Everything You Need to Know About HIRA’s 2026 Recruitment: An In-Depth Analysis of the NCS, Major Subject Exams, and Mock Test Trends

The medical community is buzzing. Heading into 2026, with tensions around medical school quotas still simmering, the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service (HIRA) is becoming more pivotal than ever as a key player in healthcare big data. The competition among job seekers trying to enter this organisation, which carries the crucial responsibility of reviewing and assessing medical fees, intensifies each year. From my years in the industry, one thing is clear: unlike the past when candidates were mainly after the stability of a 'public corporation,' today's applicants are far more focused on 'professionalism.'

In fact, the landscape of HIRA's written exams has undergone significant changes in recent years. One of the best indicators of this shift is the evolution of the various mock test books considered the 'go-to' resources by job seekers. The 'All-New Saida' series, particularly from Sidae Edu and SD Edu, serves as a crucial barometer for tracking HIRA recruitment trends. From the 'Envelope Mock Test 7-set' in the second half of 2021, to the 'NCS & Major Final Mock Test 6+6-set' in the second half of 2023, and the 'Final Check Mock Test 4-set' in 2024, right up to the latest editions for 2026 preparation—there are good reasons behind the changes in these books' structure and content.

The Shifting Focus Between NCS and Major Subjects

The most prominent change is undoubtedly the shift in the weighting of the NCS and major subject exams. Looking at early mock tests, like the 2021 editions, NCS and major subjects were simply 'bundled' together. In contrast, the recent 'Saida Mock Tests' for 2026 have evolved to connect NCS and major subjects organically while emphasising in-depth learning for each. This proves that HIRA isn't just looking for candidates with basic job competency; they want professionals with a deep understanding of the healthcare sector and strong problem-solving skills combined.

The key point here is that it's no longer just about solving a certain 'number of sets.' It's about effectively preparing for new question types, moving away from the old test bank style. For example, while SD Edu's Final Mock Test for the second half of 2023 boasted a large volume of 6+6 sets to cover various question types, later editions have focused more on qualitative improvement, emphasising 'final checks' and 'real-world practice.' As I see it, this reflects the harsh reality that vague 'NCS study' is no longer enough to get a foot in the door at HIRA.

The Evolution of Free Lectures and the Democratisation of Information

Another undeniable trend is the evolution of free NCS special lectures. Video lectures started being included with textbooks in the second half of 2021, and by 2023 and 2024, they had become a standard feature. The fact that keywords like 'free video content' are taking up more and more space on textbook covers is clear evidence that test-takers are hungry for expert strategies and problem-solving approaches, not just rote practice.

• Early Stage (2021): 3 sets of practical mock tests + 7 sets of envelope mock tests, focused mainly on simple problem-solving.
• Expansion Stage (2023): NCS & Major Final Mock Test 6+6 sets, quantitative expansion and introduction of free special lectures.
• Maturity Stage (2024 onwards): Final Check Mock Test 4 sets, emphasis on qualitative depth and strategic approach over quantity. Free NCS special lectures become an essential element.

These changes ultimately align with the evolution of the ideal candidate HIRA is looking for. Amidst conflicts with medical groups like the Korean Medical Association and rapidly changing healthcare policies, HIRA is no longer a simple administrative agency. They want 'professionals with expertise'—people who can analyse complex data, communicate with various stakeholders, and sometimes make firm decisions based on principles. For those preparing for the 2026 intake, it's crucial to look beyond simply memorising past exam papers and develop the insight to read the trends within these subtle changes in test prep materials.

How to Prepare for the 2026 HIRA Written Exam?

In conclusion, the 2026 HIRA exam is no longer a hurdle that just any 'job seeker' can attempt. As the name Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service implies, it demands an understanding of a highly specialised field: the review and assessment of health insurance. Therefore, your study shouldn't stop at just solving the latest 2024 editions of prep books. You need to broaden your scope to understand why a particular question was asked and the background healthcare policies and issues behind it.

This is precisely why the 'All-New Saida' series from Sidae Edu and SD Edu gets upgraded every year. They are more than just collections of problems; they function as a kind of 'trend report' reflecting the year's key healthcare topics and major issues facing HIRA. In 2026, those who are slow to adapt to change will never stand on the HIRA stage. It's time to listen to the voices from the field, read the evolution of the textbooks, and equip yourself with a solid expertise in your chosen major.