The National Medical Commission (NMC) has provided crucial clarity for a specific group of Indian students pursuing medical education overseas. In a recent corrigendum, the regulatory body has outlined the eligibility and compliance norms for those who were studying Bachelor of Science (BS) courses in foreign medical institutes.
Who Does This Clarification Affect?
The NMC's directive specifically targets students who had taken admission in a foreign BS medical course, whether through online or physical mode, before the publication of the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations on November 18, 2021. This addresses the situation of students caught in a regulatory transition period.
The corrigendum amends a public notice originally issued on December 7, 2023. The Commission has communicated these updated guidelines to all medical colleges and institutes across India to ensure uniform implementation.
Key Compliance Requirements for Students
The NMC has stated that the academic journey and licensure of these students will be governed by the Screening Test Regulation of 2002. This means they must qualify the requisite screening test to practice medicine in India.
However, in a significant addition aimed at standardizing clinical skills, the NMC has mandated an extra one-year internship in India for this cohort. This requirement is designed to ensure these graduates gain adequate clinical exposure within the Indian healthcare context and to maintain uniform standards in both medical education and practice nationwide.
A One-Time Exemption with Conditions
The Commission has emphasized that this arrangement is a "one-time exemption" applicable only to the specific group of students mentioned. All other stipulations from the original public notice dated November 7, 2023, and any subsequent clarifications remain fully in effect for other students and cases.
This move by the NMC brings much-needed regulatory certainty for affected students, clarifying the path they must follow to become eligible medical practitioners in India. It balances the recognition of their foreign education with the imperative to align their practical training with domestic healthcare standards.
