UGMEB releases nationwide CRMI seat matrix to address shortage of internship opportunities for FMGs
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has announced the availability of 43,250 Compulsory Rotatory Medical Internship (CRMI) slots for Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) across India for the academic year 2026–27. The move aims to address long-standing concerns regarding the shortage and non-allotment of internship positions faced by FMGs in medical colleges.
The announcement was made through a circular issued on March 10 by the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB), which also directed State Medical Councils to immediately begin the process of allotting these internship positions to eligible FMGs.
Nationwide CRMI Seat Matrix Prepared
According to the circular, the decision followed discussions between the UGMEB and representatives of various State Medical Councils, where several issues affecting FMGs were raised, particularly the limited availability of internship slots in medical colleges.
To resolve the issue, the Commission has prepared a nationwide CRMI internship seat matrix, outlining the State and Union Territory-wise availability of internship positions as well as the institution-wise distribution of seats that can be earmarked for FMGs.
The Commission clarified that 43,250 internship slots will be available in addition to seats already assigned in previously approved non-teaching hospitals and institutions conducting CRMI programmes.
New Criteria for Allotment of Internship Seats
To streamline the allotment process, the NMC has laid down specific criteria for allocating CRMI internship seats to FMGs in medical colleges:
- 7.5% of the permitted intake of interns in established medical colleges and institutions will be reserved for FMGs.
- 100% of the CRMI seats in newly established medical colleges will be allotted to FMGs.
- 100% of the internship seats created through increased intake in existing medical colleges between the academic years 2022–23 and 2025–26 will also be allocated to FMGs.
These measures are intended to significantly increase internship opportunities for foreign-trained medical graduates seeking registration and practice in India.
Move Comes Amid Rising Court Cases
The decision also follows a growing number of legal challenges filed by FMGs before various High Courts and the Supreme Court of India over the denial or non-availability of internship positions in Indian medical colleges.
The Commission acknowledged that the shortage of internship slots has been a major concern among FMGs and medical regulators alike.
State Medical Councils Asked to Start Allotment Process
The NMC has directed all State Medical Councils to begin the process of allocating internship seats to eligible candidates in coordination with their respective Directorates of Medical Education.
The circular emphasised that the allotment process must strictly follow the rules, regulations, public notices, and circulars issued from time to time regarding internships for FMGs.
States Asked to Report Any Discrepancies
The Commission also asked authorities to report any discrepancy, inconsistency, or factual inaccuracy found in the CRMI seat matrix within one week from the date of issuance of the circular.
According to the notice, this step will allow the Commission to make timely corrections and ensure that the internship allotment process proceeds smoothly across states and union territories.
The initiative is expected to provide much-needed relief to thousands of Foreign Medical Graduates awaiting internship placements, which are mandatory for obtaining registration and practising medicine in India.
