NEET PG 2026 Confirmed: NExT Exam Deferred to 2028 [Official Update]
- Tasmiya Shaikh
- Dec 22, 2025
- 3 min read
Introduction: A Big Relief for 2021 Batch Medicos
The uncertainty that has clouded the 2026 academic session is finally gone.
After months of speculation, it is now confirmed: The National Exit Test (NExT) has been deferred.
This means the NEET PG 2026 confirmed and will be conducted as per the existing pattern for the current batch of interns (MBBS 2021 batch).
This update is a massive relief for students who were struggling to prepare for a "hybrid" NExT pattern. In this blog, we decode the official timeline and help you reset your preparation strategy.
🔹 The Official Update: NExT Postponed to 2028
What exactly did the NMC say?
According to the latest inputs and the logic of the "2024 MBBS Batch" implementation cycle:
The Change: NExT (Step 1 & 2) was originally proposed to replace NEET PG.
The Status: It has been deferred effectively until 2028 or 2029.
Who is Exempt? The 2020 and 2021 MBBS batches are largely exempt from NExT Step 1 for their PG entrance.
The Reason: The NMC requires more time to standardize the exam across all medical colleges and ensure a level playing field.
💡 Key Takeaway: If you are an intern or post-intern in 2026, you are writing NEET PG, not NExT.
🔹 NEET PG 2026: The Confirmed Details
Since we are back to the "Old School" format, here is what you are facing.
1. Exam Pattern (The Familiar Foe)
Questions: 200 MCQs.
Time: 3 Hours 30 Minutes.
Marking: +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect.
Style: Clinical vignettes (long-form questions) will dominate, but it won't be the "multi-step" NExT format.
2. Expected Timeline
Notification: January 2026.
Exam Date: August 2026 (Tentative).
Counselling: September/October 2026.
🔹 Strategy Shift: From NExT to NEET PG
How to change your study plan today.
Feature | NExT Preparation (Stop This) | NEET PG Preparation (Start This) |
Focus | Deep conceptual mechanism | High-yield topics + Clinical correlation |
Subjects | 6 Clinical Subjects dominated | All 19 Subjects carry weight |
Source | Textbooks + Practical Skills | PYQs (Past 5 Years) + MCQs |
Revision | System-wise | Subject-wise + Grand Tests (GTs) |
✅ The Golden Rule for 2026:
Focus heavily on PYQs (Previous Year Questions) from 2020-2025. Since the exam body remains NBE, the "repeat topics" trend will continue.
🔹 What About INI-CET 2026?
While NEET PG is the talk of the town, do not forget INI-CET.
Status: Remains unchanged.
Dates: May 2026 & November 2026.
Why target it? It is the only way to get into AIIMS, JIPMER, and PGIMER. The competition is tougher, but the syllabus overlaps 90% with NEET PG.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is NExT cancelled permanently?
A: No, it is deferred, not cancelled. It will likely be implemented for the MBBS batch of 2024, who will graduate around 2028/29.
Q: Will NEET PG 2026 be harder?
A: Not necessarily "harder," but "competitively intense." Since students now have clarity, everyone will return to aggressive MCQ practice. Expect high cut-offs.
Q: Do I need to qualify NExT for my license in 2026?
A: No. The existing internship completion rules apply for your license. You do not need to clear NExT Step 1 or 2 for registration in 2026.
🔗 CTA
Get your prep back on track:
The confirmation that NEET PG 2026 will go ahead, with the NExT exam deferred to 2028, brings temporary clarity but also prolongs uncertainty for many medical graduates planning their careers. In this context, options like studying in Canada are gaining attention, especially when supported by financial aid such as the university canada west Scholarship. Scholarships can significantly reduce the cost burden and allow students to pursue quality education while avoiding prolonged admission bottlenecks and exam delays in India.