NEXT STEP 1- Objective of The NEXT Step 1
The objective of The NEXT Step 1 will be a thorough computer-based test based on premium multiple-choice questions (MCQs), guaranteeing objectivity and adhering to nationwide transmission and conduction with solid fidelity in a secure manner. The MCQ questions would cover more advanced knowledge areas that were related to the abilities expected of an Indian medical graduate or a graduate using a modern medical system, particularly in India. 2
Distribution of Items and knowledge level of Questions (approx.)
| MCQ item | Distribution percentage |
| Problems-solving and analytical skill types | 60-70% |
| Comprehension type | 20-30% |
| Recall type | 5-15% |
| Competencies acquisition | Level of knowledge |
| Must Know | 60% |
| Nice to Know | 30% |
| May Know | 10% |
Papers and Distribution of Subjects
- Six subject papers with corresponding item and time weightings will be included in the NEXT Step 1 examination.
- All other MBBS courses, such as Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (FMT) and Community Medicine, will incorporate applied components into the pertinent clinical disciplines.
- 10% of each paper’s questions will deal with practical applications of relevant areas.
- The themes of each paper are listed in Table 1 below, along with their corresponding item weights, allotted time, and distribution of items.
| Subjects | No of Items | Duration |
| Medicine & allied subjects | 120 Items | 3.0 hours |
| Surgery & allied subjects | 120 Items | 3.0 hours |
| Obstetrics & Gynaecology | 120 Items | 3.0 hours |
| Paediatrics | 60 Items | 1.5 hours |
| Otorhinolaryngology | 60 Items | 1.5 hours |
| Ophthalmology | 60 Items | 1.5 hours |
Time Schedule of The Paper
The below schedule is only indicative subject to feasibility and logistics.
| Day | Subject | Duration | Break | Subject | Duration |
| 1 | Medicine & allied subjects | 3.0 hours | 2.0 hours | Paediatrics | 1.5 hours |
| 2 | Rest Day No Examination | ||||
| 3 | Surgery & allied subject | 3.0 hours | 2.0 hours | Otorhinolaryngology | 1.5 hours |
| 4 | Rest Day No Examination | ||||
| 5 | Obstetrics & Gynaecology | 3.0 hours | 2.0 hours | Ophthalmology | 1.5 hours |
NEXT STEP 2- Objective The NEXT Step 2
The NEXT Step 2 is a thorough practical or clinical examination that will be administered following the completion of an internship and evaluate candidates’ clinical diagnosis, patient examination, clinical decision-making, practical, and communication skills, all of which are essential for the practise of modern medicine, particularly in India. 7
NEXT STEP 2- Evaluation Methods
Each examination would comprise of: –
- Actual cases
- Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
- Simulations if possible
Depending on the ability of satisfactory or unsatisfactory performance there shall be only two level of grading “Competent or “Pass” / “Not Competent” or “Fail.” 8
NEXT STEP 2- Distribution of Subjects
The following subjects shall be evaluated during NEXT Step 2:
- Medicine and allied subjects
- Surgery and allied subjects
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Paediatrics
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopaedics and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PMR)
NEXT STEP 2- Time Schedule
The National Medical Commission and the relevant accredited Universities / Institutions shall set the timetable and procedures for NEXT Step 2 following the end of the internship and before the admissions procedure for the Postgraduate Courses of that year. 10
Tentative Time Schedule of NEXT Examination and associated events
The time schedule of the entire process of NEXT Examination, internship and admission to broad specialty Postgraduate courses shall be announced by the Commission and other bodies authorized by the Commission.
| S No | Event | Date of Exam / Commencement | Date of Result/ Completion |
| 1 | NEXT Step I | May/November | 1st week June/December |
| 2 | III MBBS/FINAL MBBS PART 2 Practical / Clinical University Examination | 1st Week June/December | 3rd Week June / December |
| 3 | Internship | 1st January/July | 31st December/30th June following year |
| 4 | NEXT Step 2 Regular | 3rd Week June/ Dec | 4th week of June/Dec |
| 5 | NEXT Step 2 Supplementary | 1st week Sep/March | 3rd week Sep/March |
| 6 | Post Graduate Admission | May-June (Counselling) | 30th June |
| 7 | Postgraduate Course | 1st July/1st week January |
Note:-There shall again be a counselling in the month of December for the seats which remain vacant after earlier counselling held in May-June. 11
