectory of medical students including MBBS and foreign medical graduates. 2020 batch students along with subsequent groups require a clear understanding of the difference between NEET PG and NExt in their career planning process. Students who want to succeed in NExT 2025 should develop their clinical abilities while consistently preparing and following official NMC updates. As of now the NEET PG 2025 has been scheduled for 15th June 2025. Candidates who want all latest information on NEET PG 2025, should check our latest articles at NEETCoachingSikar.
FAQs on NExT and NEET PG
Q1. Will NExT replace NEET PG?
Ans: Yes, NExT will replace NEET PG and FMGE exams most probably in 2026.
Q2. Is NExT only for Indian medical graduates?
Ans: No, it is for both Indian MBBS students and Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs).
Q3. What happens if I fail in NExT Step 1?
Ans: You cannot proceed for internship or PG admissions until you pass.
Q4. Is there an age limit for NExT?
Ans: Right now there is no age limit specified for NExT.
Q5. Will NEET PG happen again after NExT starts?
Ans: No, once NExT is fully implemented, NEET PG will be discontinued.
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