Last Updated: June 2026
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has invited public feedback on the draft Graduate Medical Education (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, which proposes restoring the maximum duration for completing the MBBS programme to 10 years, including the compulsory internship period. The proposal was released on May 18, 2026, and seeks to amend Clause 21 of Chapter V of the Graduate Medical Education Regulations (GMER), 2023.
If approved, the amendment would reverse a regulatory change introduced in 2023 that reduced the maximum MBBS completion period from 10 years to nine years. The proposal is currently under consultation and has not yet been notified as a final regulation.
Proposed Changes at a Glance
The draft amendment focuses on the overall time available to complete the MBBS programme. It does not propose any changes to the existing rules governing the First Professional MBBS examination.
|
Provision |
Current Rule |
Draft Proposal |
|
Maximum MBBS Completion Period |
9 Years |
10 Years |
|
Internship Included in Duration |
Yes |
Yes |
|
First Professional MBBS Examination Attempts |
4 Attempts |
No Change |
|
Regulatory Status |
In Force |
Under Consultation |
Under the proposal, students would have up to 10 years from the date of admission to complete the MBBS course and the Compulsory Rotatory Medical Internship (CRMI). The draft also states that students would not be permitted to continue the programme beyond the prescribed period.
Background to the Proposal
The NMC revised the MBBS completion timeline in June 2023, reducing the maximum duration from 10 years to nine years. Following that change, concerns were raised by some students, medical associations, and education stakeholders regarding the impact of the shorter timeline on candidates whose studies may be interrupted by prolonged illness, personal circumstances, or other unforeseen situations.
The latest proposal would restore the earlier 10-year framework. According to information released by the commission, the amendment is intended to provide additional flexibility while maintaining existing academic requirements.
The proposal would also align the domestic MBBS completion framework with the timeline followed under the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations, 2021.
First Professional MBBS Exam Rules Remain Unchanged
While the proposal extends the overall completion period, it retains the current restrictions on the First Professional MBBS examination.
|
Examination Requirement |
Existing Provision |
Proposed Change |
|
Maximum Attempts Allowed |
4 |
No Change |
Students would continue to be permitted a maximum of four attempts to clear the examination covering foundational subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry.
Parliamentary Committee Recommendations
The Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare recently examined issues related to undergraduate medical education and student progression.
In its 172nd report, the committee supported the proposal to allow students up to 10 years to complete the MBBS programme and internship. It also recommended increasing the permissible number of attempts in the First Professional MBBS examination from four to six.
|
Issue |
Existing Provision |
Committee Recommendation |
|
MBBS Completion Period |
9 Years |
10 Years |
|
First Professional Exam Attempts |
4 Attempts |
6 Attempts |
The recommendation regarding six attempts has not been included in the current NMC draft and remains a separate suggestion made by the parliamentary panel.
Stakeholder Views
The proposal has generated discussion within the medical education sector.
Some stakeholders have stated that restoring the 10-year limit could help students who experience significant interruptions during their studies. Others have argued that longer completion timelines may raise questions regarding academic progression, programme administration, and workforce planning.
The NMC is expected to consider feedback received during the consultation process before taking a final decision.
Public Consultation Timeline
The draft amendment remains open for comments and objections from stakeholders.
|
Event |
Date |
Status |
|
Draft Amendment Released |
May 18, 2026 |
Confirmed |
|
Consultation Period Begins |
May 18, 2026 |
Confirmed |
|
Last Date for Feedback |
June 27, 2026 |
Confirmed |
|
Final Notification |
To Be Announced |
Expected |
Important: The existing provisions of the GMER, 2023 remain applicable until any revised regulations are formally notified and published.
Verification and Safety Advisory
Readers should rely only on official NMC notifications, circulars, and public notices for updates related to medical education regulations.
- Verify policy changes through official NMC communications.
- Be cautious of unofficial websites or social media posts claiming regulatory changes before formal notification.
- Do not share OTPs, passwords, or personal credentials with unknown individuals.
- Avoid agents or intermediaries claiming guaranteed regulatory approvals or examination-related benefits.
- Cross-check important announcements through official government and NMC sources.
What Happens Next?
After the consultation period closes, the NMC will review comments and suggestions submitted by stakeholders. The commission may modify, retain, or revise provisions before issuing a final notification.
Until a final decision is announced, the proposed changes should be treated as draft regulations rather than approved policy. Students, institutions, and educators should monitor official NMC notifications for updates on the consultation outcome and implementation status.
Source Note: This article is based on the draft Graduate Medical Education (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 issued by the National Medical Commission on May 18, 2026, the Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023, and the recommendations of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare.
Disclaimer
The information provided here is intended for educational and informational purposes. Regulatory provisions, timelines, and examination rules may change following stakeholder consultation. Official NMC notifications, Gazette publications, and government communications shall take precedence over the information presented in this article.