The National Board of Examinations in Medical Science (NBEMS) has approved 12 Diplomate of National Board (DNB) seats in government institutes across the Union Territory (UT), which is a significant development for postgraduate medical aspirants in Jammu and Kashmir. This decision aims to improve the region’s public healthcare scenario and create more possibilities for medical students. Let’s get into the specifics of this tremendous advancement.

New DNB Seats Approved

The NBEMS has approved 12 new DNB seats in various disciplines across Jammu and Kashmir government institutes. These seats will help to expand postgraduate medical education at UT and solve the shortage of experts. The following institutes have been granted DNB seats:

1. Srinagar Hospital – 2 seats in Orthopedics.
2. GMC Rajouri – 2 seats in Pediatrics.
3. DH Poonch – 2 seats in Surgery.
4. DH Reasi – 2 seats in General Medicine.
5. Department of Anesthesiology GMC Baramulla – 4 Postgraduate seats, 2 Primary DNB seats, and 2 Secondary DNB seats per year.

Recognition and Importance

In response to this event, an official spokesman issued a statement emphasizing the importance of this step in strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s public healthcare system. The Secretary of State Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department, Bhupinder Kumar, commended the whole H&ME Department on this achievement. Kumar expressed his delight that even remote hospitals such as District Hospital Poonch and District Hospital Reasi had received NBE approval to begin postgraduate courses.

Countrywide Best Practise By Adding DNB Seats

The Mission Director of the National Health Mission (NHM) in J&K, Ayushi Sudan, emphasized that conducting DNB courses at the district level in the Union Territory had been recognised as a best practice in the country. This award recognises the effectiveness of the administrative department H&ME J&K, NHM J&K, and the team of health institutions overseen by Secretary H&ME.

Expanding DNB Seats And Courses

A total of 270 DNB seats were allocated to authorized departments in Jammu & Kashmir during the session of 2022 and the beginning of 2023. These accomplishments are the product of the administrative departments H&ME J&K, NHM J&K, and the team of health institutions working together. The government is committed to expanding DNB courses to all district hospitals and potential Community Health Centres (CHCs) in J&K. J&K intends to submit more than 30 applications in all district hospitals during the upcoming session, considerably broadening the scope of postgraduate medical education.

Previously Approved Measures and Recent Sanctions

The DNB programme granted a total of 250 seats to recognised departments in the previous academic session of 2022. NBEMS approved an additional 20 DNB seats in government medical colleges and district hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir in March 2023. GMC Srinagar has been approved for two FNB pediatric anesthesia seats, and Jawahar Lal Nehru Memorial Hospital in Srinagar has been approved for three post-MBBS DNB general surgery seats.

Srinagar: Bringing Good News to Postgraduate Medical Aspirants in Jammu and Kashmir

In a major development for postgraduate medical aspirants in Jammu and Kashmir, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Science (NBEMS) has granted approval for 12 Diplomate of National Board (DNB) seats at government institutes across the Union Territory (UT). This decision aims to strengthen the public healthcare scenario in the region and provide better opportunities for medical students. Let’s delve into the details of this significant development.

Approval of New DNB Seats

The NBEMS has given permission for 12 new DNB seats in various disciplines across government institutes in Jammu and Kashmir. These seats will contribute to the expansion of postgraduate medical education in the UT and address the shortage of specialists. The following institutes have received permission for DNB seats:

• Srinagar Hospital – 2 seats in Orthopedics.
• GMC Rajouri – 2 seats in Pediatrics.
• DH Poonch – 2 seats in Surgery.
• DH Reasi – 2 seats in General Medicine.
• Department of Anesthesiology GMC Baramulla – 4 Postgraduate seats, 2 Primary DNB seats, and 2 Secondary DNB seats per year.

Acknowledgement and Significance

In response to this development, an official spokesman issued a statement highlighting the significance of this step in strengthening the public healthcare system in Jammu and Kashmir. Bhupinder Kumar, the Secretary of State Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department, congratulated the entire H&ME Department for this achievement. Kumar expressed his happiness over the fact that even remote facilities like District Hospital Poonch and District Hospital Reasi have received the NBE nod for commencing postgraduate courses.

Best Practice in the Country

Ayushi Sudan, the Mission Director of National Health Mission (NHM) J&K, emphasized that implementing DNB courses at the district level in the Union Territory had been recognized as a best practice in the country. This recognition underscores the effectiveness of the efforts made by the administrative department H&ME J&K, NHM J&K, and the team of health institutions being monitored by Secretary H&ME.

