Medical Students in India Will Have to Clear National Exit Test (NEXT) to Practice Outside the Country

Indian MBBS students will have to write National Exit Test (NEXT) before being eligible to practice anywhere in the country, says Ministry official.

The provision is part of a bill drafted by the Health Ministry, following suggestions by a high-powered Committee led by Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Arvind Panagariya to address concerns over quality of medical education in medical colleges and upgrade quality of doctors in the country, said a Ministry official, adding suggestions and feedback have been sought till January 6.

Among other proposals the bill has are conducting of common counselling for entry in Post Graduate medical admission and 50 per cent reservation in PG courses for students who served at least three years in remote and difficult areas.