UGMEB issues fresh clarification on FMGL 2021 regulations, internship requirements and verification process for FMGs
The Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a clarification regarding the mandatory physical onsite compensation for online classes undertaken by Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) during their MBBS studies abroad. The clarification was released through a notice dated March 5, 2026, addressing several queries raised by students and stakeholders.
According to the notice, students who took admission in foreign medical institutions on or before November 18, 2021, the date when the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations (FMGL) 2021 were notified, will be considered under the Screening Test Regulations if they have completed physical onsite compensation for online classes, finished one year of internship abroad, and passed an examination equivalent to the MBBS exam in India.
However, students who enrolled in foreign medical institutions after November 18, 2021, will be governed strictly by the FMGL Regulations 2021. These students will be required to complete a one-year Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) in India before becoming eligible for permanent registration.
The Commission also clarified that compensation for online classes without extending the overall study period will not be accepted. It stated that foreign medical institutions cannot issue compensation certificates unless students have actually completed additional physical training to make up for the duration of online learning.
NMC emphasised that the purpose of earlier public notices issued on December 7, 2023, and June 19, 2024, was to ensure that any portion of medical education completed online, particularly during disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic, is adequately compensated through in-person clinical and academic training.
The Commission highlighted that medical education requires extensive hands-on training, clinical exposure, and practical learning, which cannot be effectively replaced by virtual classes alone. Therefore, FMGs who completed part of their studies online must undergo equivalent physical training to maintain the quality and integrity of medical education.
The notice also stated that compensation certificates issued by foreign institutions must clearly mention the subjects studied, the duration of training, and details of theoretical and clinical components completed during the offline compensation period. Additionally, transcripts must be authenticated and apostilled by the Indian Embassy or High Commission in the respective country.
UGMEB further clarified that State Medical Councils (SMCs) hold the primary responsibility for processing applications of FMGs seeking registration in India. Councils must verify that the candidate has completed onsite compensation, cleared the Screening Test or FMGL examination, and successfully completed the one-year mandatory internship in India before granting permanent registration. The Commission warned that granting registration without fulfilling these conditions would be considered a regulatory violation.