Scaling Up DNB Seats & Courses

During the session of 2022 and the start of 2023, a total of 270 DNB seats were granted to the accredited departments in Jammu and Kashmir. These achievements are a result of the concerted efforts and hard work of the administrative department H&ME J&K, NHM J&K, and the team of health institutions. The authorities are committed to scaling up the DNB courses in all district hospitals and potential Community Health Centres (CHCs) of J&K. In the upcoming session, J&K plans to submit more than 30 applications in all district hospitals, further expanding the scope of postgraduate medical education.

Earlier Approvals and Recent Sanctions

In the previous academic session of 2022, a total of 250 seats were granted to accredited departments under the DNB program. In March 2023, NBEMS sanctioned an additional 20 DNB seats in government medical colleges and district hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir. GMC Srinagar received approval for two seats in FNB pediatric anesthesia, and Jawahar Lal Nehru Memorial Hospital in Srinagar was granted three post-MBBS DNB seats in general surgery.

Apart from these, several other institutions also received sanction for DNB seats:

• DH Udhampur – 5 seats in pediatrics, general medicine, and orthopedics.
• DH Ganderbal – 2 seats each in DNB general medicine and diploma pediatrics.
• DH Kulgam – 2 seats in general surgery and 1 seat in anesthesia.

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.

On March 5, 2023, the National Eligibility and Entrance Test for Postgraduate Studies (NEET PG) was held. For the academic year 2023–2024, the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) will soon start the counselling procedure for seat allocation to various MD/MS and PG Diploma Courses. We will cover all the pertinent details about the NEET PG 2023 counselling process in this article.

Schedule for NEET PG 2023 counselling

The Medical Counselling Committee’s official website (https://mcc.nic.in) will post the NEET PG 2023 counselling schedule. Only those applicants who passed the National Board of Examinations’ (NBE) NEET PG 2023 exam will be qualified to participate in the counselling procedure.

Process of Registration NEET PG 2023 counselling

Candidates must register on the Medical Counselling Committee website (www.mcc.nic.in) in order to take part in the NEET PG 2023 counselling procedure. Any attempt to register elsewhere will be refused; the registration process can only be done online.

Guidance Process

Online registration, payment of fees, preference selection, seat allocation results, and reporting make up the counselling process. The selection of seats will depend on a number of variables, including the NEET PG 2023 results, the candidates’ selections, the availability of seats, and reservation requirements. Counselling is conducted in four rounds: round 1, round 2, mop-up, and stray vacancy round. Only in the event that seats are still available after the first three rounds is the stray vacancy round held.

Essential Documents

Candidates must have the following paperwork on hand when they attend the counselling session:

• 10+2 grade report
• MBBS Degree Certificate
• NEET PG 2023 admit card
• NEET PG 2023 Mark sheet 
• Certificate of Successful Internship
• certificate of registration from the Indian Medical Council
• Certificates of Caste and PWD (if necessary)
• ID.proof

Quota AIQ Seats

The NEET PG 2023 counselling process will include 

• Armed Forces Medical Services
• Post MBBS DNB Courses
• Direct 6 years DrNB Courses
• Post MBBS NBEMS Diploma Courses

 In addition to AIQ 50% quota seats for all States/Union territories, State quota seats for all States/Union territories, and All Private Medical Colleges, Institutions & Universities/Deemed Universities.

The Medical Counselling Committee website is where qualified applicants should register themselves in order to participate in the NEET PG 2023 counselling procedure. Online registration, payment of fees, preference selection, seat allocation results, and reporting are all part of the counselling process. Before participating in the counselling process, candidates must have the necessary documentation on hand.

HC dismisses medical college’s request for NMC approval of PG Medical courses

The Telangana High Court has recently dismissed a plea filed by a medical college seeking permission from the National Medical Commission (NMC) to run postgraduate medical courses for the coming academic year. The NMC had withdrawn the letter of permission granted to the college after it submitted seven fake bank guarantee documents from the Bank of Baroda.

The college management had approached the High Court, claiming that the fraud was committed by the consultant with whom the college had an agreement and that the college had submitted genuine guarantees to the NMC. However, the High Court’s single judge bench rejected the plea.

The college then approached the division bench of the High Court. The counsels appearing on behalf of the college and the NMC submitted their respective arguments before the court. The NMC counsel brought to the court’s attention that the college had admitted students to the last academic year on the basis of fake bank guarantees.

The division bench of the High Court, comprising Chief Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice N. Tukaramji, rejected the plea of the medical college after considering the submissions of both parties. This decision highlights the importance of obtaining the necessary permission from the NMC in order to maintain the quality of medical education in the country