The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has issued a fact-check warning against a fake letter circulating in the name of the National Medical Commission (NMC), which falsely claims the implementation of the National Exit Test (NExT) for MBBS students.
In a statement released on April 7, the PIB cautioned the public and academic institutions against relying on the document, which it confirmed to be fabricated. The agency also shared an image of the purported letter to highlight the misinformation.
According to the PIB, the fake letter is dated April 1 and is addressed to deans and principals of medical colleges offering MBBS courses. It carries the subject line “Implementation of National Exit Test (NExT) for MBBS Students” and imitates the official format and letterhead of the NMC, including its office address in Dwarka, New Delhi.
The document claims that the NMC has decided to introduce the NExT examination for all MBBS students admitted from the 2022 batch onwards, as part of a phased implementation plan. It further states that the examination would function as a final year MBBS qualifying test, a licentiate examination for medical practice in India, and a common entrance test for postgraduate medical courses, replacing NEET-PG.
The PIB clarified that these claims are false and urged stakeholders not to act upon the contents of the letter. It also warned that such misinformation can lead to confusion among students and institutions.
The fake circular outlines a two-step examination process, including a theory-based test at the final MBBS level followed by a clinical and practical assessment after internship. It also advises medical colleges to modify their academic schedules and assessment systems accordingly.
Authorities have reiterated that no such official communication has been issued by the NMC regarding the implementation of the NExT examination in the manner described in the circulating document.
The PIB has urged individuals and institutions to verify information through official channels before taking any action, especially in matters related to academic policies and examinations.
The incident highlights the growing concern over the spread of misinformation through fabricated official documents, particularly in the education sector, where such claims can have widespread implications.
