New Delhi: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has clarified that medical students who were admitted to the BS course in foreign medical institutes before the publication of the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations (FMGL) 2021, including those studying through online mode, will be eligible for a one-time exemption.
Screening Test Regulation 2002 to Apply: According to the NMC, these students will be governed by the Screening Test Regulation, 2002. This ensures that students admitted prior to FMGL 2021 are not adversely affected by the newer regulations, while maintaining standards in medical education.
Mandatory Additional Internship: To ensure adequate clinical exposure and uniform standards of practice, the NMC has made it mandatory for these students to undergo an additional year of internship in India. This is aimed at aligning them with national treatment protocols and patient care standards.
Background of FMGL 2021: The FMGL 2021 Regulations mandated that foreign medical graduates could only obtain permanent registration if they completed a course leading to a foreign medical degree of at least 54 months. This had created uncertainty for students already enrolled abroad.
Previous Clarification for Physically Studying Students: Earlier, in a notice dated 07.12.2023, the NMC had allowed students physically studying the BS course abroad at the time of FMGL 2021 publication to continue their studies under the old regulations, subject to an additional internship year.
Corrigendum Extends Relief to Online Students: The Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) of NMC issued a corrigendum on 30.12.2025 clarifying that students pursuing the BS course online before FMGL 2021 publication are also eligible for the same exemption.
One-Time Exemption: The NMC emphasized that this exemption is specific to students admitted before 18.11.2021 and is a one-time measure. It is intended to safeguard public health while maintaining uniform medical education standards and clinical competency.
Communication to Medical Colleges: NMC Secretary has directed all medical colleges and institutes in India to note the corrigendum and ensure compliance. All other provisions of the earlier notice dated 07.12.2023 remain unchanged.
