NMC’s Game Changing Relief for FMGs No Extra Clerkship Required If You’ve Already Compensated Abroad

If you are a Foreign Medical Graduate (FMG) who pursued an MBBS abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic or faced disruptions due to war, this latest update from the National Medical Commission (NMC) brings significant relief.  

Thousands of Indian medical students were affected when foreign universities shifted to online classes during the pandemic or due to geopolitical conflicts. The lack of hands-on clinical exposure created uncertainty regarding eligibility for medical practice in India.Now, the NMC has issued a clear and student-friendly clarification that could directly impact your registration, internship, and future medical career.  

Background: What Was the Issue?  

During the COVID-19 pandemic and conflicts in regions such as Ukraine, many foreign medical universities conducted theoretical and clinical training online. As a result, Indian students returned home without adequate physical clinical exposure.  

To address this gap, the NMC had earlier issued public notices (dated 7 December 2023 and 19 June 2024), which required:  

•1 year of additional clerkshipif only the final year was conducted online  

•2 years of additional clerkshipif both the penultimate and final years were conducted online    
 

This requirement was in addition to the mandatory CRMI (Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship)in India.  

These rules led to widespread protests from FMGs and student organizations such as AIMSA, AFA, Tamil Nadu Medical Students Association, and DMA India. Many students felt the rules were unfair, especially if they had already completed compensatory training abroad.  

The confusion intensified after the NMC notice dated 6 March 2026. However, following continued representation, the NMC withdrew this notice on 18 March 2026 and issued a revised clarification.  

The New Rule: No Extra Clerkship (If Compensated Abroad)  

The Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) of the NMC has clarified:  

FMGs who attended online classes during their MBBS course due to COVID-19 or war-related disruptions will not be required to undergo additional clerkship in India if they have already completed the required compensation through physical training at their parent foreign medical institution.  

Required Documents    
 

To benefit from this clarification, FMGs must provide:  

•A valid Compensatory Certificatefrom their foreign medical institution (as per the 19 June 2024 notice)  

•The certificate must clearly mention that online education was compensated through:  

•In person (physical) classes  

•Additional or extra classes  

•Extended course duration  

•Supporting official transcripts and academic records  

•Proof of travel (passport entry and exit stamps), if required for verification  

All documents will be verified by the respective State Medical Councils.  

Special Provision for Older FMGs  

For students governed by the Screening Test Regulations, 2002(i.e., those admitted before 18 November 2021):  

•If both compensatory training and internship were completed abroad  

→ No additional CRMI is required in India  

Who Does This Apply To?  

•Admissions on or before 18 November 2021  

→ Governed by Screening Test Regulations, 2002  

•Admissions after 18 November 2021  

→ Governed by FMGL Regulations, 2021  

→ Must complete 1-year CRMI in India  

→ No extra clerkship if compensation is completed abroad  

•FMGs who have already:  

•Cleared the FMGE   

•Completed or are undergoing CRMI  

What Should You Do Now?  

1.Verify Your Documents  

Contact your foreign medical university and obtain your Compensatory Certificate and transcripts if you have not already done so.  

2.Apply to Your State Medical Council  

Submit all required documents for permanent registration.  

3.Maintain Proper Records  

Keep all documents safe, including passport stamps, academic records, and official communications.  

4.Stay Informed and Spread Awareness  

Many FMGs may still be unaware of this important update.  

Conclusion  

This clarification marks a major victory for the FMG community. It acknowledges the challenges faced during the pandemic and ensures that students are not penalized twice for circumstances beyond their control.The NMC has emphasized the importance of uniform implementation and clarity, which brings long-awaited relief and stability to thousands of aspiring doctors.  

If you are an FMG Student ,this is a significant step forward in your journey toward practicing medicine in India