NMC mercy attempt: Eligible MBBS students get another chance to clear first professional exams

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has permitted eligible MBBS students admitted from the 2019-20 academic year onward to take one additional attempt to pass the First Professional MBBS examination. The decision provides a one-time relaxation for pending cases, subject to specific eligibility conditions.

In a public notice dated Oct 15, the commission said the decision was approved at its 18th meeting on Sept 23. It followed representations from students, universities and other stakeholders seeking relief from the existing examination requirements.

The NMC considered requests highlighting difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, health-related problems and other personal circumstances.

The relaxation allows eligible students to take a fifth attempt, in addition to the four attempts ordinarily permitted for clearing the First Professional examination.

However, the concession is conditional and cannot be claimed by students who have already used an additional mercy attempt under an earlier NMC decision or a court order.

Who is eligible for the additional MBBS exam attempt?

The one-time concession applies to students admitted to the MBBS course during the 2019-20 academic year or later. Eligible candidates can use the additional attempt to clear the First Professional MBBS examination.

Students who have exceeded the prescribed four-year period for completing the First Professional course may also qualify. This is permitted only if their admission remains valid and has not been canceled by the concerned university or college.

The notice makes clear that students who previously received a fifth attempt under an earlier NMC decision or a court order cannot claim another mercy attempt under the latest relaxation.

The overall period allowed for completing the MBBS course, including the Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship, must not exceed 10 years from the date of admission.

The commission has characterized the decision as a one-time transitional measure intended to address eligible pending cases. It has also clarified that the relaxation should not be treated as a precedent for future academic batches.

What were the earlier rules for First Professional MBBS exams?

Under the existing rules, MBBS students are generally allowed a maximum of four attempts to pass the First Professional examination. The regulations also prescribe a four-year period for completing the First Professional course.

The NMC had previously introduced relaxations for students whose academic progress was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2023, it permitted students admitted in the 2019-20 academic year to take one additional attempt, giving them a fifth opportunity to clear the examination.

In December 2023, the commission extended the same one-time concession to students admitted in 2020-21. It noted that this batch had also experienced disruptions associated with the pandemic.

Both earlier decisions specified that the concession would not establish a precedent for future cases.

The latest notice provides conditional relief to eligible students admitted from 2019-20 onward, while maintaining restrictions on repeated concessions. Students who have already used a mercy attempt cannot receive a sixth attempt under this decision.

The relaxation therefore offers another opportunity to eligible students with pending First Professional MBBS examinations, but it does not remove the overall 10-year limit for completing the medical degree and internship.