NMC Issues Advisory to Ensure Smooth Conduct of NBEMS Final Practical Examinations
In view of the increasing number of candidates appearing for final practical examinations conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, the National Medical Commission has directed all government medical colleges and institutions under its ambit to extend full cooperation and logistical support for the smooth conduct of these examinations.
The advisory was issued by the Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) of NMC on May 8, 2026, following reports from NBEMS regarding difficulties in arranging examination centres and relieving eligible faculty members for examiner duties.
Increasing Candidate Load Raises Demand for Infrastructure and Examiners
The NBEMS conducts nationally recognised postgraduate and postdoctoral medical examinations across India. With a sharp rise in the number of candidates appearing for final practical examinations, the requirement for adequate examination centres, clinical material, infrastructure, and experienced examiners has also increased significantly.
According to the notice, timely and smooth conduct of practical examinations depends heavily on the active cooperation of medical colleges and institutions.
However, NBEMS has reportedly faced challenges in certain institutions due to the non-availability of examination venues and delays in deputing faculty members for examiner responsibilities.
NMC Asks Institutions to Extend Full Cooperation
In its advisory, the PGMEB urged all government medical colleges and institutions to provide necessary assistance to NBEMS by:
Facilitating Practical Examinations
Institutions have been asked to facilitate the conduct of NBEMS practical examinations within their campuses, subject to administrative feasibility.
Ensuring Availability of Infrastructure and Clinical Material
Medical colleges have been directed to ensure the availability of wards, laboratories, infrastructure, and suitable clinical material or patients required for examinations.
Relieving Faculty for Examiner Duties
The advisory also instructed institutions to relieve eligible and nominated faculty members in a timely manner so they can participate as examiners.
Coordination With NBEMS
Institutions have further been asked to maintain coordination with NBEMS to ensure efficient and smooth examination processes.
NBEMS Provides Compensation and Examiner Remuneration
The Commission clarified that NBEMS provides suitable compensation to examination centres for expenses incurred during the conduct of examinations. In addition, examiners are paid approved remuneration for their services in various NBEMS academic activities.
The NMC stated that cooperation from institutions and faculty members would play a crucial role in maintaining standards of postgraduate medical education and ensuring timely conduct of examinations in the larger academic and public interest.
NMC Secretary Writes to Medical College Heads
Referring to the advisory, NMC Secretary Dr Raghav Langer wrote to Directors, Principals, and Deans of government medical colleges and institutions across the country, requesting them to take necessary action.
The letter stated that all concerned institutions should take note of the advisory issued by the PGMEB and ensure compliance for the smooth conduct of NBEMS practical examinations.
