Union Minister of State for Ayush (Independent Charge) Shri Prataprao Jadhav announced today that the National Exit Test (NExT) for Ayush will be implemented for the 2021-2022 batch onwards. This decision follows recommendations from a committee formed to address students’ concerns about the test.
Key Details:
- Implementation Timeline: The NExT will apply to students enrolled in the 2021-22 academic session under the NCISM and NCH Acts, 2020.
- Committee: The recommendations were made by a committee chaired by Prof. Sanjeev Sharma, Vice Chancellor of the National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur.
- Purpose: The NExT is mandatory for licensing and enrollment in State or National Registers after completing a one-year internship. It will feature a problem-based examination with clinical case scenarios, images, and videos to assess practical skills.
- Internship Requirement: Interns who pass the NExT but have not completed their internship will be eligible for registration only after completing their internship.
Context:
- Legislation: The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) Act 2020 and the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH) Act 2020 came into force on June 11, 2021, and July 5, 2021, respectively. The NExT must be conducted within three years of these Acts’ enforcement.
Objectives:
- Quality and Transparency: The NExT aims to ensure a fair and transparent process while maintaining high standards in Ayush education and healthcare.
- Clinical Competency: The test will evaluate clinical competency, medical ethics understanding, and the ability to handle medico-legal cases.
New Campaign:
- “Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan”: Minister Jadhav also introduced a nationwide campaign focused on health and well-being through natural practices. This campaign will involve over 4.5 lakh participants, including students, postgraduate students, teachers, and practitioners.
- Goals: The campaign aims to enhance public interest in Ayurveda and achieve economic growth, with ambitions to set five Guinness World Records, aligning with Prime Minister’s vision of integrating Ayurveda into daily life with the mantra ‘Jan-Jan Tak Ayurveda’ ‘Har-Ghar Ayurveda’.
The announcements reflect a significant step towards improving Ayush education and integrating Ayurveda into broader public health initiatives.
