March 19, 2026
New Delhi, March 18, 2026: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has released a clarification notice addressing the eligibility of Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs), particularly those who pursued MBBS courses in countries such as Russia and Ukraine and were affected by disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts.
The new notification aims to resolve confusion surrounding online medical education, compensatory training, and internship requirements for Indian students seeking registration to practice medicine in India.
Earlier Notice Withdrawn: March 18 Guidelines Are Final
A critical highlight of the notice is the formal withdrawal of the previous public notice dated March 6, 2026. The NMC has explicitly stated that the earlier notification stands cancelled and is replaced by the current clarificatory notice.
This means all stakeholders, including students and State Medical Councils, must rely solely on the updated March 18 guidelines. Any interpretations or decisions based on the earlier notice are no longer valid.
Also read: NMC Mandates Onsite Compensation Classes for Foreign Medical Graduates
Mandatory Clerkship for Uncompensated Online Study
According to the new rules, students who attended online classes without sufficient physical compensation must undergo clinical training in India before becoming eligible for registration.
Clerkship Requirements:
- Students with disruption in the final year must complete one year of clinical clerkship
- Students with disruption in both penultimate and final years must complete two years of clinical clerkship
This clerkship is intended to replace the practical training that students missed during online education. It ensures that all FMGs achieve the required level of clinical competence.
Relief for Students with Compensatory Certificates
The NMC has introduced an important provision for students who have already compensated for their online studies abroad.
If a student can provide a valid compensatory certificate issued by their foreign medical institution, confirming that:
- Online classes were supplemented with physical teaching
- Clinical training or internship was completed
- The course duration was extended where necessary
Then the student may be exempted from additional clerkship in India.
This provision is particularly relevant for students studying in Russia, where several universities resumed offline clinical training after initial disruptions.
Clear Definition of “Sufficiently Compensated”
To eliminate ambiguity, the NMC has clearly defined the term “sufficiently compensated.”
It refers to situations where:
- Online theoretical and practical training has been replaced by physical attendance
- The foreign institution has arranged additional classes or extended course duration
- Clinical exposure and internship requirements have been fulfilled in person
Students must provide documented proof, including transcripts and official certification, to demonstrate compliance.
CRMI Internship Rules Based on Admission Year
The notice also clarifies the application of Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) regulations:
- Students admitted on or after November 18, 2021 must complete a one-year CRMI in India after qualifying the FMGE.
- Students admitted before this date will be governed by earlier regulations but must still complete internship requirements if not fulfilled abroad.
This clarification ensures uniform implementation of internship rules across different batches of students.
Strict Verification by State Medical Councils
The responsibility for processing registration applications rests with State Medical Councils (SMCs), in coordination with State Directorates of Medical Education.
Before granting permanent registration, authorities must verify:
- Qualification in the FMGE
- Completion of compensatory training or clerkship
- Internship completion status
- Authenticity of documents, including travel records
Failure to meet any of these requirements will result in rejection of the application. The NMC has also warned that granting registration without proper verification will be treated as a regulatory violation.
Impact on MBBS Students in Russia and Other Countries
The updated guidelines have significant implications for Indian students pursuing MBBS degrees abroad, especially in Russia, Ukraine, and Eastern European countries.
While the rules introduce stricter compliance requirements, they also provide clarity and a defined pathway for students affected by global disruptions. The inclusion of compensatory certificates as valid proof offers relief to students who have already completed their clinical training.
On the Whole!
The NMC’s notice represents a balanced approach to regulating foreign medical education. By combining flexibility for affected students with strict enforcement of clinical training standards, the commission aims to maintain the quality and credibility of medical professionals in India.
Students are advised to carefully review the updated guidelines and ensure full compliance before applying for registration.
