Everything About the 2026 HIRA Hiring Process: An In-Depth Analysis of NCS, Major-Specific Written Exams, and Mock Exam Trends

The medical community is buzzing. As we head into 2026, with strong feelings surrounding medical school enrollment quotas still unresolved, the presence of the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service (HIRA), a key hub for healthcare big data, is growing day by day. The competition among job seekers aiming to enter this institution, which carries out the crucial tasks of reviewing and assessing medical fees, intensifies every year. From my long experience in the industry, one thing I've noticed is that unlike the past when candidates simply chased the stability of a 'public corporation,' today's applicants are placing more 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 changing trends is the evolution of various mock exam workbooks, considered 'bibles' among job seekers. The 'All-New Saida' series published by Sidae Edu and SD Edu, in particular, serves as a crucial barometer for understanding HIRA hiring trends. From the '7 Full-Length Mock Exams' in the second half of 2021, to the 'NCS & Major Final Mock Exams 6+6' in the second half of 2023, and the '4 Final Check Mock Exams' in 2024, up to the latest edition preparing for 2026, there's a good reason why the thickness and composition of these books have changed.

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, recent 'Saida Mock Exams' for 2026 have evolved to connect NCS and major subjects organically while emphasizing in-depth learning for each. This proves that HIRA is not just looking for candidates with basic job competency, but demands expertise that combines a deep understanding of the healthcare field with problem-solving skills.

What deserves attention here is moving beyond simply solving a 'certain number of tests' and focusing on how effectively one can prepare for new question types, moving away from a fixed question bank style. For example, while the SD Edu Final Mock Exams for the second half of 2023 boasted a large volume of 6+6 tests to help prepare for various question types, later editions have focused more on qualitative improvement, emphasizing 'final checks' and 'actual practice.' In my view, this reflects the harsh reality that vague 'NCS study' alone is no longer enough to get into HIRA.

The Evolution of Free Special Lectures: Democratization of Information

Another undeniable trend is the evolution of free NCS special lectures. Video lectures started being included in textbooks in the second half of 2021, and by 2023 and 2024, this had become a standard feature. The fact that the keyword 'free video' is taking up more and more space on textbook covers is evidence that test-takers are hungry for expert strategies and problem-solving methods, beyond just simple practice.

• Early Stage (2021): Focus on simple problem-solving with 3 Practice Tests + 7 Full-Length Mock Exams.
• Expansion Stage (2023): Quantitative expansion with NCS & Major Final Mock Exams 6+6, and the introduction of free special lectures.
• Maturity Stage (2024 onwards): Emphasis on qualitative deepening and strategic approach over quantity with 4 Final Check Mock Exams. Free NCS special lectures become an essential element.

These changes ultimately align with the evolving profile of the ideal candidate sought by HIRA. Amidst conflicts with medical associations like the KMA and rapidly changing healthcare policies, HIRA is no longer a simple administrative processing center. They want '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 2026, it's necessary to move beyond simply regurgitating past exam questions and develop the insight to read the trends from these subtle changes in the 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 attempt. As the name 'Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service' suggests, it requires an understanding of the highly specialized field of health insurance review and assessment. Therefore, you shouldn't just stop at solving the latest 2024 textbooks. 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 Saida' series from Sidae Edu and SD Edu gets upgraded every year. They are not just simple workbooks; they function as a kind of 'trend report' reflecting the year's hot topics in the healthcare industry and key issues at HIRA. 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 textbooks, and equip yourself with a solid major-specific edge.