NExT Exam Deferred to 2028-29: What It Means for MBBS Abroad Students — 2026

What is NExT Exam Deferred to 2028-29: What It Means for MBBS Abroad Students?

The NMC has put a hold on the implementation of the National Exit Test (NExT) for 3-4 years, effectively deferring its mandatory rollout to 2028-29. Without NMC approval, the FMGE screening becomes mandatory. This means medical graduates in 2026 don't need to worry about NExT for their initial registration, as the FMGE remains the primary licensing exam.

For students pursuing MBBS abroad, this deferment is a significant relief. You'll continue to appear for the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) to practice as a doctor in India. Most students find this easier because the FMGE structure is already well-established.

AIIMS is expected to conduct the NExT from February 2028. However, the NMC may introduce a trial mock exam in 2026 or 2027 to test the system. We recommend focusing on FMGE preparation for now, as it's the only valid path for 2026 graduates.

Don't mistake this deferment for a total cancellation. NExT will eventually serve as both a licentiate exam for registration and a gateway for post-graduate medical courses. It's just the timeline that has shifted, giving you more breathing room to complete your degree abroad.

Will the NExT exam be mandatory for MBBS abroad students in 2026?

No, the NExT exam will not be implemented by 2026 as the NMC has deferred its rollout for 3-4 years. Always verify on the NMC portal before applying. Foreign medical graduates must continue appearing for the FMGE to secure their license to practice in India.

The most critical takeaway is that the FMGE remains the only gateway for foreign graduates until February 2028. You don't need to worry about NExT for the 2026 cycle.

Note: Fees and data are sourced from official websites and may vary. Verify with the university directly.

Eligibility Criteria

Most students assume the NExT exam is already mandatory for 2026 graduates, but the NMC has deferred its implementation for 3-4 years. Always verify on the NMC portal before applying. , all international medical graduates (IMGs) must currently meet the eligibility requirements for the FMGE to practice in India.

• Degree Qualification: You must hold a primary medical qualification (MBBS) from a university recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) to apply for the licensing exam.
• FMGE Requirement: Since NExT is postponed, all students graduating in 2026 must clear the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) to obtain a registration Certificate.
• NExT Eligibility (Post-2028): Once implemented from February 2028, final year MBBS students from both Indian and foreign universities will be eligible to appear for the NExT.
• Post-Graduation Aspirants: Candidates seeking admission into PG medical courses must qualify for the NExT, as it will serve as the single assessment for both licensing and PG entry.
• University Verification: You must ensure your chosen foreign medical university is on the NMC approved list 2026 to be eligible for the licensing process in India.
• International Entrance Tests: Depending on the country, you may need to pass a specific eligibility test mandated by that nation's medical board before starting your MBBS.

We recommend verifying your university's NMC status immediately to avoid any registration hurdles after graduation.

Top Colleges / Institutes

In 2026, the deferment of NExT means students must prioritize universities that align with current FMGE patterns and NMC guidelines. Always verify on the NMC portal before applying. Since the licensing process remains the FMGE until 2028-29, choosing institutes with high screening pass rates is critical for returning to India.

Most top-tier Indian institutes maintain a strict NEET-UG admission protocol, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the FMGE, which remains the mandatory licensing exam until the NExT rollout in 2028-29.

Step-by-Step Process for MBBS Abroad Students in 2026

Follow these specific regulatory steps to ensure your degree remains valid given that the NMC has put a hold on NExT for 3-4 years. Without NMC approval, the FMGE screening becomes mandatory. Since the exam is deferred, graduates in 2026 must still clear the FMGE to practice in India.

1. Select an NMC-Compliant University: Choose a medical university abroad and verify its eligibility criteria against the 2026 NMC approved medical colleges list.
2. Clear Country-Specific Eligibility Tests: Complete any mandatory entrance or eligibility tests required by the destination country's medical board to qualify for admission.
3. Complete Undergraduate Medical Education: Pursue the full MBBS curriculum abroad, ensuring the course duration and internship align with NMC standards.
4. Apply for FMGE Licensing: Since NExT is not active in 2026, register for the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) to obtain your license.
5. Clear the FMGE Exam: Pass the licensing test conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) to legally practice as a doctor in India.
6. Register with the Medical Council: Submit your FMGE passing Certificate and degree to the National Medical Commission for official registration.
7. Prepare for NExT Transition: Monitor AIIMS announcements for the first official NExT mock trials, which may occur in 2026 or 2027, before the full rollout in February 2028.

