NMC warns of medical college scams, clarifies foreign MBBS guidelines

The NMC has issued an advisory, listing out important points that need to be kept in mind while taking admission in a medical course in India and the rules to be followed by the students who intend to pursue medical education in foreign countries

Hyderabad: The National Medical Commission (NMC), the regulatory authority for medical education in the country, has warned MBBS aspirants and their parents not to fall for fake offers that promise easy admissions in medical colleges and offshore medical courses that are not legally sanctioned.

The NMC has issued an advisory, listing out important points that need to be kept in mind while taking admission in a medical course in India and the rules to be followed by the students who intend to pursue medical education in foreign countries.

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In the advisory, the NMC said that it has come across instances of unauthorised medical colleges operating in the country, without requisite approvals. These institutions are misleading students and parents by claiming recognition and offering admissions in medical courses that are not legally sanctioned, it said.

“NMC approval is mandatory and only the medical colleges listed on the official website of NMC (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 that are not listed on the website are unauthorised and are violating NMC regulations,” NMC said.

What should students intending to pursue MBBS in foreign countries do?

The Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations, 2021 of NMC clearly define standards for foreign medical education to become eligible to practice medicine in India.

Foreign Medical Graduates (FMG) will not be granted permanent registration unless they undergo a supervised internship in India for a minimum term of 12 months. In case FMGs fail to comply, then they could be disqualified from registration to practice medicine in India.

Key Requirements for FMGs:

a. Minimum 54 months of education in a single institution.

b. 12-month internship to be completed at the same foreign university.

c. Clinical training must not be done in parts or across different countries.

d. Medium of instruction must be English.

e. Studied the mandatory subjects specified in Schedule I.

Risk of disqualification:

· Students graduating from non-compliant medical institutions will be ineligible for licensing exams, i.e., FMGE in India.

· The onus of this disqualification lies solely with the student, as per the regulations of the Commission.

How to verify legitimacy of medical institution

· NMC approval to run a medical college is mandatory

· To check legally permitted medical colleges, visit (https://www.nmc.org.in/information-desk/college-and-course-search/)

· Institutions not in the official list are unauthorised and are violating NMC regulations.

· Contact NMC directly for verification, especially if you’re presented with recognition letters or direct admission offers.

· Do not rely on college websites or advertisements alone.

· Do not fall for fake offers, as no college can guarantee admission outside of NEET

· Verify approvals before making any payments or committing to MBBS program

· Report suspicious activity to NMC at Phone: 91-11-25367033 Website: www.nmc.org.in