What is NEXT and Why Does It Matter?
NEXT will be the first unified test for medical graduates in India; it will provide three different functions: licensing all Indian graduates to practice medicine in India, providing an initial test to be taken before entering postgraduate studies for those wanting to specialize in different fields of medicine, and providing a qualifying exam for foreign graduates wanting to practice medicine in India. For all students who have completed or plan to complete their MBBS degree outside of India, NEXT is the first entry point to practice medicine in India and to be evaluated on the same scale as Indian graduates by NMC (National Medical Council of India).
Key Changes That Affect Foreign Medical Graduates
Impact on School Choice
Curriculum Alignment and Preparation
Clinical Training and Clinical Experience
Cost-Benefit Analysis in the NEXT Era
Coaching and Preparation for the NEXT
Internship Requirements and Timing
The NEXT era will show the importance of knowing the timing of your internship. You need to understand when to appear for your NEXT and the effect your internship will have on that timeline. Currently, students can appear for their NEXT after they finish their internship, but the guidelines from the NMC can change, so it’s good to keep yourself informed of the latest policies. Students who are going to be doing an MBBS abroad, once they complete their NEXT, should consider how their internship is scheduled to maximally benefit from it. Some students want to do their mandatory internship overseas to gain international experience; other students want to do their internships domestically to learn how things work in India and prepare for the NEXT at the same time.
EOCL India
With the help of experienced consultants, embarking on an overseas MBBS program after NEXT becomes infinitely simpler than before. EOCL India has gained a solid reputation as the trustworthy intermediary between prospective medical students and reputable foreign medical schools. With their extensive experience assisting international students with medical admissions, EOCL India provides guidance for students when choosing NMC-recognized universities based on educational objectives, future career development, and NEXT requirements.




