NMC clarifies rules for Indian students in foreign BS medical courses

The National Medical Commission has issued a new clarification for Indian students enrolled in Bachelor of Science medical courses at foreign institutions, resolving long-standing questions about eligibility and regulatory requirements.

The clarification was released through a corrigendum to the Public Notice dated Dec 7, 2023, specifically addressing confusion over point two of the earlier notice.

The NMC said it considered multiple representations from students and other stakeholders before finalizing the decision.

The commission noted that the matter was discussed in detail during a meeting on Dec 16, 2025, reviewing cases of students already enrolled in BS medical courses abroad when the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations, 2021, were notified.

According to the corrigendum issued by the Undergraduate Medical Education Board, students who took admission or were pursuing BS courses at foreign medical institutions before Nov 18, 2021, will be governed by the Screening Test Regulations, 2002.

This applies to students studying both online and in-person. The date of Nov 18, 2021, marks the notification of the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations, 2021.

The commission clarified, "In continuation of the Public Notice dated December 7, 2023, and after considering representations from stakeholders regarding students enrolled in BS courses at foreign medical institutes at the time of the FMGL Regulations 2021 notification, the Commission deliberated on the issue in its meeting held on December 16, 2025."

As part of the update, the NMC has made it mandatory for these students to complete an additional one-year internship in India.

The commission explained, "Students who took admission in or were pursuing BS courses in foreign medical institutes – either online or in physical mode – prior to November 18, 2021, will be governed by the Screening Test Regulations, 2002. However, such students will be required to undergo an additional one-year internship in India."

The internship requirement is intended to ensure students gain adequate clinical exposure to the Indian healthcare system, align with national treatment protocols, and adhere to prescribed standards of patient care.

The commission emphasized that this relaxation is a one-time exemption applicable only to the specified category of students. All other provisions of the Dec 7, 2023, Public Notice, and subsequent clarifications, remain unchanged.

The order has been circulated to State and Union Territory medical education departments and medical councils and has been uploaded on the official NMC website to ensure wide dissemination and compliance.