NMC grants mercy attempt to eligible MBBS students, cites COVID-19 disruptions

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has granted one additional attempt, termed a “mercy attempt”, to eligible MBBS students admitted from the 2019-20 academic year onwards to pass the First Professional MBBS Examination. The decision provides a one-time transitional relaxation in pending cases, according to a public notice issued by the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) on October 15, 2026.

The NMC considered the proposal during its 18th meeting held on September 23, 2026. The announcement follows after students, universities and other stakeholders requested an additional attempt due to exceptional circumstances, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and other health-related issues.

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NMC grants extra attempt

The notice reads, “National Medical Commission, in its 18th NMC meeting held on 23.09.2026, inter-alia considered granting an additional mercy attempt to MBBS students for passing the First Professional MBBS Examination, subject to conditions as specified in the annexed Public Notice.”

Notice further reads, “The matter was examined in view of the representations received from students, universities and other stakeholders seeking an additional attempt on account of exceptional circumstances, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, health-related issues and other personal difficulties, as well as the Commission's earlier decisions granting a one-time mercy attempt to students admitted in Academic Years (AY) 2019–20 and 2020-21.”

The commission also took into account its earlier decisions granting a one-time mercy attempt to students admitted in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 academic years.

The NMC has advised students, universities and other stakeholders to take note of the conditions and instructions specified in the public notice. The communication was signed by NMC Secretary Dr Raghav Langer on October 15, 2026.

The detailed eligibility conditions and instructions are specified in the public notice issued by the UGMEB.