The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) has recently released detailed guidelines for conducting the National Exit Test (NExT). This examination is crucial for graduates in the Indian System of Medicine as it serves as a licensure examination for practice and a prerequisite for postgraduate admissions. Here, we summarize the essential points from the NCISM guidelines to help students and institutions understand the process and prepare effectively.

Introduction to NCISM and NExT

The NCISM is a statutory body constituted under the NCISM Act, 2020, to oversee and regulate the Indian System of Medicine. According to the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (National Examinations for Indian System of Medicine) Regulations, 2023, the NExT will be conducted for disciplines such as Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Sowa-Rigpa.

Purpose of NExT

The NExT serves multiple purposes:

1. Granting a license to practice as a medical practitioner in the respective discipline.
2. Enrolment in the State or National Register as a registered medical practitioner after completing a one-year internship.
3. Testing clinical competency, understanding of medical ethics, and the ability to handle medico-legal cases.

Conduct of NExT

• Frequency: The NExT will ordinarily be conducted in February and August each year. However, in 2024, the exam is tentatively scheduled for October.
• Eligibility:
  • Interns who have completed at least 270 days of internship by the application deadline.
  • Graduates who have completed a one-year compulsory internship.
  • Foreign nationals with recognized medical qualifications under the IMCC Act, 1970, or the NCISM Act, 2020.
  Note: NExT is mandatory for all interns who started their internship on or after December 20, 2023, regardless of their year of admission or batch.

Number of Attempts and Registration

• Attempts: There is no limit to the number of attempts for the NExT.
• Internship: Interns who pass the NExT but have not completed their internship can register with State or National Registration Boards only after completing their one-year internship.
• Degree Validity: Candidates who do not pass the NExT can still use their graduation degree for other job opportunities and educational programs where medical registration is not required.
• Essential Requirement: Passing the NExT and registering in State or National Registers is mandatory for practicing as a registered medical practitioner, for clinical jobs, or for pursuing postgraduate courses.

Examination Structure and Qualifying Criteria

• Qualifying Percentage: Candidates must secure at least 50% to qualify for the NExT.
• Exam Format: The exam is problem-based, focusing on clinical competency, medical ethics, and medico-legal case management. It includes questions with images, videos, and clinical case scenarios.
• Exam Duration: The exam is 180 minutes long.

Language of Question Paper

• Ayurveda: English & Hindi
• Unani: English & Urdu
• Siddha: English & Tamil
• Sowa-Rigpa: English & Bhoti

Syllabus and Certification

• Syllabus: The syllabus follows the NCISM-prescribed curriculum for undergraduate courses (BAMS/BSMS/BUMS/BSRMS).
• NExT Certificate: Qualified candidates will receive an electronically generated NExT certificate from NCISM, equipped with adequate security features.

Conclusion

The National Exit Test (NExT) by NCISM is a significant step towards standardizing medical education and practice in the Indian System of Medicine. By adhering to the guidelines and preparing diligently, candidates can successfully navigate this examination and advance their medical careers.

Highlights

50% Marks are needed to Qualify the NeXT 

Regardless of batch, everybody who began their internship on or after December 20, 2024, is required to appear up for the exam.

Every year, in February and August, NExt will take place; however, in 2024, it will be held in October. 

The exam will consist of 120 questions containing 480 marks, and the duration of the exam will be 180 minutes. 

There is no limit on the number of attempts for NExT. 

As of the application deadline, students may take the test if they have completed 270 days of their internship.

For more detailed information, candidates are encouraged to visit the official NCISM website and review the complete guidelines document.