NMC Releases Clarified Internship Rules for Foreign Medical Graduates

The National Medical Commission (NMC) recently issued a significant public notice, U-15024/15/2024-UGMEB(Pt) (e-8389863) dated March 18, 2026, to provide a crucial FMG online study clarification. This notice outlines the requirements for Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) who undertook online studies during their MBBS courses at institutions outside India. It supersedes previous notices, aiming for clear and uniform implementation of regulatory requirements.

Understanding Applicable Regulations for FMGs

It is important to note the specific regulations governing FMGs based on their admission dates. Candidates admitted to their medical courses on or after November 18, 2021, must follow the Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) Regulations, 2021. Consequently, these individuals are required to complete one year of CRMI in India after qualifying for the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Examination (FMGE). Conversely, candidates admitted before November 18, 2021, fall under the purview of the Screening Test Regulations, 2002. Such FMGs need to undergo CRMI in India only if they returned to India without completing a mandatory internship as part of their foreign medical institute curriculum.

Compensatory Clerkship for Online Medical Studies

Many FMGs faced disruptions, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic or war situations, leading to online classes for their penultimate and final years. If these students could not compensate for online instruction through physical classes at their parent foreign medical institute, they must now undertake either one or two years of clerkship in India. This requirement, specified in the public notice dated December 7, 2023, is in lieu of the period of online study. However, if an FMG presents a valid Compensatory Certificate from their foreign medical institution—confirming that online components were already compensated through physical classes, additional classes, or extended course duration—they may be eligible for registration in India, provided relevant transcripts support the claim. Additionally, the term "Sufficiently Compensated" means that any online theory, practical training, or internship period must be compensated by physical attendance at the foreign medical institute.

State Medical Councils' Crucial Role in FMG Registration

The primary responsibility for processing FMG applications rests exclusively with the respective State Medical Councils (SMCs), in consultation with the State Directorate of Medical Education (DME). Therefore, SMCs verify and ensure that FMGs have qualified the Screening Test/FMGL Examination and have completed the compensatory academic requirements at their foreign institution. Verification includes corroborating details from entry/exit records in the passport. If these conditions are not met, the FMG must undergo the required clerkship duration in India, as per the December 7, 2023, public notice. Ultimately, permanent registration is granted only after confirming all required conditions, including onsite compensation for online study and completion of compulsory rotating internship, have been fulfilled. Any registration granted without adhering to these rules constitutes a regulatory violation.

Specific Provisions for FMGs from Ukraine and Other Countries

The NMC has provided specific clarifications for FMGs affected by the Ukraine conflict or other extraordinary circumstances. FMGs who had a break in their final year due to the COVID-19 pandemic or war and completed their course online must undergo one year of clinical clerkship in India. Moreover, those with a break in their penultimate year require two years of clinical clerkship in India. Indian Medical Colleges can charge up to Rs. 5000 per month for clerkship fees. After successfully completing the clerkship, students are eligible to begin their CRMI, receiving a stipend equivalent to Indian Medical Graduates. Furthermore, existing FMGs undergoing internship will continue to complete their two or three years before receiving permanent registration. The NMC also allowed FMGs who joined MBBS courses before November 18, 2021, and returned from Ukraine, to continue their studies in other foreign countries (excluding India) under the Academic Mobility Program. This migration permission expired on March 7, 2024, and was specific to students in their first, second, or third year when they returned to India.

Internship Seats and Time Limit Considerations

The NMC has also addressed the allocation of internship seats for FMGs in Indian institutions. Specifically, 7.5% of permitted MBBS seats in old colleges with their own CRMI students, and 100% of seats in new medical colleges without their own CRMI students, are available for FMGs. The State Medical Councils and State Directors of Medical Education jointly determine the process for allotting these internships. Additionally, all FMGs must complete their internship within ten years from the date they joined their foreign medical institutions to procure a qualification equivalent to MBBS in India.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Refer to the latest local and national guidelines for clinical practice.

References

1. National Medical Commission. Public Notice No. U-15024/15/2024-UGMEB(Pt) (e-8389863). Dated 18-03-2026.
2. Rus Education. New Guidelines Released by NMC for Foreign Medical Graduates. December 8, 2023. Available at: https://www.ruseducation.in/blog/new-guidelines-released-by-nmc-for-foreign-medical-graduates/.
3. MeduHub. NMC Public Notice: FAQs Addressing Issues Related to FMGs. December 11, 2023. Available at: https://meduhub.in/blog/nmc-public-notice-faqs-addressing-issues-related-to-fmgs/.