2026 HIRA Recruitment: An In-Depth Analysis from NCS Major Exams to Mock Test Trends

The healthcare sector is buzzing. In 2026, with tensions still high over medical school quotas, the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service (HIRA), a key hub for healthcare big data, is growing in prominence. Every year, competition intensifies among job seekers hoping to join this organisation, which carries out the crucial tasks of reviewing and assessing medical fees. From my years in the industry, I've noticed a shift: unlike the past, where applicants merely chased the stability of a 'public corporation', today's candidates are placing greater emphasis on 'specialisation'.

The landscape of HIRA's written exams has indeed undergone significant changes in recent years. One of the best indicators of this shift is the evolution of various mock test books, considered bibles by many job seekers. The 'All-New Cider' series, published notably by Sida 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 for 2026 preparation, there are good reasons behind the changes in these books' thickness and composition.

Shifting Focus: NCS vs. Major Subjects

The most prominent change is undoubtedly the shift in the weighting of the NCS and major subject exams. While early mock tests, such as the 2021 edition, simply 'bundled' NCS and major subjects together, recent 'Cider Mock Tests' for 2026 have evolved to organically connect them while emphasising in-depth learning for each. This proves that HIRA is not just looking for candidates with basic job competency, but also those with deep understanding of the healthcare sector and specialised problem-solving skills.

The key point here is not just solving a certain 'number of sets', but effectively preparing for new question types, moving away from a question bank-style testing. For instance, 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 diverse 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' alone is no longer enough to pass the HIRA exams.

Evolution of Free Lectures: Democratising 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, this had become a standard feature. The increasing prominence of keywords like 'free video' on textbook covers is evidence that examinees are hungry for expert strategies and solutions, not just simple problem-solving practice.

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

These changes ultimately align with the evolving ideal candidate profile sought by HIRA. Amidst conflicts with medical associations like the KMA and rapidly changing healthcare policies, HIRA is no longer a simple administrative processing agency. They want 'specialised talents' capable of analysing complex data, communicating with diverse stakeholders, and making firm decisions based on principles. For students preparing for 2026, it's necessary to move beyond simply repeating past exam questions and gain the insight to read the trends from these subtle changes in textbooks.

How to Prepare for the 2026 HIRA Written Exam?

In conclusion, the 2026 HIRA exam is no longer a hurdle any 'job seeker' can attempt. As the name 'Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service' suggests, it requires an understanding of the highly specialised field of health insurance review and assessment. Therefore, one should not stop at just solving the latest 2024 editions of textbooks, but also expand their study scope to understand why a particular question was set and what healthcare policies and issues form its background.

This is precisely why the 'All-New Cider' series from Sida Edu and SD Edu is upgraded annually. They are not just simple workbooks; they are a kind of 'trend report' reflecting the year's key healthcare topics and major issues concerning HIRA. In 2026, those who are 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 a solid major subject specialisation.