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NMC Guidelines for Studying MBBS Abroad 2025: The NMC (National Medical Commission) previously Medical Council of India is the highest regulatory authority when it comes to medical education in India and the world. It has been observed that in recent years, there has been an increasing inclination among Indian students to study MBBS abroad. To improve the quality of medical education received abroad and streamline the entire process, the NMC has introduced new guidelines for MBBS abroad.
NMC new rules for MBBS abroad: FMG Protest Against NMC New 3-year Internship Rule
NMC has issued detailed guidelines for Indian students aspiring to study MBBS abroad. From eligibility criteria to the recognition of foreign medical degrees, the new NMC rules for foreign medical graduates cover a wide range of crucial aspects that students need to consider before planning to MBBS abroad. Read the article to have a comprehensive overview of NMC New Guidelines for MBBS abroad 2025.
In 2021, NMC released an official gazette with rules and regulations namely Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiates (FMGL) Regulations 2021. Below we have given the guidelines released by NMC for students planning to study MBBS abroad and coming back to India to practise as a doctor.
MBBS abroad course duration: The NMC mandates that the MBBS program abroad must have a duration of no less than 54 months, with a compulsory internship period of at least 12 months within the same medical college/university.
MBBS abroad course structure: Foreign medical graduates need to study specific subjects, such as General Medicine and Surgery, Community Medicine, Psychiatry, Paediatrics, Anaesthesia, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Besides, they should also study Otorhinolaryngology, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Emergency or Casualty services, laboratory services, and other related sub-specialties.
MBBS Internship: As per NMC New Guidelines for MBBS Internship, candidates must make sure that all theoretical, practical, and clinical training they receive aligns with the requirements of the Indian MBBS course.
Candidates are required to undergo several years of study at a university or college in order to obtain their MBBS degree. Moreover, they must successfully complete a mandatory 12-month internship at the same medical university or college. This internship should provide hands-on training in different clinical subjects.
NMC new rules for MBBS abroad 2025 for FMGE: The Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) might be replaced by the National Exit Test (NExT) in August 2025.
According to the new NMC rules for foreign medical graduates, Indian students aspiring to pursue MBBS abroad must clear the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). NEET UG is a single entrance test for aspirants planning to study MBBS. However, this is also mandatory for those aspiring to study MBBS abroad. In a nutshell, clearing the NEET exam is a prerequisite for admission to any foreign medical institution. It is also to be noted that candidates must achieve the minimum qualifying marks to secure a spot.
NMC has set specific eligibility requirements for Indian students aspiring to study MBBS abroad:
One of the key eligibility criteria is that candidates must be at least 17 years of age by December 31st of the year in which they are applying to study MBBS.
Additionally, the candidate should have successfully completed their 10+2 education with mandatory subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English, scoring a minimum of 50%.
Candidates should note that the minimum aggregate marks needed may differ depending on the country and medical college.
Students aspiring to study MBBS abroad must know the steps involved in the admission process that are in sync with NMC Rules for MBBS abroad 2025. Following are the admission process steps that students need to undergo:
Choose the abroad university of your preference for pursuing MBBS and verify the eligibility criteria associated with it.
Many countries often mandate that candidates take an eligibility test in order to qualify for studying MBBS. Additionally, candidates may undergo an English proficiency examination to meet the requirements for application. It is necessary for candidates to successfully complete all the tests in order to progress to the subsequent stage.
Complete the university's online application form with correct information and ensure that you provide accurate details without any errors.
Upload scanned copies of all crucial academic documents.
Ensure that the application fee is paid.
Upon the completion of the online application form and the payment of the required fee, candidates will receive a response from the university in the form of an admission letter.
Candidates will then need to submit their passport, original documents, and letter of acceptance to the relevant embassy in order to apply for their student visa.
Upon issuance of the Student Visa, candidates must make necessary travel arrangements to arrive at their university prior to the start of their course.
NMC has not endorsed any college, however, they have set the guidelines that Indian students should be aware of while looking to study MBBS abroad. Not all medical universities abroad follow these guidelines and Indian students who take admission in those institutions tend to suffer later. The below table includes a list of popular MBBS abroad destinations for Indian students. Some of the universities in these countries meet the NMC guidelines, so, students should check the university before applying for a medical degree.
