A meeting was convened on June 7, to finalize the specifics of the impending National Exit Test. According to the official notice the upcoming exam National Exit Test (NEXT), is finalized to be held in the second half of 2023. The precise schedule, rules, and restrictions for the exam will soon be revealed in accordance with the decisions made during the conference.

The tests will start within 30 days of the timetable being released, underscoring the dedication to administering the exam on time. This strategy keeps the exam process as efficient as possible while ensuring that aspiring medical professionals may appropriately prepare themselves.

A significant step in medical education is the National Exit Test (NEXT).

A noteworthy advancement in Indian medical education is the National Exit Test (NEXT). This eagerly awaited test, which is slated to take place in the second half of 2023, is intended to gauge medical graduates’ knowledge and proficiency. It provides a level playing field for all applicants and acts as a common baseline for judging the aptitude of medical students.

The prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is responsible for administering Part 1 of the NEXT test, which is divided into two parts. Considering that AIIMS is famous for its brilliance in medical education and research, this ensures the test’s authenticity and integrity.

The National Exit Test’s Effects

The National Exit Test (NEXT)’s launch is anticipated to have a significant impact on India’s medical school system. Let’s examine a few crucial components of this transformational investigation:

Medical Education Standardisation

The NEXT fosters consistency and standardization in medical education across all states and union territories by developing a similar evaluation platform. This guarantees that medical graduates have the knowledge and abilities needed to meet the country’s healthcare demands.

Assessment of Competence

The NEXT test conducts a thorough evaluation of medical graduates’ skills. It evaluates their clinical knowledge, practical abilities, theoretical comprehension, and capacity to apply what they’ve learned in the actual world. This thorough evaluation helps identify and develop gifted healthcare professionals.

Enhancement of Healthcare Standards

The NEXT seeks to improve the standard of healthcare services offered to the Indian populace through meticulous review. This test helps to raise the overall standard of healthcare in the country by guaranteeing that medical graduates have a certain degree of proficiency.

In India, the Director of Medical Education plays a crucial role in upholding the best standards of medical education throughout the nation. A key accomplishment that seeks to assess and improve the competency of medical graduates is the future National Exit Test (NEXT). The National Exit Test is positioned to influence the direction of medical education in India through standardized testing and a dedication to quality.

This article will provide all the information on the latest update of the National Exit Test (NExT) Regulations, about the NExt like the process, eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, marking scheme, question paper, cut off etc.

The current batch’s final MBBS professional course completion date is a hot topic in the medical education industry. The National Exit Test (NExT) Regulations are expected to be finalized soon, with a presentation before the National Medical Commission (NMC) set for June 2023. To facilitate the seamless execution of the National Exit Test (NEXT), a precise assessment of the status of the present batches of the last MBBS professional course in various medical institutions across the States/Union Territories (UTs) is critical.

Current Batches of Final MBBS Professional Course Completion Date

The current batches’ completion date of the last MBBS professional course is significant since it directly influences the timing and organization of the National Exit Test (NEXT). The National Medical Commission (NMC) is actively soliciting reports from medical colleges in each state and territory to establish the likely completion date. The projected completion date of the final MBBS course must be communicated to the NMC on or before May 31, 2023.

Understanding the completion date is critical for efficiently planning the logistics of the National Exit Test (NEXT). The NMC intends to provide a realistic examination timeline to ensure that all students have enough time to study and move successfully.

The National Exit Test (NEXT) Regulations and Their Implications

The National Exit Test (NEXT) represents a watershed moment in Indian medical education. It is intended to replace the present final MBBS examination and the overseas medical graduate examination as a common licensing examination for medical graduates. The National Medical Council (NMC) intends to ensure universal standards of skill and knowledge among medical practitioners by introducing the National Exit Test (NEXT).

The National Exit Test (NEXT) laws will define the future of medical education and licensing in India. The regulations must be finalized in order to provide clarity and advice to medical colleges, students, and the healthcare system as a whole.

Understanding the completion date is critical for efficiently planning the logistics of the National Exit Test (NEXT). The NMC intends to provide a realistic examination timeline to ensure that all students have enough time to study and move successfully.

What is NExT?

