Medical graduates in India have long relied on the NEET PG exam for admissions into postgraduate medical courses like MD, MS, and PG Diplomas. However, with the introduction of the NExT (National Exit Test), there’s been a wave of confusion and curiosity among MBBS students. Is NExT replacing NEET PG? What are the differences in the exam patterns and syllabi? Which one is tougher?
In this article, we decode the difference between NExT and NEET PG to give you clarity, whether you’re an aspiring PG student or currently pursuing your MBBS.
Introduction: Why This Shift?
The National Medical Commission (NMC) introduced the NExT exam with a vision to simplify and unify the final MBBS examination, medical licensing, and PG admissions under one umbrella. It aims to ensure standardised competency among Indian and foreign medical graduates.
While NEET PG has been the traditional route for PG admissions, NExT proposes to streamline multiple processes through a single test.
NExT Exam vs NEET PG Exam: Quick Overview
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the two exams for better understanding:
| Feature | NEET PG | NExT |
| Full Form | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate | National Exit Test |
| Conducting Body | NBE (National Board of Examinations) | National Medical Commission (NMC) |
| Purpose | Admission into PG courses (MD/MS/PG Diploma) | Licensing, PG admissions, and screening for FMGs |
| Eligibility | MBBS graduates | Final-year MBBS students (for Step 1), Internship-completed graduates (for Step 2) |
| Exam Stages | One exam | Two steps: Step 1 (theory), Step 2 (practical/clinical) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year | Step 1: Once a year (May); Step 2: Multiple windows post internship |
| Status | Being phased out | Proposed to be implemented from 2025 onwards |
NExT vs NEET PG Syllabus
The NExT vs NEET PG syllabus comparison reveals that while both cover MBBS subjects, the focus and format vary significantly.
| Subject Area | NEET PG | NExT Step 1 |
| Focus | More on MCQs and memorisation | Application-based clinical questions |
| Pre-clinical Subjects (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry) | Covered in-depth | Clubbed under integrated clinical approach |
| Clinical Subjects | Important but limited integration | Core emphasis (Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, etc.) |
| Time Allotted to Syllabus Completion | Post-internship | Final year MBBS |
While NEET PG follows a traditional subject-wise format, NExT integrates subjects and case-based learning, pushing students to think like doctors, not just examinees.
NExT Exam Pattern vs NEET PG Pattern
Let’s understand the NExT exam pattern vs NEET PG pattern in detail:
NEET PG Exam Pattern
- Mode: Computer-based
- Type: Single paper
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Number of Questions: 200 MCQs
- Marking: +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect
- Focus: Subject-wise MCQs, memory-based
NExT Exam Pattern
NExT Step 1 (Theory)
- Mode: Computer-based
- Type: Objective
- Subjects: Final-year MBBS subjects
- Focus: Integrated, application-based, clinical MCQs
- Passing Criteria: 50% (or as prescribed by NMC)
NExT Step 2 (Practical/Clinical)
- Mode: Offline (university/institute-based)
- Focus: Hands-on clinical skills, communication, and diagnosis
- Eligibility: Only those who pass Step 1
So, while NEET PG is a knowledge recall exam, NExT is being positioned as a clinical reasoning and practical competency test.
NExT Exam Eligibility Criteria vs NEET PG
Eligibility plays a crucial role when comparing the NExT exam eligibility criteria with NEET PG.
| Criteria | NEET PG | NExT |
| Who Can Apply? | MBBS graduates with an internship completion certificate | Final-year MBBS students (Step 1) and interns (Step 2) |
| Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) | Must clear FMGE exam for registration | NExT Step 1 & 2 replaces FMGE |
Key takeaway: For Indian medical students, NExT begins in the final year itself. FMGs must now pass both Step 1 and Step 2 to practice in India, as NExT replaces FMGE.
NEET PG vs NExT Difficulty Level
This is one of the most asked questions: Which is more difficult – NExT or NEET PG?
| Factor | NEET PG | NExT |
| Question Type | MCQs; memory-based | Clinical MCQs & practicals |
| Number of Attempts | No limit (subject to eligibility) | No limit, but clearing both steps is mandatory |
| Preparation Required | Strong theory revision | Deep conceptual clarity + practical exposure |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to High | High (due to integrated, application-based focus) |
So, in terms of difficulty, NExT is considered more challenging, especially with its real-world clinical orientation and dual-step format.
NExT Replaces NEET PG: The Transition
According to the NMC, NExT is set to replace NEET PG entirely from 2025 onwards. The roadmap includes:
- 2025 onwards: Final-year MBBS students will appear for NExT Step 1.
- Post-internship: Students take Step 2 to obtain a license and become eligible for PG counselling.
Thus, NEET PG will no longer be the route for PG admissions for the 2025 MBBS batch and beyond.
Final Thoughts
The difference between NExT and NEET PG lies not just in the pattern or structure but in the very philosophy of assessment. While NEET PG focuses on memory and theoretical knowledge, NExT is designed to test whether a student is truly ready to be a doctor – both in knowledge and practice.
This shift will require students to change their preparation strategies – early integration of clinical reasoning, focus on case-based learning, and not waiting until after internship to prepare for PG.
It’s a bold and transformative move in India’s medical education system, and with the right mindset and preparation, students can navigate it confidently.
FAQs
NExT is a two-step exam that acts as the final MBBS exam, licensing test, and PG entrance, while NEET PG was solely for PG admissions. NExT includes both theory and clinical assessments, unlike NEET PG which was a single MCQ-based test.
Yes, as per NMC’s guidelines, NExT will completely replace NEET PG from 2025 onwards for PG admissions in India.
NEET PG is a single paper with 200 MCQs. NExT has two parts: Step 1 (MCQ-based theory) and Step 2 (clinical/practical exam). NExT focuses more on applied knowledge and real-world clinical scenarios.
NEET PG required MBBS graduates with completed internships. NExT Step 1 can be taken during the final MBBS year, and Step 2 after completing internship.
NExT is generally considered more difficult due to its clinical focus, dual-phase format, and the need for conceptual and practical mastery over rote learning.
