NMC Urgent: Uzbekistan MBBS - Critical Advisory for Indian Students

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued an urgent NMC Foreign Medical Advisory, specifically warning Indian students about pursuing undergraduate medical courses in foreign institutes, particularly in Uzbekistan. This advisory, dated April 1, 2026, reiterates the critical need for students and parents to adhere strictly to the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations, 2021, to avoid future disqualification from practicing medicine in India.

Understanding the NMC's Key Concerns in Uzbekistan

The NMC's alert stems from serious concerns raised by the Embassy of India in Tashkent, highlighting significant discrepancies and alleged malpractices in medical education within Uzbekistan. Specifically, the advisory names several institutions where Indian students are seeking admission, cautioning against potential non-compliance issues.

Institutions Under Scrutiny

The NMC has specifically flagged the following medical institutions in Uzbekistan:

• Bukhara State Medical Institute (BSMI)
• Samarkand State Medical University (SSMU)
• Tashkent State Medical University (TSMU)
• TIT Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore (an offshore campus of TSMU Termez Branch, situated in Bangalore, India)

Concerns include reports of student admissions beyond sanctioned intake capacities, compromising educational quality. Additionally, many students reportedly do not receive adequate hands-on training, and the medium of instruction is often not English, which significantly challenges Indian students.

Crucial FMGL Regulations 2021 Requirements

The NMC's Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations, 2021, clearly outline the mandatory standards for foreign medical education to ensure eligibility for practice in India. Therefore, students must ensure their chosen institution fully complies with these regulations.

Mandatory Guidelines for Foreign Medical Graduates:

1. Course Duration: The medical education must be a minimum of 54 months in a single institution.
2. Internship: A 12-month internship must be completed at the same foreign university.
3. Clinical Training: Clinical training should not be conducted in parts or across different countries.
4. Medium of Instruction: English must be the sole medium of instruction throughout the course.
5. Subject Coverage: Students must study all mandatory subjects specified in Schedule-I of the regulations.
6. Local Registration: Graduates must be registered with the respective professional regulatory body in the country where the degree is awarded, enabling them to practice medicine there.

Failure to meet these stringent requirements can result in ineligibility for medical registration in India, even after course completion.

Advisory for Aspiring Indian Medical Students

Prospective students and their parents must exercise utmost caution and conduct thorough due diligence before committing to any foreign medical institution. Therefore, heed the following advice:

Protecting Your Medical Career: Key Steps

• Avoid Fraudulent Offers: No institution can guarantee admission outside the prescribed process, including NEET qualification. Be wary of such claims.
• Verify Before Payment: Ensure the concerned institution is duly recognized and compliant with all applicable regulations before paying any fees.
• Check Recognition & Compliance: Carefully verify the recognition status of foreign medical universities and their adherence to FMGL Regulations, 2021.
• Shun Unverified Agents: Do not rely on unauthorized or unverified agents/intermediaries for admission.
• Seek Official Guidance: Consult the National Medical Commission and Indian diplomatic missions abroad for accurate information.
• Report Suspicious Activities: Any institution or individual offering illegal or misleading medical admissions should be reported to the NMC.

The NMC continuously updates its advisories. For instance, recent clarifications have addressed compensatory training for foreign medical graduates who completed parts of their studies online due to disruptions. Therefore, staying updated with NMC guidelines is paramount.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult official NMC notifications and seek professional advice for specific admission and regulatory queries. Refer to the latest local and national guidelines for clinical practice.

References

1. National Medical Commission. Alert Note No. U-15021/1/2024-UGMEB (e-8264469) dated 01-04-2026.
2. Bright Bridge Overseas. NMC Releases List of Non-Compliant Foreign Colleges. December 1, 2025. Available at: https://brightbridge.online/blog/nmc-releases-list-of-non-compliant-foreign-colleges/
3. Medical Dialogues. NMC Withdraws March 6 Notice Issues New Rules for MBBS Abroad Students. March 19, 2026. Available at: https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-education/nmc-withdraws-march-6-notice-issues-new-rules-for-mbbs-abroad-students-124017
4. Vikaspedia. Guidelines for registration of Foreign Medical Graduates. Available at: https://vikaspedia.in/health/medical-education/guidelines-for-registration-of-foreign-medical-graduates