Everything You Need to Know About HIRA Recruitment in 2026: An In-depth Analysis of NCS, Core Subject Written Exams, and Mock Test Trends

There's a palpable sense of anticipation within the medical community. As we look towards 2026, with strong feelings surrounding medical school quotas yet to settle, the significance of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA), a key hub for healthcare big data, continues to grow. Every year, the competition intensifies among job seekers aiming to join this organisation, which carries out the crucial tasks of reviewing and assessing medical fees. From my long-standing experience in the industry, what stands out is a shift from the past, where the primary draw was simply the stability of a 'public corporation'. Today's candidates are increasingly focused on 'professional expertise'.

Indeed, the landscape of the HIRA written exam has undergone considerable change in recent years. One of the clearest indicators of this evolving trend is the transformation seen in the various mock exam books considered 'bibles' by job seekers. The 'All-New Cider' series, particularly from Sidaeedu and SD Edu, serves as a crucial barometer for understanding HIRA recruitment trends. From the '7 Practice Exam Papers' in the second half of 2021, to the '6+6 Final NCS & Core Subject Mock Tests' in the second half of 2023, and the '4 Final Check Mock Tests' in 2024, right up to the latest editions preparing candidates for 2026, there are solid reasons behind the changes in these books' thickness and structure.

The Shifting Focus Between NCS and Core Subjects

The most prominent change is undoubtedly the shift in the weighting between the NCS and core subject exams. Looking at early mock exams, like the 2021 editions, NCS and core subjects were simply 'bundled' together. In contrast, recent 'Cider Mock Exams' for 2026 have evolved to organically link the NCS and core subjects while also emphasising deep, individualised learning for each. This proves that HIRA is not just looking for candidates with basic job competency, but demands professionals who possess both a deep understanding of the healthcare sector and strong problem-solving abilities.

What's noteworthy here is that preparation has moved beyond simply completing a certain 'number of practice tests' and memorising a question bank. The key now is how effectively one can prepare for new types of questions. For instance, while the SD Edu Final Mock Test for the second half of 2023 boasted a large volume of 6+6 practice tests to help candidates tackle various question types, later editions have focused more on qualitative improvement, emphasising 'final checks' and 'real-world practice'. In my view, this reflects the harsh reality that vague 'NCS study' is no longer enough to get through the HIRA door.

The Evolution of Free Special Lectures: Democratising Information

Another trend not to 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 keywords like 'free video content' are taking up more and more space on textbook covers is clear evidence that test-takers are desperate for expert strategies and problem-solving methods, beyond just simple practice.

• Early Stage (2021): Focus on simple problem-solving with 3 full-length practice tests + 7 practice exam papers.
• Expansion Stage (2023): Quantitative expansion with 6+6 NCS & Core Subject Final Mock Tests and the introduction of free special lectures.
• Maturity Stage (2024 onwards): Emphasis on qualitative depth and strategic approach over quantity, as seen in '4 Final Check Mock Tests'. Free NCS special lectures become an essential component.

These changes ultimately align with the evolution of the ideal candidate profile that HIRA, as an organisation, seeks. Amidst conflicts with medical bodies like the Korean Medical Association and rapidly changing healthcare policies, HIRA is no longer a simple administrative processing centre. They need 'talented professionals' capable of analysing complex data, communicating with various stakeholders, and making firm decisions based on principles when necessary. For students preparing for the 2026 recruitment, it's essential to move beyond simply memorising past exam papers and develop the insight to read the trends within these subtle changes in the study materials.

How to Prepare for the 2026 HIRA Written Exam?

In conclusion, the HIRA exam in 2026 is no longer a hurdle that any 'job seeker' can lightly attempt. As the name 'Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service' implies, it demands an understanding of the highly specialised fields of health insurance review and assessment. Therefore, preparation shouldn't stop at simply working through the latest 2024 textbooks. You must broaden your study to understand why certain questions are set and what healthcare policies and issues form their background.

This is precisely why the 'All-New Cider' series from Sidaeedu and SD Edu are upgraded every year. They are more than just simple compilations of problems; 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 insensitive 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 solid expertise in your core area.