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

The medical community is buzzing. In 2026, with intense discussions around medical school quotas still unresolved, the presence of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA), a key hub for healthcare big data, is growing stronger day by day. The competition among job seekers aiming to enter this institution, which carries out the crucial tasks of medical fee review and assessment, intensifies every year. From my long experience in the industry, I've noticed that unlike the past, when candidates were primarily chasing the stability of a 'public corporation,' applicants nowadays are placing more emphasis on 'professionalism.'

In fact, the landscape of the HIRA written exam has undergone significant changes in recent years. One of the best indicators of these shifting trends is the evolution of various mock exam workbooks, considered 'bibles' by job seekers. The 'All-New Saida' series, published notably by Sidae Edu and SD Edu, serves as a key barometer for understanding HIRA recruitment trends. From the 'Envelope Mock Exam 7-set' in the second half of 2021, to the 'NCS & Major Final Mock Exam 6+6-set' in the second half of 2023, and the 'Final Check Mock Exam 4-set' in 2024, right up to the latest editions for 2026 preparation, there's a good reason for the changes in these books' composition and thickness.

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 exams, for instance the 2021 edition, NCS and major subjects were simply 'bundled' together. In contrast, the recent 'Saida Mock Exams' for 2026 preparation have evolved to connect NCS and major subjects organically while also emphasising in-depth learning for each. This proves that HIRA is not just looking for talent with basic job competency, but simultaneously demands deep expertise in the healthcare field combined with strong problem-solving skills.

The key point here is moving beyond simply solving a 'certain number of sets'; it's about how effectively you prepare for new types of questions, moving away from a fixed question bank style. For example, while the SD Edu Final Mock Exam for the second half of 2023 boasted a large volume of 6+6 sets to prepare candidates for various question types, later editions have focused more on quality enhancement, emphasising 'final checks' and 'real-world practice.' In my view, this reflects the harsh reality that vague 'NCS study' alone is no longer enough to get a foot in the door at HIRA.

The Evolution of Free Lectures, 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 almost standard. The fact that keywords like 'free video content' are taking up more space on textbook covers is evidence that exam candidates are eager for expert strategies and solution methods, not just simple problem-solving practice.

• Early Stage (2021): 3 Full-length Mock Exams + 7 Envelope-style Mock Exams, centred on simple problem-solving.
• Expansion Stage (2023): NCS & Major Final Mock Exam 6+6 sets, quantitative expansion and the start of offering free special lectures.
• Maturity Stage (2024 onwards): Final Check Mock Exam 4 sets, emphasis on qualitative depth and strategic approach over quantity. Free NCS special lectures have become an essential feature.

These changes are ultimately linked to the evolving profile of the talent HIRA seeks as an organisation. Amidst conflicts with medical circles like the Korean Medical Association and rapidly changing healthcare policies, HIRA is no longer just an administrative processing centre. They want 'talented professionals' capable of analysing complex data, communicating with various stakeholders, and sometimes making firm decisions based on principles. For students preparing for 2026, it's necessary to move beyond simply repeating past exam questions and develop the insight to read the trends from these subtle changes in study materials.

How to Prepare for the 2026 HIRA Written Exam?

In conclusion, the 2026 HIRA exam is no longer a hurdle that any 'job seeker' can easily attempt. As the name 'Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service' suggests, it requires an understanding of the highly specialised field of health insurance review and assessment. Therefore, don't just stop at solving the latest 2024 editions of workbooks. You need to broaden your scope of study to understand why a particular question was set and what healthcare policies and issues form its background.

This is precisely why the 'All-New Saida' series from Sidae Edu and SD Edu are upgraded every year. They are more than just workbooks; they serve as a kind of 'trend report' reflecting the hot topics in the healthcare sector and key issues at 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 your study materials, and equip yourself with solid expertise in your major.