HIRA Recruitment 2026: An In-depth Look at NCS, Major Exams, and Mock Test Trends

The medical community is buzzing. As we head into 2026, with tensions around medical school quotas still simmering, the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA), a key player in healthcare big data, is becoming increasingly prominent. The competition among job seekers trying to enter this organisation, which carries out the crucial tasks of reviewing and assessing medical fees, gets fiercer every year. From my long experience in the industry, one thing is clear: unlike the past when people simply chased the stability of a 'public corporation', today's applicants 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 the various mock test prep books, often considered the 'bible' by job seekers. The 'All-New Cider' series, published notably by Sidae Edu and SD Edu, serves as a key barometer for understanding 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 preparing candidates for 2026, there's a good reason for the changes in these books' thickness and structure.

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 edition, NCS and major subjects were simply 'bundled' together. In contrast, the recent 'Cider Mock Tests' for the 2026 exams have evolved to organically connect NCS and major subjects while also emphasising in-depth learning for each. This proves that HIRA is not just looking for candidates with basic job competency, but also seeks professionalism, combining deep understanding and problem-solving skills in the healthcare sector.

The key point here isn't just about solving a certain 'number of sets'. It's about how effectively you can prepare for new types of questions, moving away from the old question-bank style. For example, while the SD Edu Final Mock Test for the second half of 2023 boasted a large volume of 6+6 sets to help prepare for various question types, later versions have focused more on quality, 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: Democratising Information

Another undeniable trend is the evolution of free NCS special lectures. Video lectures started being included with prep books in the second half of 2021, and by 2023 and 2024, this had become a standard feature. The fact that the keyword 'free video' takes up more and more space on book covers is evidence that exam candidates are hungry not just for simple problem-solving, but for expert strategies and solution methods.

• Early Stage (2021): 3 Practice Mock Tests + 7 Envelope Mock Test sets, focused on simple problem-solving.
• Expansion Stage (2023): NCS & Major Final Mock Test 6+6 sets, quantitative expansion and the beginning 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 essential.

These changes ultimately align with the evolving profile of the ideal candidate sought by HIRA. Amidst conflicts with medical groups like the Korean Medical Association and rapidly changing healthcare policies, HIRA is no longer a simple administrative processing agency. They want 'professionals with expertise' who can analyse complex data, communicate with various stakeholders, and sometimes make firm decisions based on principles. For students preparing for 2026, it's essential to move beyond simply memorising past exam questions and develop the insight to read the trends in these subtle changes within prep books.

How to Prepare for the 2026 HIRA Written Exam?

In conclusion, the 2026 HIRA exam is no longer a challenge that just any 'job seeker' can take on. As the name 'Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service' implies, it requires an understanding of a highly specialised field: health insurance review and assessment. Therefore, you shouldn't just limit yourself to 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 function as a kind of 'trend report' reflecting the hot topics in the healthcare sector and key issues facing 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 field's voice, read the evolution of the prep books, and equip yourself with a solid major subject foundation.