In a significant clarification impacting thousands of students, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has mandated a compulsory one-year internship in India for a specific group of Bachelor of Science (BS) medical students who studied abroad. This directive applies specifically to those who were enrolled in foreign medical institutes before the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) regulations of 2021 came into effect.
Who Does This NMC Rule Affect?
The regulator's corrigendum, issued by the Under Graduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB), provides crucial clarity. The rule targets students who took admission or were pursuing their BS medical courses in foreign institutions before the FMGL 2021 regulations were published. Importantly, the mode of study—whether online or through physical attendance—is included under this mandate.
This move is described by the NMC as a "one time exemption" limited strictly to this defined group. It does not change the requirements for students who were admitted to foreign programs after the FMGL 2021 framework was established.
Key Requirements and Compliance Details
Despite the exemption on the regulations, the NMC has made the additional internship non-negotiable. Eligible students must complete a one-year compulsory rotating medical internship (CRMI) within India. This internship must adhere to the CRMI standards to ensure uniform and proper clinical training across the country.
The commission stated that this mandatory stint will serve a dual purpose. It will provide graduates with essential exposure to the Indian healthcare system and also align their practical knowledge with national treatment protocols and patient care standards. The Screening Test Regulations of 2002 will continue to govern these students.
Official Communication and Important Dates
The official order has been circulated widely to ensure compliance. It was addressed to the principals and deans of all medical colleges in India. State and Union Territory medical education departments and councils have also been formally informed.
The clarification follows representations made to the regulator and was finalized after an NMC meeting held on December 16, 2025. The referenced public notice was originally issued on December 07, 2023. The subsequent corrigendum clarifying the internship requirement was dated December 30, 2025, and circulated the following day.
The document, bearing official file and computer numbers for tracking, has been uploaded on the NMC website for reference. The NMC has instructed all concerned institutions to take note and comply with the directive, emphasizing that it applies uniformly and does not alter any other previously notified provisions.
