MBBS abroad: NMC warns students against admission to foreign medical institutes in Uzbekistan, flags FMGL violations

In its notice, the NMC's Deputy Secretary referred to the National Medical Commission's (NMC) Public Notices dated 8th August 2023 and 22nd November 2024; Advisory dated 19th May,2025 and Alert Note dated 21st July, 2025 respectively, wherein Indian students aspiring to obtain medical qualifications from foreign medical colleges/ institutions and subsequently seeking registration to practice medicine in India, were advised to ensure due diligence and follow strict compliance with the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations, 2021 notified on 18.11.2021, while taking admission in the foreign medical institutions/ colleges.

Accordingly, any deviation from the following requirements may result in disqualification from obtaining registration in India:

• Duration of the Course;

Further, the NMC listed the FMGL regulations and mentioned the following:

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

Key Requirements:

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

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

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

iv. Medium of instruction must be English.

v. Studied the mandatory subjects specified in the Schedule-I

vi. Registered with the respective professional regulatory body or otherwise, competent to grant license to practice medicine in their respective jurisdiction of the country in which the medical degree is awarded and at par with the license to practice medicine given to citizen of that country.

The NMC has issued this alert specifically in relation to admissions sought by Indian nationals in medical institutions/ colleges in Uzbekistan namely:

• Bukhara State Medical Institute (BSMI);

• Samarkand State Medical University (SSMU);

• Tashkent State Medical University (TSMU) and

• TIT Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, an offshore campus of TSMU Termez Branch, situated in Bangalore, India

The regulator has notified that the matter has been brought to the attention of the Commission through a communication from the Embassy of India in Tashkent, highlighting serious concerns regarding the quality and standards of medical education in the country, as well as alleged malpractices by agents facilitating such admissions. The following concerns have been flagged in the communication received from the Embassy of India in Tashkent (Uzbekistan):

• Reports that students are admitted beyond the intake capacity of the medical institute, compromising the quality of medical education;

• The students are not receiving hands on training owing to lack of communication as the medium of instruction is not English language, making it challenging for Indian Students;

• In addition to above, various such complaints are received in the Commission alleging serious violations of the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations, 2O2l and related NMC advisories by TSMU Termez Branch (Uzbekistan| in association with TIT Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore (offshore campus model).The Embassy has also shared testimonies of Indian students studying at Bukhara State University through a private contractor known as RARE Company.

"In light of the communication from the Embassy of India in Tashkent (Uzbekistan), it is observed that many of the criteria laid under FMGL Regulations, 2O2l are not being fulfilled therefore Indian citizens and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) considering admission to MBBS or equivalent medical programs in Uzbekistan or similar destinations are advised to exercise extreme caution. Students governed by the FMGL Regulations, 2O21 must ensure that the foreign medical institution they choose, fully complies with the regulatory requirements prescribed by the NMC. Failure to meet these requirements may result in, ineligibility for registration to practice medicine in India after completion of the course," the NMC warned.

Hence, the NMC has once again reiterated via this alert note that Students and parents are strongly advised as under:

• Do not fall for fraudulent offers: No institution can guarantee admission outside the prescribed process, including qualification in the NEET examination.

• Verify before making any payment: Ensure that the concerned institution is duly recognized and compliant with applicable regulations prior to committing or paying any fees.

• Check recognition and compliance: Carefully verify the recognition status of foreign medical universities and ensure adherence to the FMGL Regulations, 2021 .

• Avoid unverified agents: Do not rely on unauthorized or unverified agents/intermediaries for securing admission.

• Seek official guidance: Consult the National Medical Commission and Indian diplomatic missions abroad, wherever necessary.

To view the full official notice, click the link mentioned below-

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/2026/04/02/nmc-advisory-for-indian-students-seeking-admission-to-foreign-institutes-universities-for-undergraduate-medical-courses-in-uzbekistan-reg-339075.pdf