Study reveals student preferences: NExT exam vs Final prof exams

While there is still no clarity regarding when the National Exit Test (NExT), the proposed licentiate and entrance test, might be held, a recent study revealed that only 31% of the students across the country are aware of the entire pattern of the NExT exam.

The study also revealed that the majority of medical students prefer NExT to serve as an exam for post-graduate entrance competition but not the third professional part 2 (final year) theory exam. Medical students participating in the study preferred NExT Step 1 to be conducted every 6 months as a 1-day exam of 3-hour duration. "Most students want no attempt limits. Majority further prefer at least three mock tests to be conducted annually. Students prefer 100% MCQ-based examination for theoretical university professional exams for better alignment with the entrance exam pattern. They also opine that NExT Step 2 should be conducted by NMC after completion of the Internship," the study results stated.