The NExT exam, also known as the National Exit Test (NexT), will be held in order to provide admission to postgraduate courses. A licentiate exam is required for undergraduate medical students in India before they can practice. Candidates who have completed their MBBS in India or abroad must pass the exam in order to register with the Medical Council of India. 

NExT Exam Highlights

Some of the highlights of NExT MBBS exam are enlisted in the table below:

Process of the NExT Exam (National Exit Test)

The National Exit Test will be conducted in two stages, NExT 1 and NExT 2. NExT 1 is a theoretical exam, whereas NExT 2 is a practical exam. Candidates who pass Step 1 will be eligible for an internship and then the Step 2 practical exam. NMC will issue an information pamphlet outlining the application process and other important elements about the NExT PG exam.

Step 1 

NExT 1 will be held on a computer and will consist of 540 multiple choice questions. Part 1 and Part 2 of the paper will cover themes from the third year/final MBBS course.Candidates who have finished their third year/final MBBS course from an accredited medical college are eligible to take the examination. NExT MBBS will be held once a year, prior to the III MBBS (Part 2)/Final MBBS preceding Compulsory Rotating Internship.

NExT Step 1 additional exams will be offered once a year, and applicants who failed one or more of the six topics will be able to retake them. The number of attempts in the NExT exam is not limited. The only requirement is that candidates have passed the NExT 1 test within the last ten years of starting MBBS.

Step 2.

The next step will be a practical/clinical and viva exam. The relevant state Health Universities / Institutions will conduct the National Exit Test 2 in person / live. The second paper will cover seven clinical subjects/disciplines. The second paper will be clinical case-based, with simulated cases/patients targeted at testing practical/clinical abilities, clinical decision-making, and communication skills.

Criteria for Eligibility for the NExT Exam

Undergraduate medical students will be able to take the National Exit Test. According to the government rules, some of the eligibility criteria for the NExT test or National Exit Test are as follows:

• All undergraduate medical students pursuing MBBS at NMC-approved medical colleges

• All Foreign Medical Graduates who have been approved by the NMC to practice medicine as a registered medical practitioner in India.

• Any other individual with a medical degree for purposes such as pursuing an academic course, being an observer, or any other purpose authorized and approved by the NMC

Application Form for NExT

Though the exam board has not issued an official announcement addressing the application process, it is expected that NMC will provide an online application form for the NExT 2024 exam. Dates for NExT 2024 application will be announced on the official website. To submit an application for NExT 2024, candidates must first register online. Registration, filling out an application form, submitting photos, and paying a registration fee are all part of the application procedure. Before applying for the NExT PG exam, candidates should ensure that they meet the qualifying requirements. 

Syllabus for NExt Exam

The NExT Syllabus includes six subjects that address clinical, pre-clinical, and post-clinical fields. NExT 1 assesses students’ theoretical understanding in the subjects listed above. The following topics are covered in the NExT 1 Syllabus:

• Medicine and related fields
• Pediatrics
• Surgery and related subjects
• Otorhinolaryngology
• Gynaecology & Obstetrics
• Ophthalmology

The Following Exam Pattern Important considerations

• The test will be divided into two halves, NExT 1 and NExT 2.
• The theory-based NExT 1 will take place online.
• In NExT 1, 540 MCQ-based questions from 19 subjects will be asked.
• NExT 2 will take place just after the internship.
• NExT 2 or paper 2 will be a practical test administered by the individual state colleges/universities.
• Paper 1 scores will be valid for two years in order to qualify. Paper-2 practical examination

NExT Exam Marking Scheme

To qualify for the exam, candidates must get a minimum score. The marks in NExT 1 will be calculated as a whole number, which will serve as the Raw Scores with suitable decimals, and corresponding Percentages (marks out of a maximum of 100) will be calculated if necessary. NExT 2 Exam results will only be declared as Pass/Fail depending on the attainment of acceptable competence being examined.

UPCOMING EXAM QUESTION PATTERN

The next paper will be broken into three sections. The theory-based test will be given over three days and will consist of six papers. In NExT 1, 65% of the 540 MCQ-based questions will be centered on problem solving and analytical skills, 25% on understanding, and the remaining 10% on memory. The timetable for NExT 1 is shown in the table below. It should be noted that the schedule provided below is provisional and subject to practicality and logistics.

