NEXT (previously known as FMGE/MCI Screening Test) is a two-step examination that is going to do three things for a Medical student simultaneously. It will ascertain the eligibility of an MBBS final student to enter Internship, her eligibility to practice in India and also her ranking on the basis of which her candidature for a seat in Medical PG will be decided.

The NEXT qualification is mandatory to get into Internship, so, every MBBS student in India has to appear. The NEXT score will decide the candidature of an MBBS to get a much coveted government seat for doing PG, whether she is an MBBS from a government or private University in India or from an MCI approved Foreign Medical University. Last but not the least, if you do your MBBS from abroad and wish to practice in India, you must clear NEXT. So, if becoming a doctor is important to you, NEXT is also very important.

Irrespective of the reason that makes it mandatory for you to appear in NEXT, its preparation has to begin early during your MBBS, preferably from First Year itself. NEXT syllabus contains a major section on Pre-clinical subjects (like Anatomy, Biochemistry & Physiology) that one studies in First Year. Assuming that starting preparation later, say, during Final year will suffice is a major error in judgment.