In a significant development for BAMS and other AYUSH undergraduate students, the Ministry of AYUSH is likely to implement the National Exit Test (NEXT) starting from the 2023–24 academic batch. According to recent media reports and expert discussions, students from 2021 and 2022 batches may be exempted from this mandatory exam.
This comes as a major point of discussion in AYUSH education circles, especially as lakhs of students across India await clarity regarding their eligibility and registration process after graduation.
🔍 What is AYUSH NEXT?
The AYUSH NEXT exam is a proposed licensing exit test, similar to the NEXT exam planned for MBBS graduates by NMC. It will be a single, standardized national-level examination to determine whether AYUSH graduates are eligible to register and practice.
It is also expected to:
- Replace final professional exams in the future.
- Serve as a common licentiate test to standardize the quality of Ayurveda graduates across the country.
- Be conducted likely by a centralized authority, either NCISM or another designated exam board.
👩🎓 Who Will Be Affected?
Based on current updates and reports:
- ✅ BAMS students admitted in 2021 and 2022 batches – Likely to be exempted from the AYUSH NEXT exam. These students may complete their graduation and obtain registration as per the existing rules.
- ⚠️ BAMS students admitted in 2023–24 – Will likely be the first batch required to take the NEXT exam for professional registration. This exam may be conducted after their final year or internship.
- 📢 This plan is not yet officially confirmed and will be finalized only after the Ministry of AYUSH issues a formal notification.
📰 Source of the News
- The update has been covered by TV9 Marathi and other media outlets, citing student protests and communications from educational representatives.
- AYUSH Minister of State, Prataprao Jadhav, has acknowledged the concerns of students and has hinted at a phased and fair rollout of the NEXT system.
“Students who were admitted before 2023 should not be affected by sudden rule changes,” — reported statement in media coverage.
🧑⚖️ Why the Postponement for Older Batches?
- Students and institutions argued that it was unfair to suddenly introduce a new exam for those who took admission under the older examination regulations.
- Protests and student petitions were submitted across multiple states, especially Maharashtra.
- The Ministry seems to be aligning with the principle of prospective implementation, giving students and colleges adequate time to prepare.
📌 What Students Should Do Now
- 2021 & 2022 batch students: Stay calm, prepare for university exams, and wait for the official exemption confirmation.
- 2023–24 batch students: Likely to be the first batch under the NEXT system—begin tracking updates and adjust study strategy accordingly.
- Follow official sources like NCISM (www.ncismindia.org) and the Ministry of AYUSH for the final notification.
🔚 Conclusion
The likely postponement of the AYUSH NEXT exam for 2021 and 2022 batches is a welcome decision for students and educators alike. It ensures that reforms in medical education are introduced gradually and fairly, without disrupting students who joined under older norms.
However, this decision will only become legally binding once the Ministry of AYUSH issues the official circular or gazette notification.
Until then, students should remain aware, prepare for exams as per their syllabus, and avoid misinformation.
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