NExT 2025 Eligibility Criteria – Age, Qualification, Attempts & Reservation

Before applying for NExT National Exit Test 2025, it’s important to check the age criteria set by the National Medical Commission and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, which is the conducting body. Candidates must be at least 21 years old on the date of the NExT examination. There is no strict upper age limit specified for appearing in the NExT exam, emphasizing that the examination is primarily a test of competency rather than age. Specific age relaxations for categories such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes (Non-Creamy Layer), or Persons with Benchmark Disabilities are not explicitly outlined for NExT eligibility itself. The focus of the National Exit Test is on ensuring a standardized level of medical proficiency for all aspiring practitioners. Knowing the age rules in advance ensures you apply within the permitted criteria and make full use of any relaxation benefits.

NExT National Exit Test 2025 aims to establish a uniform standard for medical licensure and postgraduate admissions across the country. As per the National Medical Commission guidelines, there are no specific reservation criteria applied to the NExT examination for appearing or qualifying. This means that relaxations in terms of age, fees, or qualifying marks based on categories are not directly provided for the NExT exam itself. The examination evaluates the competency of all candidates on a level playing field. While benefits such as fee concessions or reduced qualifying marks might be applicable in subsequent processes like postgraduate admissions, these are not part of the NExT eligibility or qualification criteria. To avail of any such benefits in downstream processes, candidates must upload valid and up-to-date category certificates during the relevant registration or application phases. Verification of these documents will follow the official protocol set by the respective authorities. By understanding and following the process, eligible candidates can make full use of any category-based benefits available for postgraduate medical admissions after successfully clearing the NExT.

NExT National Exit Test 2025 is open to Indian citizens and valid Overseas Citizen of India or Person of Indian Origin card holders as per National Medical Commission rules. For this national-level examination, specific domicile requirements are generally not applicable, unlike state-level entrance examinations where a domicile certificate of the respective state might be mandatory. A significant aspect of the NExT examination is its application to foreign medical graduates. Foreign medical graduates who have completed their MBBS degree from medical colleges recognized by the National Medical Commission must also clear the NExT to obtain a license to practice medicine in India and to be eligible for postgraduate medical courses. Some guidelines suggest that foreign medical graduates should aim to clear the NExT within two years of completing their medical degree abroad. By understanding these rules early, candidates can ensure they meet the required nationality or domicile conditions before applying.

Before preparing for NExT National Exit Test 2025, it’s essential to know if there’s a cap on the number of attempts. The National Exit Test generally allows unlimited attempts for candidates. This policy aims to provide ample opportunities for all aspiring medical professionals to meet the required competency standards. However, a crucial condition specifies that candidates must pass NExT Step 1, the theoretical component, within 10 years of joining their MBBS course. This timeframe ensures that candidates maintain a reasonable pace in their medical education and licensure process. For NExT Step 1, candidates can attempt the papers multiple times, and in cases of failure in one or more subjects, they can re-appear for those specific papers in subsequent examination cycles. There are no particular category-based relaxations mentioned regarding the number of attempts for the NExT examination. Being aware of attempt limits helps you plan your preparation strategy effectively and avoid exhausting your chances prematurely.

NExT Step 1 score valid for 5 years for NExT Step 2