NEXT: 12 States, 4 UTs Approve of National Exit Test for 'Doctor' Title

12 states along with four Union Territories have agreed to make the National Exit Test (NEXT) mandatory for medical students to get the title of ‘doctor’. The information was provided by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Following are the states and Union Territories that have agreed to NEXT:

Although the government is getting the support of various states, there are some that are opposing NEXT for medical graduates. Assam, Karnataka, Goa, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir are the nine states that are not in favour of the exam and stated that there is no need for NEXT.

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NEXT was proposed by a high-powered committee for MBBS students who are about to graduate from government as well as private colleges. The aim of the exam was to ensure the quality medical education that is being imparted in the country.

The exam was another part of the wide-ranging reforms that the government is planning to introduce in the medical sector. These include recommendations to replace the Medical Council of India with a National Medical Commission (NMC).

The proposed NMC will take over the responsibility of under-graduate and post-graduate medical education, accreditation and performance rating of colleges.

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After releasing the draft of Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill 2016, the Union Health Ministry had sought the opinion of the states regarding NEXT.