New Delhi: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a fresh advisory cautioning Indian students against enrolling in foreign private medical colleges that fail to adhere to its regulations.
Under the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiates (FMGL) Regulations introduced in 2021, Indian students pursuing medical degrees abroad must meet specific criteria to qualify for registration to practice in India. These include completing a medical course of at least 54 months, followed by a 12-month internship. Both the course and the internship must be completed entirely at the same foreign medical institution.
The NMC’s regulations aim to ensure that aspiring doctors receive a comprehensive and standardized education, consistent with the requirements for practicing medicine in India.
Despite these guidelines, many students continue to enroll in foreign institutions that do not meet these standards, risking their eligibility for registration in India. The NMC has expressed concern over this trend, warning students that deviations in course duration, syllabus, medium of instruction, clinical training, or internship could lead to disqualification.
Language barriers at certain foreign institutions also pose significant challenges, as some courses are taught in native languages, making it difficult for students to grasp medical concepts effectively. This can compromise the quality of education and hinder students’ prospects of securing a valid medical license in India.
The NMC has urged prospective medical students to thoroughly research and select only those foreign medical institutions that comply with its regulations to safeguard their future careers.
