Overview:
NEXT 1, undoubtedly, will be the focal point among NEXT 1 & 2, serving dual purposes – determining aspirants' readiness for internship and evaluating their eligibility for medical PG seats. It's worth reiterating that while the former requires mere qualification, the latter entails intense competition.
Although the details provided here are largely speculative, our experts anticipate the format to align with the following framework, with minor variations.
Exam Pattern:
The NEXT 1 exam pattern will likely feature multiple-choice questions (MCQs), akin to the former MCI Screening Test/FMGE. However, unlike the FMGE, NEXT 1 will incorporate questions from the revised Competency-based MBBS curriculum. This updated curriculum will influence question patterns due to shifts in core focus areas. For insights into the new topic-wise outcomes, refer to the Competency-based MBBS curriculum page.
Syllabus:
Predicting the NEXT 1 exam syllabus isn't overly challenging, as all 19 subjects in the MBBS curriculum are potential sources for questions. The exam may be conducted in two phases, with Phase 1 covering Pre- & Para-Clinical subjects and Phase 2 focusing on Clinical subjects.
Question Types:
Expect NEXT 1 exam questions to primarily be analytical and clinically oriented, rather than mere recall-based. Details such as the number of questions and scoring pattern will likely emerge in due course.
Commencing NEXT 1 Exam Preparation:
Most students inquire about the optimal time to commence preparation for exams like the former MCI Screening, USMLE, or the erstwhile NEET PG during their MBBS journey. Let's address this matter definitively.
Firstly, any exam related to the Competency-based MBBS curriculum demands horizontal and vertical integration. This means understanding concepts taught in each MBBS year and interconnecting disciplines across the four years of study.
Some students start preparing for licensure or PG entrance exams as early as the 1st year of MBBS, benefiting from aligning concepts with subsequent years of study. Others delay preparation until the final year, which significantly reduces success rates. Unlike the former FMGE, NEXT 1 occurs before internship, eliminating the additional year for preparation.
However, the majority commence preparation in the 2nd or 3rd year of MBBS. Let's explore the differences between these approaches.
Preparation from 2nd Year MBBS:
During the 2nd year, focus on understanding Pre- and Para-Clinical concepts thoroughly. Begin integrating and consolidating these concepts in preparation for solving relevant MCQs. Cross-referencing 1st-year subjects with MCQ practice helps reinforce understanding and logical deduction, crucial for Clinical subjects' foundation.
Preparation from 3rd Year MBBS:
In the 3rd year, delve into Pharmacology, advanced Pathology, and Microbiology concepts alongside MCQ practice. Strengthen Para-Clinical subjects understanding before revisiting 2nd-year subjects and concluding with 1st-year Pre-Clinical subjects review.