Country | Course Duration | Degree Awarded | Medium of Instruction |
Nepal | 4.5+1 Year of | MBBS | English |
China | 5+1 Year of | MBBS | English/ Bilingual |
Bangladesh | 5+1 Year of | MBBS | English |
Kazakhstan | 5+1 Year of | MBBS | English |
Kyrgyzstan | 5+1 Year of | MBBS | English |
Uzbekistan | 5+1 Year of | MBBS | English |
Russia | 6-Years Incl | MD | English / Bilingual |
Georgia | 6-Years Incl | MD | English |
Armenia | 6-Years Incl | MD | English |
Egypt | 6-Years Incl | MD | English |
Poland | 6-Year Incl | MD | English |
Belarus | 6-Year Incl | MD | English |
Romania | 6-Year Incl | MD | English |
Slovakia | 6-Year Incl | MD | English |
Bosnia | 6-Year Incl | MD | English |
Lithuania | 6-Year Incl | MD | English |
Serbia | 6-Year Incl | MD | English |
Croatia | 6-Year Incl | MD | English |
Moldova | 6-Year Incl | MD | English |
Hungary | 6-Year Incl | MD | English |
Czech Republic | 6-Year Incl | MD | English |
Latvia | 6-Year Incl | MD | English |
USA via Caribbean | 4/5 Years | MD | English |
Malaysia | 5-years, No Internship | MBBS | English |
Mauritius | 5-Year, No Internship | MBBS | English |
Philippines | 2 Yrs BS+ 4.5 MD +1 | MD | English |
Note: The above list of countries is where medical education is in accordance with the NMC guidelines. Students should not misunderstand it as NMC approved/recognized countries for MBBS. It is to be reiterated that NMC does not approve or recognize any foreign medical college or university.
After completing their MBBS course abroad, Indian students must successfully clear the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE). According to NMC Rules for Foreign Medical Graduates, FMGE is a must to pursue a medical career in India. The NMC guidelines for MBBS abroad pdf highlight the importance of thorough preparation for this examination to ensure a seamless integration into the Indian Medical System.
The FMGE screening test is a requirement for all Indian students who have obtained an MBBS degree from an abroad medical college or university and intend to practise medicine within the country.
Students should go through the NMC rules for foreign medical graduates before applying to any medical colleges abroad. Here are a few things they need to consider before choosing an abroad medical college/university:
Students need to check the MBBS course duration offered at medical universities abroad before applying. The course duration of the medical college/university should not be less than 54 months. Otherwise, the MBBS degree obtained will not be considered valid in India as per NMC regulations.
Students need to check the establishment year of the medical college. If it is a newly established university or its establishment duration is less than 10 years then such medical college should be avoided.
Applicants must do extensive research and verify recognition of the medical college from the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and other pertinent medical bodies prior to applying.
Students should check the syllabus of the medical college to verify that it covers all the essential subjects such as General Medicine, Community Medicine, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Anaesthesia General Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Otorhinolaryngology, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Emergency or Casualty services, lab services, and related sub-specialties.
Candidates should go through the syllabus of the medical college to verify that all the theoretical, practical, and clinical training provided is in alignment with the standards of the Indian MBBS course.
Lastly, it is imperative for students that they cross-verify whether the abroad medical college they have selected provides a 12-month mandatory internship program apart from classroom training.
The entire MBBS course, training, and internship or clerkship shall be done outside India in the same foreign medical institution throughout the study.
Also Check: Beware of Fraudsters While Planning to Study MBBS Abroad
According to NMC New Guidelines for MBBS Abroad 2025, a robust system for regulation and monitoring has been implemented. This system has made it mandatory for medical institutions abroad to regularly submit reports on the progress and performance of Indian students who are receiving education from them. In addition to this, abroad medical colleges will undergo inspections and evaluations to ensure that their quality of education meets the highest standards.
One must understand that there are no universities under the NMC list for MBBS abroad. However, certain universities are approved by NMC for Indian students.
Related Reads:
The National Medical Commission or NMC is an Indian regulatory body that oversees medical education and healthcare professionals. It also provides access to high-quality and affordable educational opportunities.
Yes, the NMC guidelines for MBBS abroad state that students must qualify for NEET to be eligible to pursue MBBS abroad.
Specializing in a specific field one of the most preferred choices for students after the completion of their medical studies. Besides, once a candidate successfully clears the FMG Examination, they are eligible to start a medical career in India.
No! Internship and clinical posting are separate phases of learning. While clinical posting and training are part of the 54 months course, internship is done after completing MBBS course and is an essential component of undergraduate medical degree as per NMC guidelines.
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