The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a crucial clarification regarding the eligibility of students who pursued a Bachelor of Science (BS) course from foreign medical institutes prior to the notification of the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations (FMGL), 2021. As per the latest clarification, all BS students—whether they studied in online mode or physical mode—who took admission before November 18, 2021, must qualify the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) to be eligible for medical registration in India. This clarification provides long-awaited relief and clarity to thousands of Indian students who pursued BS medical courses abroad.
The NMC stated that these students will be governed by the Screening Test Regulations, 2002, instead of FMGL 2021, provided their admission was prior to the cut-off date.
What Has Changed in the NMC Eligibility Criteria?
Earlier, through a notification issued on December 7, 2023, the eligibility norms were restricted only to BS students who studied in physical mode at foreign medical institutes. The latest clarification extends this benefit to students who pursued BS courses in online mode as well, provided their admission or enrollment took place before November 18, 2021.
According to the official NMC notice: “Students who had taken admission in the BS Course or who were studying BS Course in a Foreign Medical Institutes, either through online mode or in physical mode, prior to the publication of Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations, 2021 (FMGL, 2021) dated 18.11.2021, shall be governed by Screening Test Regulation, 2002.”
This clarification removes ambiguity for BS degree holders who were earlier unsure about their eligibility for registration in India.
FMGE Requirement for BS Course Students
All eligible BS students covered under this one-time exemption will be required to clear the FMGE examination conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). Clearing FMGE is mandatory for obtaining provisional or permanent registration with State Medical Councils or the NMC.
Internship Requirements Explained
The NMC has also clarified the internship obligations applicable to different categories of foreign medical graduates:
- BS Course Students: Required to undergo one additional year of compulsory internship in India
- Foreign Medical Graduates holding MBBS or equivalent degrees: Required to complete a two-year internship in India
The NMC emphasized that these internship requirements are essential to ensure adequate clinical exposure, familiarity with the Indian healthcare system, and adherence to national treatment protocols.
Why Internship Is Mandatory
According to the NMC, the internship requirement is aligned with existing medical education norms and aims to:
- Ensure hands-on clinical exposure in Indian hospitals
- Maintain uniform standards of medical education and practice
- Align foreign-trained graduates with Indian patient care protocols
- Safeguard public health and patient safety
The commission stated that this step is necessary for maintaining consistency and quality across the medical profession in India.
FMGE December 2025 Exam Update
In a related development, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has released the FMGE Exam City Slip for the December 2025 session. Candidates can download it from the official website natboard.edu.in. The FMGE December 2025 examination will be conducted on January 17, 2026, across 67 exam cities in India.
Quick Reference Summary
| Aspect | Details |
| Authority | National Medical Commission (NMC) |
| Applicable Students | BS students admitted before Nov 18, 2021 |
| Study Mode Covered | Online & Physical |
| Applicable Regulation | Screening Test Regulations, 2002 |
| FMGE Requirement | Mandatory |
| Internship (BS Students) | 1 year in India |
| Internship (MBBS FMGs) | 2 years in India |
| FMGE Exam Date | January 17, 2026 |
| Official Websites | nmc.org.in, natboard.edu.in |
Key Takeaways for Students
- BS students from foreign institutes admitted before Nov 18, 2021, are eligible under the revised norms
- FMGE qualification is compulsory for medical registration in India
- Internship duration varies based on qualification
- The clarification applies as a one-time measure
- Candidates should regularly check NMC and NBEMS official websites for updates
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Who does the NMC clarification apply to? |
| BS students from foreign medical institutes admitted before November 18, 2021. |
| Does the clarification include online BS courses? |
| Yes, both online and physical mode students are covered. |
| Is FMGE mandatory for BS students? |
| Yes, all eligible BS students must clear FMGE. |
| Which regulation governs these students? |
| Screening Test Regulations, 2002. |
| How much internship is required for BS students? |
| One additional year of internship in India. |
| What about MBBS foreign graduates? |
| They must complete a two-year internship in India. |
| When is the FMGE December 2025 exam? |
| January 17, 2026. |
| Where can candidates download FMGE city slips? |
| From the official NBEMS website at natboard.edu.in. |
The NMC’s clarification on BS course eligibility brings significant relief to foreign-trained students who pursued medical education before the FMGL 2021 regulations. By extending eligibility to both online and physical mode BS students, the commission has ensured fairness while maintaining rigorous standards through FMGE qualification and mandatory internships. Students are advised to stay updated through the official NMC and NBEMS portals, complete their internship requirements diligently, and bookmark this page for future regulatory updates, for more details CLICK HERE
