| Updated On - Jun 23, 2026
NMC has set 2026-27 as the final academic year for PG Diploma medical admissions. From 2027-28, all such courses will be converted into MD or MS degree seats. Colleges must apply to MARB for conversion through an online portal.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has directed all medical colleges and institutions to phase out Postgraduate (PG) Diploma courses in the country. The official communication was issued by the Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) under the NMC on June 22, 2026 on its official portal at nmc.org.in.
As per the official notice, the academic session 2026-27 will be the last year for fresh admissions to PG Diploma programmes. No new admissions will be allowed from the 2027-28 session onwards. All existing PG Diploma seats are to be converted into corresponding Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Master of Surgery (MS) degree seats.
The Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) will handle the conversion process. Medical colleges currently offering PG Diploma courses must apply for the conversion through a dedicated online portal. Detailed timelines and instructions will be issued by MARB separately.
Key Highlights of the NMC Notice
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuing Body | Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB), NMC |
| Notice Date | June 22, 2026 |
| Final Admission Year | 2026-27 |
| First Year of Phase-Out | 2027-28 |
| Conversion Authority | Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) |
| Conversion Target | MD and MS Broad Speciality Degree seats |
| Mode of Application | Online portal hosted by MARB |
What Does the Phase-Out Mean for Students?
Aspirants seeking PG Diploma seats have one final admission cycle in 2026-27. Candidates who join in this session will complete their course as planned. From 2027-28, fresh admissions will only be open to MD and MS programmes.
Students currently enrolled in PG Diploma courses will not be affected. They will finish their studies under the existing rules. The phase-out applies only to new admissions from the 2027-28 session.
How Will Colleges Apply for the Conversion?
Medical colleges that offer PG Diploma seats must apply to MARB through the online portal. The conversion of seats into MD or MS programmes will depend on the college meeting NMC standards. MARB will release detailed instructions on documents, fees, and timelines in a separate notice.
No fresh PG Diploma course will be approved after the 2026-27 session. Additional Diploma seats will also not be sanctioned for any college.
PG Diploma courses are two-year programmes shorter than the three-year MD or MS degrees. The phase-out marks a major shift in India's postgraduate medical education system. From 2027-28, the country will have a single standard pathway for specialist medical training.
Action Plan for Candidates
- Visit the official NMC portal at nmc.org.in for the latest notice.
- Check whether your target college offers PG Diploma seats in the 2026-27 cycle.
- Prepare for NEET PG 2026 to secure a seat in the final Diploma admission cycle.
- Compare PG Diploma options with MD and MS programmes before locking your choice.
- Track MARB updates for the list of converted MD and MS seats from 2027-28.
MARB is expected to release the detailed conversion timeline and the updated list of MD and MS seats for the 2027-28 session in the coming weeks.
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