Finalizing Guidelines for NExT:
The National Medical Commission (NMC) is working on the final guidelines for the National Exit Test (NExT), according to Dr. Yogender Malik, a member of the Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB). Here’s what you need to know about this important development.
Feedback from Stakeholders:
Earlier this year, the NMC opened the floor for feedback on the NExT regulations. They invited opinions from all stakeholders and extended the deadline for submissions to February 17, 2024. Dr. Malik confirmed that a committee is currently reviewing this feedback and will present its findings to the NMC soon.
Also read: Record-Breaking Attendance in NEET UG 2024
The Controversy Around NExT:
The recent release of the NExT exam has caused a serious debate among medical professionals. At first, the NMC planned to hold the exam for the 2019 MBBS batch, but this decision was strongly opposed. Critics stated that holding the NExT for this batch would go against the NMC Act of 2019, as these students started their courses before the Act was implemented.
Due to these concerns, the Union Health Ministry stepped in and postponed the exam. A seven member committee was formed to assess how prepared states and medical colleges are to implement the NExT for final-year MBBS students in the 2020 batch.
Public Consultation on Exam Format:
The NMC has sought public opinion on various aspects of the NExT exam. They are considering whether the NExT should replace the traditional MBBS final exam, be an additional test, or follow another format differently. Stakeholders were asked to comment on the timing, pattern, and syllabus of the exam, among other details.
Dr. Malik stated that the NMC aims to improve the quality of medical education and make sure the new guidelines are acceptable to students, faculty, and other medical stakeholders. He told them that they would have enough of time to prepare once the details became clear.
Concerns from the Indian Medical Association:
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has raised concerns about the feasibility of a single test for all medical students in India, citing variations in educational standards and inadequate infrastructure in many medical colleges. They have recommended that the NMC address these issues before moving forward with the NExT.
Parliamentary Committee’s Advice:
A Parliamentary committee has also advised the Union Health Ministry to thoroughly examine the implications of the NExT exam. They emphasized the importance of addressing the concerns of all relevant stakeholders before finalizing the exam guidelines.
What’s Next?:
The NMC will announce which MBBS batch will be the first to take the NExT exam in the upcoming guidelines. Dr. Malik reassured students that they will receive all the necessary information and sufficient time to prepare for the exam.
Stay tuned with ZyNerd for more updates.