NExT Cut Off

To qualify for the NExT PG exam, candidates must get the minimum cut off marks. The qualifying requirements for NExT 1 and 2 are distinct. 

• The minimum passing mark for NExT 1 is 50%, or half of the maximum possible raw for NExT Step 1.
• The criterion for passing NExT Step 2 will be a satisfactory display of competencies, which will be reviewed and reported as a Pass/Fail result.

Postgraduate medical students in Manipur will be assigned to various district hospitals as part of the National Medical Council’s (NMC) district residency programme in an effort to guarantee that specialized program physicians are accessible in rural areas.

Health Minister Sapam Ranjan introduced the district residence program for postgraduate medical students in the state on Monday at the Medical Directorate in Lamphelpat. Postgraduate medical residents from RIMS and JNIMS would be sent to different district hospitals, the Imphal Times said. They will work there for three months.

Health Minister Sapam Ranjan made reference to the National Medical Council’s requirement that postgraduate medical students complete this program in his speech. He also reaffirmed the postgraduate resident’s responsibility and counseled medicos to become familiar with medical protocols because they are medical experts. He asserted that as the profession’s guiding principle is to serve the public with sincerity, one should offer the public excellent service.

The ministerial team visited the newly constructed health directorate office and its environs following the program’s debut. According to a report by the Daily, Vumlunmang, the Additional Chief Secretary of Health Services Manipur, Kh Sasheekumar Mangang, the Director of Health Services, as well as representatives from RIMS and JNIMS and employees of the Medical Directorate, attended the ceremony.

Notably, the NMC has mandated that postgraduate medical students do a three-month rotation at a district hospital. Medical students participating in postgraduate programmes at the city’s government hospital will be required to work at city government, government-aided, and semi-aided hospitals under the proposal, according to state health officials.

Students accepted to private medical colleges and deemed universities must additionally complete the DRP, or District Residency Programme. For the purposes of this project, a district hospital must be an operational, publicly funded hospital with at least 100 beds and staff who are qualified to provide the approved specialties at that level or institution.

The relocation of medical colleges, independent PG institutes, and regional centers for various faculty development programmes has been announced by the National Medical Commission (NMC). Based on input from the surrounding area, proximity to other institutions, and workload, the commission has approved the relocation of all medical colleges and standalone PG institutes for the purpose of faculty development programmes. For the purpose of the Advanced Course in Medical Education, the commission has also approved the allocation of regional centers to nodal centers (ACME).

634 medical colleges and standalone PG institutions are currently assigned to twelve nodal centres and 23 regional centres for a variety of faculty development programmes, including the Basic Course in Medical Education (BCME), Curriculum Implementation Support Program (CISP), and ACME, according to the academic cell of the Apex Medical Commission. However, the relocation of these institutions is now required due to the recent increase in the number of medical colleges, nodal centers, and regional centers

The Nodal Centers, Regional Centers, and Medical Colleges may now undertake a variety of faculty development activities in accordance with updated NMC criteria. The regulations, which took effect on April 17, 2023, replaced or changed any previous regulations on these topics that had been published by the former Medical Council of India (MCI) or by the NMC on occasion.

An expert panel has created training modules with common proposals from the environment to promote uniformity in the performance of faculty development programmes. The training modules outline the goals for each topic that needs to be covered during these workshops in addition to providing a thorough review of each one. The nodal centers and regional centers will each receive a copy of these training modules independently.

It is anticipated that the NMC’s decision to reassign medical colleges, independent PG institutes, and regional centres for faculty development programmes will raise the standard of medical education in the nation. The institutions will be better able to meet the demands of the students and faculty if resources are allocated based on workload and input from the environment. The updated rules for the administration of faculty development programmes will aid in standardising the calibre of instruction given to medical educators, which is anticipated to improve the standard of medical education in the nation.

Capital, India: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has now mandated that every international student who wishes to take a seat in Indian HEls must register at the Education India Portal in order to regularise medical admissions of foreign students into the country’s Higher Education Institutes (HEls). The HEls have also been directed to register on the portal and upload the admission offer issued to students. The notification was published on the NMC’s official website, informing all medical colleges that the Department of Higher Education (DoHE), in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has developed the Education Ndia Portal, which is now ready for use and will be made mandatory beginning with the academic year 2023–24. 

