NExT Exam: National Exit Test for Ayush courses to be effective from 2021-2022 batch

NEW DELHI: Union Minister of State for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav on Thursday announced that the National Exit Test (NExT) for Ayush will be effective for the students of 2021-22 academic session batch onwards. The decision was taken after a meeting with some representatives of the students of BAMS/BHMS regarding the concerns of students in this matter.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, the Minister highlighted that the decision was based on the recommendations of a committee led by Sanjeev Sharma, Vice Chancellor of the National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur.

The committee, set up to review the concerns of students, recommended that NExT be applied to students enrolled under the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) Act, 2020 and the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH) Act, 2020. The review committee ensured that the final structure of the examination aligns with students' aspirations while maintaining strict academic and professional standards.

NExT exam to obtain license

The NExT exam will be a mandatory requirement for students to obtain licensing and register in state or national medical boards after completing a one-year internship. The examination will feature problem-based assessments that evaluate clinical skills through case scenarios, images, and videos. This ensures that graduates possess both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise.

"Our goal is to create a fair, transparent, and high-quality framework for Ayush education that aligns with global standards and ensures public confidence in the healthcare system", Jadhav said.

Students who clear the NExT but are yet to complete their internships will only be eligible for registration after completing the required one-year internship. "Those interns who have not completed their internship but qualified in the Next exam shall be eligible to register in State or National registration boards only after completion of the one-year internship," Jadhav added.

Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan launched

In addition to the NExT announcement, Jadhav unveiled a new nationwide initiative aimed at promoting health and well-being through natural practices. The "Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan" will be led by the Ministry of Ayush and the NCISM, engaging over 4.5 lakh participants, including 1.35 lakh students, 20,000 postgraduates, 18,000 teachers, and 3 lakh practitioners. This campaign aims to boost public interest in Ayurveda and drive economic growth by promoting indigenous health solutions.

This comprehensive initiative reflects the government's commitment to improving healthcare standards, promoting natural healing practices, and ensuring that Ayush graduates meet global healthcare benchmarks.