The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued clarifications concerning various issues related to Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs). These decisions were taken in a meeting of the NMC dated November 30, 2023. Based on these decisions a public notice was issued on December 7, 2023.
These clarifications will supersede the Public Notice dated November 22, 2023.
Issues Related to FMGs from Ukraine
The following are the issues that the NMC has considered and issued clarifications on:
I. FMGs with a Break in the Final Year:
- FMGs with a break in their final year due to the COVID-19 pandemic or war, who completed their courses online, are required to undergo one (1) year of clinical clerkship (CC) in India to compensate for training deficiencies.
- The Indian Medical College may charge a clerkship fee of up to Rs. 5000/- per month.
- After completing the clerkship, they can proceed to Clinical Rotations in Medical Institutions (CRMI) and receive a stipend equivalent to local interns.
- Existing FMGs undergoing internship can continue to complete their two years before permanent registration.
II. FMGs with a Break in Penultimate Year:
- FMGs with a break in the penultimate year, returning due to the pandemic or war, are required to undergo two (2) years of clinical clerkship, followed by CRMI.
- Similar to the first category, they will be eligible for a stipend, and existing FMGs can complete three years of internship.
III. Allowing FMGs from Ukraine to Continue Studies in Different Countries (Except India):
- FMGs who joined MBBS courses before November 18, 2021, and returned from Ukraine due to the war can migrate to other countries to complete their studies under the Academic Mobility Program.
Issues Related to Recognition of BS Course:
- Students studying or admitted to BS courses in foreign medical institutions at the time of the FMGL Regulation 2021 (November 18, 2021) publication shall be governed by the old Screening Test Regulation 2002, with an additional one-year internship requirement.
Issues Related to Internship of FMGs in Indian Institutes:
- The number of seats permitted for internship or clinical clerkship will be determined by state medical councils, ranging from 7.5% to 100% based on the institution’s status.
Issue of Eligibility Certificate (EC) to FMGs:
- Exemptions are granted to Indian Citizens/OCI who pursued pre-medical education abroad in the academic years 2018-19 & 2019-20 without NEET-UG 2018 & 2019 qualifications.
Capping of Time Limit to Qualify FMG Examination:
- FMGs must complete their internship within 10 years from the date of joining their foreign medical institutions to obtain a qualification equivalent to MBBS in India.
These clarifications aim to address specific challenges faced by FMGs and provide a structured framework for their education and practice in India.
