How to Acquire Medical License in India After Studying MBBS Abroad?

How to get medical license in India? Getting a medical license in India after studying MBBS abroad is the biggest milestone for many aspiring doctors. MBBS graduates from abroad who want to practice medicine in India have to follow a set of steps and rules set by the National Medical Commission (NMC). This article aims to give a clear idea of how to get a medical license in India after completing an MBBS from abroad.

The process of getting an MBBS license in India after completing MBBS abroad typically involves clearing the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE), completing a mandatory internship in India, and registering with the State Medical Council (SMC) where one intends to practice. Additionally, aspiring doctors may choose to pursue specialisation through postgraduate studies, which can further enhance their career prospects.

FMGE is a licensure examination conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) in India for Indian students who have completed their medical education abroad and wish to practise medicine in India. NBE conducts the FMGE screening test twice a year, in June and December. However, applicants from Australia, Canada, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand are exempted from attending FMGE.

Check every step on how to get a medical license in India after studying MBBS Abroad, eligibility requirements, registration process, documents required, preparation tips and more.

How to Get Medical License in India After Studying MBBS Abroad?

Indian students who complete their MBBS overseas must pass the FMGE to practice medicine in India. Here are a few guidelines on how to obtain a medical license in India after studying MBBS abroad:

• Medical graduates from abroad must be a citizen of India.

• They are required to clear the FMGE exam, which is a license exam after MBBS in India.

• To appear for FMGE exam, they must meet the eligibility criteria set by the NMC.

• After taking the FMGE exam, all candidates are required to complete a 12 months mandatory rotating internship.

• Applicants who have successfully completed the internship and cleared the FMGE exam are eligible to initiate the document verification process.

• Candidates who have completed the document verification process, must register with the State Medical Council of the Indian state of choice.

FMGE Eligibility Criteria 2024

For candidates who wish to appear for FMGE 2024, it is extremely important to meet the eligibility guidelines set by NBE. The detailed eligibility of the FMGE is mentioned below.

• Graduates must be Overseas Citizens of India or a citizen of India.

• Candidates must have a primary medical qualification from the recognised university confirmed by the Indian Embassy of that country.

• Candidates must submit the required documents to prove that they have qualified for the final examination of Primary Medical examination on or before the specified date.

• Medical applicants who have completed their undergraduate, as well as postgraduate medical qualifications in Australia, Canada, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand are not required to appear for the FMGE screening test. Graduates from these countries can directly register with MCI or SMC for the certificate and can further practice in India.

How to Register for FMGE Exam?

Students who want to appear for the FMGE exam must follow the step-by-step approach mentioned below:

• Visit the official website of natboard.edu.in

• Select “FMGE”

• Under the links sections, click on “New Registration”

• Read the guidelines carefully and select “Close”

• Enter the required details such as name, date of birth, gender, nationality and more.

• Enter Captcha and Submit

• User ID and password will be sent to the registered email

• Login again using the above credentials

• Click on “Go to application form”

• Fill the FMGE application form

• Upload the documents required.

• Pay the application fee

• Save and print the FMGE application form

FMGE Application Fee 2024

What After Clearing FMGE Exam?

In addition to passing licencing examinations, Indian students must meet additional registration and certification criteria before practicing medicine in India. Additional prerequisites for obtaining the MBBS license are listed below.

Registration with NMC/State Medical Council: Registration with NMC/State Medical Council: After passing the FMGE, graduates must register with the NMC or their state medical council (SMC) for provisional registration. This permits them to practice medicine under supervision for a specific period, usually one year.

Internship: While not mandatory in all states, a few states might ask for a one-year internship at an Indian medical institution before full registration. This internship gives graduates real experience and familiarises them with the Indian healthcare system.

Document Verification: Students must undergo document verification and submit all required certifications and papers to the MCI or the relevant SMC. This procedure assures the authenticity of their educational credentials and commitment to regulatory norms.

Medical Licensing and Practice: After completing their MBBS, Indian students can pursue medical licensing and practice medicine in India. Following the completion of the internship, foreign medical graduates can apply for provisional registration with the State Medical Council (SMC) or the NMC, depending on the regulations. Provisional registration allows doctors to practice medicine under supervision for a specified period while awaiting permanent registration.

Permanent Registration: After gaining provisional registration, foreign medical graduates can apply for permanent registration with the appropriate State Medical Council or NMC. Permanent registration allows doctors to practice medicine independently in India.

How to Apply for Permanent Registration?

To receive permanent registration in India, students are required to apply for a provisional certificate. The steps to complete the application process are mentioned below:

For provisional registration:

• Candidates are required to apply by filling out the FMGE form online.

• Then they are required to receive a passing certificate from the NBE office located in Delhi for the verification of their documents.

• Then students are required to visit their medical council office for provisional registration.

• Through councelling, students are allocated a seat for their one-year mandatory rotatory internship.

• They must receive the internship completion certificate, which is a key to permanent registration.

• After receiving their internship certificate, students must apply online along with an affidavit.

• To apply online, visit the official website of FMGE.

• Log in or sign up to create an account.

• Fill the form with basic information.

• Mention the mailing address if it is not the same as the permanent address. (mailing address is mandatory as the certificate is sent through post).

• Students are required to attach a photo of their documents. (size must be less than 1 MB, and all the documents must be merged and combined in 1 photo only).

• They are required to attach some other documents in PDF format. (size must be less than 3 MB).

• Provide your registration number, which is the provisional registration number.

• Attach the apostille photos in both languages, if not in English. (for Embassy Verification).

