NMC issues advisory on unauthorised medical colleges, offshore programmes; details rules for foreign graduate

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued an advisory alerting students, parents and other stakeholders about unauthorised medical colleges and offshore medical programmes operating without approval. The advisory warns against institutions falsely claiming recognition and offering medical admissions without sanction.

The NMC has pointed out that only medical colleges listed on its official website are permitted to offer Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and other degree programmes. Any college not listed is deemed unauthorised and in violation of NMC regulations. The commission has also clarified that it does not conduct direct admissions to any medical college.

“Only the medical colleges listed on the official NMC website (https://www.nmc.org.in/information-desk/college-and-course-search/) are legally permitted to offer MBBS and other medical degree programs in India. Institutions not appearing in the NMC’s official list are unauthorised and are operating in violation of NMC regulations. The Commission ensures to update the list on regular basis,” the official advisory said.

Legal action initiated against institutions

Two institutions have come under scrutiny. Singhania University in Rajasthan is facing legal proceedings for allegedly offering MBBS courses without NMC recognition. Sanjiban Hospital and Medical College in Howrah, West Bengal has also been found running a medical course without authorisation. Legal action is being initiated against the institution.

Requirements for medical studies abroad

The advisory also outlines regulations under the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations, 2021, for students planning to pursue medical education abroad. Key requirements include:

• The candidate should have completed a minimum of 54 months of medical education at a single institution.
• A 12-month internship should be completed at the same foreign university.
• Clinical training should not be divided across institutions or countries.
• The medium of instruction should have been English.
• The candidate should have studied the mandatory subjects listed in Schedule-I.
• The candidate should be registered with the relevant professional regulatory body, or should be otherwise qualified to receive a licence to practise medicine in the country where the degree was awarded, equivalent to the licence granted to that country's citizens.

“No Foreign Medical Graduate shall be granted permanent registration, unless he/she has undergone supervised internship in India for a minimum term of twelve months, after applying for the same to the Commission. Foreign Medical Graduates who fail to comply with these regulations may lead to disqualification for registration to practice medicine in India,” the advisory further said.

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Licensing ineligibility from non-compliant colleges

Students graduating from non-compliant institutions will not be eligible for licensing exams such as the FMGE. The responsibility for verifying the legitimacy of an institution lies with the student.

The NMC advises students and parents to avoid offers that bypass the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) examination, verify college approvals before making payments, and report any institution illegally offering medical courses.

For any queries related to the recognition status of an institution, parents, students or stakeholders are advised to contact the authorities through the following channels: Phone - +91-11-25367033 or visit the official website at www.nmc.org.in.