The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a crucial public notice clarifying the permissible duration for charging MBBS course fees. This directive, dated April 7, 2026, aims to prevent exploitative practices by ensuring medical colleges and institutions charge fees only for the prescribed academic period of 4.5 years, excluding the compulsory rotating medical internship (CRMI) year.

Understanding the Prescribed MBBS Course Duration

Many medical institutions have been collecting fees for the entire duration of five or even five and a half years. However, this practice directly contradicts the academic structure outlined by the National Medical Commission. The NMC emphasizes that the MBBS course comprises 4.5 years (54 months) of academic study, followed by a mandatory one-year compulsory rotating internship (CRMI). Therefore, fees should strictly correspond to the academic study period.

This clarification aligns with Section 10 and Section 24 of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019. Additionally, it incorporates the Competency Based Medical Education (CBME) Guidelines, 2024, framed under the Graduate Medical Education Regulations (GMER), which clearly define the duration of the MBBS program.

Supreme Court's Stance on Internship Fees and Stipends

The NMC's notice also draws attention to interim directions from the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India. Notably, the case of Abhishek Yadav v. Union of India (WP No. 730 of 2022) addressed grievances concerning non-payment of stipends and the imposition of internship-related charges or fees. Consequently, the Supreme Court has taken serious note of such practices.

Moreover, past judgments from the Supreme Court, including T.M.A. Pai Foundation v. State of Karnataka, Islamic Academy of Education v. State of Karnataka, and P. A. Inamdar v. State of Maharashtra, have consistently held that fee structures in educational institutions must be reasonable, transparent, and non-exploitative. These legal precedents reinforce the principle that fees should be commensurate with the academic facilities and services actually rendered.

Therefore, charging fees for periods beyond the academic study duration, when no corresponding academic instruction is provided, is deemed inconsistent with these established principles. Recent Supreme Court rulings have further emphasized the importance of equal pay for equal work during internships, particularly for foreign medical graduates, underscoring the legal framework against discriminatory practices.

What This Means for MBBS Course Fees and Institutions

In light of these directives, all Medical Colleges, Institutions, and Universities are now strictly mandated to charge fees exclusively for the prescribed academic duration of 4.5 years. This explicit instruction aims to curb the practice of collecting fees for the entire 5.5-year period, which includes the internship year.

It is imperative for all institutions to comply with the statutory provisions of the National Medical Commission Act 2019, along with applicable Regulations and judgments passed by the Hon'ble Courts. Non-compliance will be viewed seriously by the Commission, potentially leading to appropriate action under existing statutory and regulatory provisions.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only... Refer to the latest local and national guidelines for clinical practice.

References

1. National Medical Commission. (2026, April 7). Public Notice: Clarification on Fee Chargeable for MBBS Course Duration. File No. CDN-13011/1/2026-COORDINATION-NMC.
2. Meduhub Editorial Team. (2026, February 15). Supreme Court of India Orders Equal Internship Pay for Foreign Medical Graduates. Meduhub. [Link]
3. Ensure Education. (2025, August 26). MBBS Course Duration and Fees – Complete Guide. Ensure Education. [Link]