The National Medical Commission (NMC) has proposed a major amendment to the Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023 that may provide MBBS students with an additional year to complete their undergraduate medical education. Under the draft Graduate Medical Education (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, the existing maximum completion period of nine years could be extended to ten years, including the compulsory rotating medical internship. The proposal has been released for public consultation before final approval.
Key Highlights
- NMC has proposed changes to the Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023
- MBBS completion timeline may increase from 9 years to 10 years
- Extension includes the compulsory rotating medical internship
- Rule on attempts for First Professional MBBS remains unchanged
- Students will continue to get maximum four attempts in First Professional MBBS
- Public comments and objections invited for 30 days
- Final implementation will depend on stakeholder feedback and approval
More Info
The proposed amendment focuses on revising provisions under Chapter V of the Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023.
Currently, students enrolled in the MBBS programme cannot continue the undergraduate medical course once they complete nine years from the date of admission.
If approved, the revised rule will permit students to remain enrolled for up to ten years from joining the first MBBS course, and this total period will include the duration required for completion of the compulsory rotating medical internship.
This proposal is expected to support students facing academic delays, medical issues, personal circumstances, or interruptions during their course period.
At the same time, the commission has clarified that this amendment does not change examination attempt limits.
Students must still clear the First Professional MBBS examination within a maximum of four attempts, as already prescribed.
Step by Step Process
How to Submit Comments on NMC Draft Amendment 2026
- Visit the official notification released by NMC.
- Read the proposed amendment carefully.
- Prepare suggestions or objections with supporting details.
- Mention relevant stakeholder information if applicable.
- Send comments through the designated email process.
- Submit within the prescribed 30-day period.
- Keep acknowledgment details for future reference.
Programme Details
| Particular | Details |
| Regulation | Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023 |
| Proposed Amendment | Graduate Medical Education (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 |
| Existing MBBS Completion Limit | 9 Years |
| Proposed Completion Limit | 10 Years |
| Internship Included | Yes |
| First Professional MBBS Attempts | Maximum 4 |
| Public Consultation | Open for 30 Days |
Benefits of Proposed Amendment
- Additional flexibility for students facing delays
- Better opportunity to complete MBBS without discontinuation
- Inclusion of internship within the extended period
- Reduced academic pressure for eligible students
- Potential support for students affected by exceptional situations
What’s Next
The NMC will now collect comments and objections from students, medical colleges, faculty members and stakeholders.
After reviewing the feedback received during the consultation period, the commission will decide whether to officially notify and implement the amendment.
Until final approval is issued, the existing rules remain applicable.
Quick Reference Summary
- Authority: National Medical Commission
- Course: MBBS
- Current Maximum Duration: 9 Years
- Proposed Duration: 10 Years
- Internship Included: Yes
- Exam Attempt Rule: No Change
- Comment Period: 30 Days
- Status: Draft Proposal Released
Frequently Asked Questions
| Q1. What is the new proposal by NMC for MBBS students? |
| NMC has proposed extending the maximum MBBS completion period from 9 years to 10 years including compulsory internship. |
| Q2. Has the MBBS duration officially changed? |
| No. The proposal is currently in draft stage and public comments are being invited before final approval. |
| Q3. Will students get more attempts in First Professional MBBS? |
| No. Students will continue to have a maximum of four attempts to clear the First Professional MBBS examination. |
| Q4. Does the proposed 10-year period include internship? |
| Yes. The compulsory rotating medical internship is included in the proposed overall duration. |
| Q5. Who can submit comments on the amendment? |
| Students, medical colleges, faculty members and other stakeholders can submit suggestions and objections. |
| Q6. What is the deadline to send feedback? |
| Comments must be submitted within 30 days from the date of public availability of the Gazette notification. |
| Q7. Why has NMC proposed this change? |
| The amendment may provide flexibility to students who face academic delays or unavoidable interruptions. |
| Q8. When will the final decision be announced? |
| The final decision will be taken after review of all stakeholder feedback received by NMC. |
The proposed NMC amendment could become an important policy change for MBBS students across India by extending the maximum completion period to 10 years. While the examination attempt rules remain unchanged, the additional year may provide relief and academic continuity to students facing delays. Stakeholders should review the draft carefully and submit feedback within the prescribed timeline before the commission finalizes its decision.
