The Central Government has informed the Supreme Court that 852 students enrolled in discontinued postgraduate diploma and fellowship courses at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Mumbai (CPS) will be allowed to take their final examinations. These students will have one main attempt and a second attempt after two months, if required. The decision aims to bring closure for students affected by the derecognition of CPS courses.
In 2024, the National Medical Commission (NMC), through the Postgraduate Medical Education Board, withdrew recognition of all CPS postgraduate diploma and fellowship programmes. The decision followed an evaluation of these courses under current regulatory standards. Once derecognised, these courses lost their validity for registration with state and national medical councils.
Students admitted in the 2022–2023 cycle were particularly affected. Although they had begun their training, the courses were later declared invalid for fresh admissions, leaving them unable to complete their qualifications or apply for council registration.
A total of 852 students across multiple CPS diploma and fellowship programmes fall under this relief measure. Their admissions took place before the derecognition order became effective. Another group of 57 students admitted in earlier years has also been noted, though their cases are still being examined separately by the authorities.
Without recognised examinations, students risked losing the years of training they completed in accredited hospitals. Registration with the Maharashtra Medical Council or the National Medical Commission is mandatory for clinical practice, and completion of recognised examinations is a core requirement.
Allowing these students to attempt their final exams is a way to ensure they are not penalised for administrative and regulatory changes that occurred after their enrolment.
The development came during ongoing hearings in the Supreme Court. The Court has directed CPS to submit a complete list of all affected students. The matter will be reviewed again during the next scheduled hearing in December 2025. The final examinations will proceed only after the Court formally permits CPS to conduct them.
CPS will provide the Supreme Court with the list of eligible students.
After approval, CPS will organise final examinations for these students.
A second attempt will be held two months later for those who do not clear the first sitting.
Students who pass will be able to register with the Maharashtra Medical Council and subsequently with the National Medical Commission.
Medical qualifications in India must meet national training and infrastructure standards. Derecognition ensures that educational institutions maintain these standards. At the same time, students who enrolled before regulatory changes rely on clear pathways to complete their qualifications.
By allowing these limited examination attempts, the authorities aim to uphold regulatory compliance while providing a fair solution to students caught in an uncertain academic situation.
What does CPS Mumbai do?
CPS Mumbai conducts postgraduate diploma and fellowship training for doctors in several clinical fields. These programmes help medical graduates gain additional hands-on skills after their MBBS.
Why were these programmes stopped?
The National Medical Commission reviewed the CPS courses under the current postgraduate education rules and decided that they did not meet the required standards. As a result, recognition for all CPS postgraduate courses was withdrawn.
Who can appear for the final exams now?
Only the 852 students who joined these courses in the 2022–2023 session are covered under the current relief plan. They are allowed to complete their training pathway through final examinations.
Will passing these exams make the qualification valid?
Yes. Students who clear the examination will be able to register with the Maharashtra Medical Council and subsequently with the National Medical Commission, which is necessary for practising their speciality.
(Rh/SS/MSM)