Most students don't realize that the FMGE remains the only valid gateway for 2026 graduates until the NExT implementation begins in 2028.

Career Options & Salary

Approximately 80% of MBBS graduates from abroad transition into clinical practice or specialized PG courses after clearing the FMGE. Pass rates vary sharply by university. Since the NExT exam is deferred to 2028-29, students graduating in 2026 must rely on FMGE for registration to access these high-paying roles.

Most students find that government roles offer higher stability, while private practice typically yields the highest salary growth after 3-5 years of experience. You'll need a valid registration Certificate to apply for any of these positions.

Note: Fees and data are sourced from official websites and may vary. Verify with the university directly.

What higher education options are available after the NExT deferment?

The deferment of the NExT exam until 2028-29 means that for the 2026 cycle, the FMGE remains the primary gateway for international graduates. Always verify on the NMC portal before applying. Students can still pursue postgraduate medical courses in India, provided they clear the existing licensing requirements set by the NMC.

Since NExT won't be operational in 2026, we recommend focusing on FMGE preparation to ensure uninterrupted access to postgraduate seats. Most students underestimate FMGE difficulty. Most students don't realize that clearing the licensing exam is the only way to unlock these higher education pathways.

Comparison with Alternatives

Most students assume that the NExT exam has already replaced the FMGE for those returning from abroad. Without NMC approval, the FMGE screening becomes mandatory. In reality, the NMC has deferred NExT for 3-4 years, meaning foreign graduates must still clear the FMGE to practice in India as of 2026.

The key takeaway here is that the FMGE remains the only valid licensing gateway for foreign medical graduates until the NExT becomes operational in February 2028. You don't need to worry about NExT for your immediate licensure in 2026.

Important Points to Remember

In 2026, the most critical update for medical aspirants is that the National Medical Commission (NMC) has put a hold on NExT implementation for 3-4 years. Always verify on the NMC portal before applying. This means the FMGE remains the primary licensing gateway for foreign medical graduates until the new system stabilizes.

• FMGE is the mandatory exam for all MBBS graduates from abroad to practice in India since NExT will not be active in 2026.
• AIIMS is designated as the conducting body for the NExT exam, which is now expected to start from February 2028.
• The NMC may conduct the first official NExT mock exam as a trial in medical institutions during 2026 or 2027.
• NExT will serve a dual purpose as both a licentiate exam for practice and an entrance exam for postgraduate medical courses.
• Students must ensure their chosen foreign university is on the NMC approved medical colleges abroad list 2026 to maintain eligibility.
• The deferment is a temporary hold for 3-4 years and not a permanent cancellation of the NExT framework.

We recommend focusing on FMGE preparation for now, as the 2026-27 cycle won't be affected by the NExT rollout.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the NExT exam cancelled for MBBS students in 2026?

No, the NExT exam is not cancelled but has been deferred by the NMC for 3-4 years. Students will not appear for NExT in 2026 and must continue with existing licensing protocols.

Which exam should MBBS abroad students take to practice in India in 2026?

Foreign medical graduates must continue to appear for the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduates Examination) to practice in India. The FMGE remains the mandatory licensure exam until NExT becomes operational around 2028-29.

When will the NExT exam actually start for medical graduates?

AIIMS is expected to conduct the NExT from February 2028. Some trial mock exams may be conducted in medical institutions during 2026 or 2027 subject to NMC approval.

Will NExT replace the NEET-PG for postgraduate admissions in 2026?

No, Indian students will continue to appear for NEET-PG for postgraduate admissions in 2026. NExT was intended to replace it, but the 3-4 year deferment keeps NEET-PG as the primary entrance exam.

Who is eligible to appear for the NExT exam once it is implemented?

Final year MBBS students from both Indian universities and foreign medical colleges are eligible. It will serve as both a licentiate exam for practice and a gateway for PG courses.

Does the NExT deferment affect the registration process with the Medical Council?

It simplifies the immediate process by allowing students to stick to the known FMGE path for now. You'll still need to clear the relevant licensure exam to register with the NMC/MCI.

What is the current status of NExT implementation for the 2025-26 cycle?

The NMC has put a hold on the implementation of NExT for the next 3-4 years. This means the transition from FMGE to NExT will not occur in August 2025 as previously planned.

Watch: MBBS Abroad 2026: Top Countries & Fees for Indian Students

Note: Fees and data are sourced from official websites and may vary. Verify with the university directly.