Focused students using a tablet and discussing information
Over 23,000 Indian students were studying MBBS abroad in 2022, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. The most popular countries include Russia, Ukraine, China, the Philippines, Georgia, and Kazakhstan.Representative Image: FreePik

NMC Issues New Guidelines for Studying MBBS Abroad

Foreign Medical Graduates Must Choose Wisely or Face Disqualification
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Planning to study MBBS abroad? The National Medical Commission (NMC) of India has issued new rules that every aspiring medical student should know before choosing a foreign medical college. The aim of these rules is to protect students from falling prey to non-compliant or substandard institutions.

“Students graduating from non-compliant institutions will be held ineligible for licensing exams, that is Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) in India. The onus of this disqualification lies solely with the student, as per the regulations of the Commission,” the official NMC circular.

According to the circular, students graduating from institutions that do not meet the Foreign Medical Graduate Licence (FMGL) Rules, 2021, will not be eligible to appear for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), a step towards safe practicing of medicine in India. The onus is solely on the student to verify the legality of the medical institution.

What are the FMGL Rules, 2021?
The FMGL Rules outline the academic and professional standards that foreign MBBS programmes must meet to be eligible for Indian licensure. Students must meet all the requirements listed in Schedule I of the FMGL Rules to apply for permanent registration in India.

Key eligibility criteria for foreign medical graduates

  • To be eligible for licensing in India, medical graduates from abroad must ensure:

  • At least 54 months of medical education in one institution.

  • 12 months of internship completed at the same foreign university.

  • The medical rotation should not be divided into different countries.

  • The medium of instruction should be English.

  • The curriculum should cover the compulsory subjects listed in Schedule I.

  • The student must be registered with the regulatory authority in the country where the degree is awarded.

  • Additionally, FMGs must complete a 12-month supervised internship in India after applying to the NMC.

Failure to meet these conditions may result in permanent disqualification from practicing medicine in India.

College mates studying together
More than 18,000 Indian students were studying in Ukraine before the 2022 conflict. After the war broke out, many returned to India without degrees or clinical training, unable to transfer credits or continue their education. The crisis led to renewed scrutiny of foreign medical programs' reliability and the lack of contingency planning.Representative Image: FreePik

How to get recognition from a foreign MBBS college

Before taking admission, students and parents should take the following precautions:

Smart Tips for MBBS Aspiring Students and Parents

  • Don’t fall for false promises: Only NEET-qualified students are eligible for medical admission.

  • Always verify before paying any admission fee or committing to a program.

  • Report Illegal Activities: Inform NMC about any unauthorized or suspicious institutions.

NMC urges students and guardians to be aware and vigilant. A wrong decision today can harm a future career in medicine.

“The medical aspirants and parents are strongly advised to stay vigilant, as the same is essential to protect oneself and the integrity of the Indian medical education system,” further reads the NMC circular.

Final Takeaway

Studying MBBS abroad can be a rewarding experience, but only if done correctly. Always check your chosen institution’s compliance with NMC’s ​​FMGL regulations before enrolling. When in doubt, ask questions, verify credentials, and never rush into decisions based on promises or flashy websites.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal Arshad/MSM)

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