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

The medical community is buzzing. As we look toward 2026, with intense discussions around medical school quotas still unresolved, the presence of the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service (HIRA), a key hub for healthcare big data, is growing stronger by the day. The competition among job seekers hoping to enter this institution, which carries out the crucial tasks of reviewing and assessing medical fees, intensifies every year. From my long-standing experience in the industry, I've noticed that unlike the past when candidates simply chased the stability of a 'public corporation,' today's applicants are placing a greater emphasis on 'expertise.'

In fact, the landscape of the HIRA written exam has undergone significant changes in recent years. One of the best indicators of these shifts is the evolution of the various mock test prep books, often regarded as the 'bible' by job seekers. The 'All-New Cider' series, published notably by Sidae Edu and SD Edu, serves as a crucial barometer for understanding HIRA recruitment trends. From the '7 Full-Length Mock Tests' in the second half of 2021, to the 'NCS & Major Final Mock Tests 6+6' in the latter half of 2023, and the '4 Final Check Mock Tests' in 2024, all the way to the most recent editions preparing candidates for 2026, there's a good reason for the changes in these books' composition and depth.

The Shifting Focus Between NCS and Major-Specific Subjects

The most prominent change is undoubtedly the shift in the weighting of the NCS and major-specific exams. Looking at early mock tests, such as the 2021 editions, the NCS and major sections were simply 'bundled' together. In contrast, the recent 'Cider Mock Tests' for 2026 have evolved to connect the NCS and major components organically while simultaneously emphasizing in-depth learning for each area. This proves that HIRA is seeking talent equipped not only with basic job competency skills but also with deep expertise in the healthcare field combined with strong problem-solving abilities.

A key point here is moving beyond simply solving a 'certain number of tests' and focusing on how effectively one can prepare for new types of questions, moving away from a fixed question bank style. For example, while the SD Edu Final Mock Tests for the second half of 2023 boasted a large volume of 6+6 tests to help candidates prepare for diverse question types, later editions have shifted focus toward quality improvement, emphasizing 'final checks' and 'practical application.' In my view, this reflects the harsh reality that vague 'NCS study' is no longer enough to pass the HIRA exam.

The Evolution of Free Lectures and the Democratization of Information

Another trend that cannot be overlooked 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 the keyword 'free online video lectures' takes up an increasingly prominent space on textbook covers is evidence that exam candidates are hungry for expert strategies and solution methods beyond simple problem-solving practice.

• Early Stage (2021): 3 Practice Tests + 7 Full-Length Mock Tests, focused on simple problem-solving.
• Expansion Stage (2023): NCS & Major Final Mock Tests 6+6, quantitative expansion and the beginning of free special lecture offerings.
• Maturity Stage (2024 onwards): 4 Final Check Mock Tests, emphasizing qualitative depth and strategic approach over quantity. Free NCS special lectures become an essential component.

These changes ultimately align with the shift in the ideal candidate profile sought by the HIRA organization. Amidst conflicts with medical associations and rapidly changing healthcare policies, HIRA is no longer a simple administrative processing agency. It seeks 'talented individuals with expertise' who can analyze complex data, communicate with various stakeholders, and sometimes make firm decisions based on principles. For students preparing for the 2026 exams, it's necessary to move beyond simply memorizing past questions and develop the insight to read the trends from these subtle changes in prep materials.

How to Prepare for the 2026 HIRA Written Exam?

In conclusion, the 2026 HIRA exam is no longer a challenge that any 'job seeker' can easily take on. As the name 'Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service' suggests, it requires an understanding of a highly specialized field: the review and assessment of health insurance. Therefore, preparation shouldn't stop at simply solving the latest 2024 editions of prep books. You need to broaden your scope of study to understand why a particular question was asked and what healthcare policies and issues form its background.

This is precisely why the 'All-New Cider' series from Sidae Edu and SD Edu gets upgraded every year. They are more than just simple problem books; they act as a kind of 'trend report,' reflecting the key issues in the healthcare sector and the major agendas of HIRA for that year. In 2026, those who are insensitive to change will never be able to stand on the HIRA stage. It's time to listen to the voices from the field, read the evolution of the prep materials, and equip yourself with a solid major-specific advantage.