NCISM Announces NExT for AYUSH Students, Exam in March 2027
The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) has announced that the National Exit Test (NExT) has been made applicable to AYUSH students admitted from the academic year 2021–22 onwards, with the examination tentatively planned for March 2027.
The decision was taken following deliberations in the NCISM meeting held in October and subsequent approval from the Ministry of AYUSH. A formal public notice has been issued directing all AYUSH institutions to inform students and faculty members and initiate necessary academic and administrative preparations.
The NExT examination will serve as a common qualifying and exit assessment for students of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Sowa-Rigpa, aimed at evaluating clinical competence, ethical practice, and medico-legal knowledge before granting professional registration.
NCISM stated that further details regarding the exam pattern, syllabus, and implementation framework will be notified separately in due course. The commission emphasised that timely preparedness by institutions is essential to ensure smooth execution of the new assessment system.
