Education Journalist | Study Abroad Strategy Lead | Updated On - Jan 2, 2026
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued an important clarification for Indian students who pursued Bachelor of Science (BS) medical courses abroad before the rollout of the FMGL Regulations, 2021.
In a corrigendum issued on January 1, 2026, the NMC confirmed that such students will be governed by the older Screening Test Regulations, 2002, but must complete an additional one-year internship in India before being eligible to practise.
The clarification applies only to students admitted before November 18, 2021, the date on which the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations, 2021 came into force.
Check: Top BS in Medicine Universities Abroad
Indian students who joined BS medical courses abroad before November 18, 2021 will be assessed under the Screening Test Regulations, 2002, but must now complete a mandatory one-year internship in India. This is a one-time relaxation and does not apply to students admitted after FMGL 2021.
Why NMC Issued This Clarification
The NMC said the move followed:
- Multiple representations from students and stakeholders
- Confusion over eligibility rules in its December 7, 2023 public notice
- Concerns about inconsistent interpretation across states
- After deliberation in its December 16, 2025 meeting, the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) issued the clarification to remove ambiguity.
Who Is Covered Under the New Clarification?
You are covered only if all of the following apply:
- You are an Indian citizen
- You enrolled in a BS medical course at a foreign medical institution
- Your admission was before November 18, 2021
- Your course was online, physical, or hybrid
- You were already studying when FMGL 2021 was notified
These students will not be retrospectively moved under FMGL 2021 rules.
What Rules Will Apply to These Students?
According to NMC:
- Applicable Regulations: Screening Test Regulations, 2002
- New Mandatory Requirement: One additional year of internship in India (in addition to any internship completed abroad)
Why the Internship Is Required?
NMC stated the requirement ensures:
- Adequate clinical exposure to the Indian healthcare system
- Alignment with national treatment protocols
- Uniform standards of patient care and medical practice
- Protection of public health
Is This a Permanent Relaxation?
No. The NMC has clearly stated that:
This is a one-time exemption
- It applies only to the specific cohort admitted before FMGL 2021
- All other provisions of the December 7, 2023 notice remain unchanged
- Students admitted on or after November 18, 2021 will continue to be governed strictly by FMGL Regulations, 2021.
What This Means for Students (Practical Impact)
- Students are not disqualified outright
- Their degrees remain recognised under older rules
- A clear compliance pathway has been defined
Additional Burden
- One extra year in India before medical practice
- Internship seat availability may affect timelines
- Delayed entry into full medical practice
What Affected Students Should Do Now?
- Confirm date of admission and course mode with documents
- Track Screening Test / FMGE requirements
- Plan for one-year internship in India
- Coordinate with State Medical Councils
- Monitor updates on internship allocation procedures
Why This Update Is Important for Future Aspirants?
The clarification reinforces a key lesson for Indian students planning medicine abroad:
Regulatory alignment matters as much as admission offers.
Students considering overseas medical or allied health courses must:
- Verify NMC recognition
- Check mode of study eligibility
- Understand licensing rules before enrolment
The NMC’s clarification provides relief with responsibility.
While students admitted to BS medical courses abroad before FMGL 2021 are protected from sudden disqualification, they must now meet India-specific clinical standards through an additional internship.
For current and future medical aspirants, the update underlines the need for regulation-first decision-making when studying medicine abroad.
Comments