• Candidates are required to send their travel history from their origin country to another country along with their stay in India and abroad.

• Aadhaar card photocopy is mandatory.

• Take a photocopy of all the PDFs attached and self-attest them. (students must not self-attest their original documents.)

• Attach the original provisional certificate, but do not self-attest it.

• Submit the form and pay using a Debit/Credit card or net banking.

• Take out a print of the acknowledgment page with the submitted date, it is mandatory to have the submitted date for further procedures.

• It is important to note that students must submit all their documents within the time frame of 30 minutes.

Documents Required for Permanent Registration

Candidates are required to check the list for Foreign Graduate Student Permanent Registration / Self-Attested Documents to be submitted to the State Medical Council office. They must ensure that the papers are arranged in the order specified in the Checklist. All papers and documents are mentioned below:

1. Demand Draft in Original as HMC Fees structure. (If offline application)

2. Copies of MBBS/MD 'Physician'degree

3. 3. Copies of Marks-sheet of MBBS/MD Physician Degree

4. Pass Certificate of 10th Class or equivalent examination

5. Pass Certificate of 11th Class or equivalent examination (should be attested from respective school).

6. Copies of Marks sheet of 12th Class (10+2) or equivalent examination (Should be attested by respective Board).

7. Embassy verification certificate.

8. Eligibility Certificate issued to the Candidate by MCI for admission to Undergraduate Medical Course abroad

9. Copies of the Screening Test Result

10. Photocopy of all the pages of all the passports showing visa the date of emigration and immigration from and to foreign country and India

11. Copy of Permanent Registration Certificate issued by State Medical Council

12. Original Provisional Registration Certificate of candidate completed internship from your state.

13. Original NOC from State Medical Council (If already permanently registered with another medical council)

14. Internship Completion Certificate showing posting in various departments trained with specific dates issued by the Medical College/Institution Head

15. An affidavit for the delay in applying for permanent registration, the delay in applying for registration is more than 30 days after completion of the internship.

16. Two Colour photographs with front view & two signature slips (if offline application)

17. Affidavit for Permanent Registration (Performa attached)

Medical Licence Cost in India

Points to Remember:

• The validity of the FMGE pass certificate may vary, thus graduates should be aware of registration deadlines.

• Some states may have extra registration requirements, such as domicile certificates or internship rotations.

• For information on state-specific regulations and procedures, contact the appropriate State Medical Council.

How to Get a Medical Certificate in India?

Candidates who completed their MBBS in a foreign nation and intend to practice medicine in India must get a confirmation letter from the Indian embassy in the country where they graduated. Candidates who get permanent registration from their particular state council are only allowed to practice medicine in their state. They can even start their clinics or hospitals.

Can I Practice Medicine in Another State of India?

Yes, if candidates desire to work in another state, they can obtain an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their State Medical Council (SMC) and then apply for the state in which they are interested in practicing medicine. Applicants must go through the same procedure again to receive permanent registration from that state, but this time the certificate is issued faster.

Note: It is important to note that you cannot practice or establish your clinic in another state. Students can only work in the state where they are permanently registered.

How to Renew Medical License in India?

Candidates, who want to get their medical license renewed, must visit the official website of the National Medical Commission (NMC) to access the renewal application form. They must complete the application form with complete information and attach the required documents. To renew your MCI medical registration with the NMC, follow the below-mentioned steps:

Step 1: Go to the official website of NMC and create an account.

Step 2: Log in and click on the "Renewal of Registration" tab.

Step 3: Fill out the application form and upload the required documents.

Step 4: Pay the renewal fees as specified by the NMC.

Step 5: Submit your application.

Note: The NMC will review the application and process it within 30 days. If the application is approved, medical practitioners will be issued a new NMC registration certificate. The validity of an NMC medical registration is 5 years. The new registration can be renewed 3 months before the expiry date.

Documents Required to Renew Medical license in India

Here are the documents that you need to upload for renewing your MCI medical registration with the NMC:

• Passport-sized photograph

• Signature

• Copy of your MCI registration certificate

• Proof of payment of renewal fee

• Proof of continuing medical education (CME)

• Proof of registration with the State Medical Council

Additional Considerations

While the above procedures detail the essential prerequisites for acquiring a medical license in India after studying MBBS overseas, there are various more aspects to consider:

1. Proficiency in one or more of the languages typically used in Indian medical practice, such as English or Hindi, is required for successful communication with patients and colleagues.

2. Foreign medical graduates must follow the guidelines and requirements issued by the NMC and other regulatory bodies that control medical practice in India.

3. Medical practitioners are advised to continue their education and professional development through Continuing Medical Education (CME) programmes to stay updated in their specialisation.

4. Maintaining professionalism and patient safety requires adhering to medical practice's ethical principles and standards.

How to Prepare for Licensing Exams?

Preparing for licencing examinations requires concentrated effort and increased time commitment from Indian students who earned their MBBS abroad. Here are some essential tips for preparing for the test.

Thorough Revision: Students must review the complete MBBS curriculum and focus on the topics included in the licencing exams. A thorough revision of textbooks, notes, and reference materials is required to provide a solid foundation of medical knowledge.

Practice Questions: Solving practice questions and previous years' test papers familiarises students with the exam format, time management, and types of questions asked. It also helps to discover knowledge gaps and areas that require further attention.

Coaching and Guidance: Many students take help from coaching to improve their test preparation. These services include organised instruction, study materials, and mock exams that recreate the testing environment and evaluate the preparation of an individual.