The concerned international student will need to register on this portal in accordance with the NMC directive. The student will receive a unique ID (UID) following registration on the portal, which may be used for all reasons, including the issuance of a student visa. A student visa will only be issued after the visa issuing authorities have checked and verified the student’s credentials on this portal. Regardless of the length of the course, this will be applicable to all students who want a student visa. 

Also, the HEls must create an account on this portal and upload the admission offer made in the student’s favour. The requirement for the student to create a TAD and register on the portal should be made clear in the admissions offer. The top medical regulator has ordered all medical universities and colleges to register right away on the aforementioned website and to inform international students of this.

The mandate was demonstrated at a conference on February 7 this year, presided over by the Secretary for Higher Education, where all the ministries and departments, as well as the Reserve Bank of India, which oversees Higher Educational Institutions (HEls), have been invited to go over the particulars of putting the Education India portal into operation. It was emphasised that in order to verify the information provided by HEIs on the portal, a Nodal Officer must be designated by the concerned authority or body, and the Nodal Officer’s contact information must be given to DHE as soon as possible. 

The portal is available for utilization and will be made necessary for intakes for the academic session 2023–2024, the Secretary (HE) stated to the attendees. The portal has undergone a number of updates with MHA’s input and a security audit.  Students’ UIDs will be shared with the FRRO, the immigration department, and the MHA for additional processing. In addition, he disclosed that the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) would utilise this platform and solely use it to finance scholarships. 

The UID will be used by the Visa Office/FRRO to process the visa based on the data found on the site. He emphasised how crucial it was for every educational institution and foreign student to sign up on this platform. Also, he made it clear that the compliance officers, who will be chosen by the HEls offering courses to international students, should update the student’s information on a regular basis. INFLIBNET provided a thorough overview of the portal, describing its layout and the details needed to register.

Recently, the NMC released rules for the granting of a Non-Objection Certificate (NOC) to such medicos, standardising the electives and observation programmes offered to foreign nationals at medical colleges nationwide. These regulations establish the time frame, seat distribution, processing fee, and overall purpose of the electives and observer programmes for foreign nationals. 

You can view the NMC notifications by clicking below:

https://t.me/bodmasmedical/2722

Any foreigner wishing to apply to an Indian higher education institution (HEI) beginning with the academic year 2023–2024 would be required to use the new portal.

The Education India Portal [1], developed by the Department of Higher Education (DoHE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Home (MHA), will be made mandatory for all international students who will be taking admission to Indian higher education institutions (HEIs) beginning with the academic session 2023–24. According to the official announcement, this procedure will henceforth be followed for all students who want a student visa, regardless of the length of the course. International students must register on the portal and get a special ID in order to secure a student visa (UID).

Also, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has published rules for the issuance of a NOC for foreigners to participate in electives or observerships in India. According to the rules, no foreign national may participate in electives or observerships in any capacity at any university or medical institute in India without the permission of NMC, and the duration may be at most 90 days. The NMC has further indicated that the number of foreign nationals participating in electives or observerships in the UG category during a given academic year shall be at most 5% of the medical college’s authorized yearly intake. The maximum number of foreign medical professionals allowed to observe or serve as electives for PG students in any one year is two doctors in that specialty.

PRIVATE MEDICAL COLLEGES OF BIHAR

Bihar is a North Indian state known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse history. Bihar has seen a surge in the establishment of private medical colleges in recent years. Out of the eight private medical colleges in Bihar, five have been established in the last three years. This article will provide information about all these private medical colleges and their admission criteria.

Let’s begin with the three oldest private medical colleges in Bihar

These colleges have PG seats and a good patient load.

The first one is Katihar Medical College, which is a Muslim minority college and is the oldest private medical college in Bihar. This college has a good reputation, and students from Bihar prefer it as their first choice in private medical colleges. If you belong to the Muslim minority, you need to score 400 marks in the NEET exam to get admission to this college. For non-Muslim students, the cutoff is 450 marks.

The second-oldest private medical college in Bihar is Mata Gujri Devi Medical College in Kishanganj. It is a Sikh minority medical college established in 1990. This college also has PG seats and a good reputation. If you have scored 400/380 marks in the NEET exam, then you should consider this college as your second choice. Its fees are also less than 10 lacs.

The third-oldest private medical college in Bihar is Gopal Narayan University in Sasaram. This college was established in 2008 and also has PG seats. It is among the three best private medical colleges in Bihar. If you belong to the general category and have scored 350 or more in the NEET exam, you can get admission to this college.

Now let’s move on to the five new private medical colleges that have been established in the last three years.

Lord Buddha Medical College in Saharsa was established in 2019, and Madhubani Medical College in Madhubani and Katihar Medical College in Katihar followed suit. Lord Buddha Medical College has a lower tuition fee of 12 lacs per year, making it an affordable option. The latter is the second Muslim-minority medical college in Bihar.

 In 2020, Netaji Subhash Medical College Beta in Patna opened its doors to students. The college is close to Patna and offers quality education, however, this college has a higher tuition fee of 15.5 lacs per year due to its location in Patna, the capital of Bihar. The demand for this college is high because it is in Patna, and patient load is expected to increase rapidly in the coming years.

The latest addition to this list are Radha Devi Jogeshwari Memorial Medical College in Muzaffarpur and Shri Narayan Medical College in Saharsa which both opened in 2021. These eight medical colleges in Bihar offer great opportunities to medical aspirants and are among the best in the country.

The selection criteria for admission in these colleges vary, however, it is important to note that these colleges provide excellent quality education. The minimum criteria for admission are set at 350+ for general category candidates. However, it is important to note that each college has its own set of criteria and students should check them before applying. 

For those looking to study medicine in Bihar, these private medical colleges are a great opportunity to pursue a career in the field. With quality education and a wide range of options available, these colleges are the perfect choice for aspiring medical professionals. 

Below, we have listed the ranks and the fees of the colleges.

1- Kathihar Medical College, Kathihar.

Tution fee -9.38 lacs per year.

2- Mata Gujri Devi Memorial Medical College, Kishanganj.

Tution fee -8.38 lacs per year.

3- Narayan Medical College & Hospital, Sasaram.

Tution fee -10.38 lacs per year.

4- Netaji Subahash Medical College & Hospital, Bihta, Patna.

Tution fee -15.5 lacs per year

5- Lord Buddha Koshi Medical College & Hospital, Saharsa.

Tution fee -12 lacs per year.

6- Shree Narayan Medical Institute & Hospital, Saharsa.

Tution fee -15 lacs per year.

7- Madhubani Medical College, Madhubani.

Tution fee-13.5 lacs per annum.

8- Radha Devi Jogeshwari Memorial Medical College & Hospital, Muzaffarpur.

Tution fee – 14 lacs per year.

You can visit our Youtube channel to view the video : https://youtu.be/d6gthbJKNSk

NMC Bill Applied in Bihar MBBS Colleges

The Medical Assembly of Bihar recently passed a major decision to revise the fee structure of MBBS and PG courses in government medical colleges across the state. The new fee structure will be applicable to both UG and PG courses, and there is a significant increase in the fees for both. The new fee structure for MBBS is ₹40,800 per year, including the hostel fees, while the fee for PG courses is now ₹49,200. 

The decision is likely to have a huge impact on medical aspirants in the state. With the fees revamp, the cut-off for medical courses in government medical colleges is expected to be higher, thereby reducing the chances for the students living on the border line. However, the fee structure for the remaining 50% of seats in private medical colleges is still uncertain.

This move by the state government is being seen as a welcome step by the medical fraternity, especially for those students who would otherwise not be able to afford the high fees of private medical institutions. It is likely to result in an increase in the number of medical aspirants in Bihar and also provide an opportunity for students from all walks of life to pursue their dreams of becoming doctors. 

The government’s decision is being welcomed by many. It is a step in the right direction and will prove beneficial for the state in the long run. It is expected that the new fee structure will bring about a significant change in the medical education landscape of Bihar and provide students with a chance to pursue their dreams.

You can see its complete breakup below.

https://youtu.be/hFY-EZFvk6I