NMC issues advisory to medical colleges for smooth conduct of NBE practicals due to exam centre, examiners' shortage

New Delhi: Citing the rising number of candidates appearing in the final practical examinations conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), the National Medical Commission (NMC) has directed all government medical colleges and institutions under its ambit to extend necessary cooperation and support for the smooth conduct of these examinations.

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) conducts standardised and nationally recognised postgraduate and postdoctoral examinations across the country. Timely and smooth conduct of practical examinations depends heavily on the active cooperation and support of medical colleges and institutions.

However, NBEMS has stated that, in certain instances, difficulties are being faced due to the non-availability of examination centres and the failure to relieve eligible faculty members for examiner duties.

Hence, issuing an advisory to all medical colleges and institutions in this regard on May 8, 2026, the Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) of NMC has advised to extend necessary cooperation and support to NBEMS for the conduct of its practical examinations by

i. Facilitating the conduct of NBEMS practical examinations in their institutions, subject to administrative feasibility.

ii. Ensuring availability of requisite infrastructure, wards, laboratories, and suitable clinical material/patients as required for examinations.

iii. Relieving eligible and nominated faculty members for examiner duties in a timely manner.

iv. Coordinating with NBEMS to ensure smooth and efficient conduct of examinations.

"The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) conducts standardized and nationally recognized postgraduate and postdoctoral examinations across the country. In view of the increasing number of candidates appearing in NBEMS final practical examinations, the requirement for adequate examination centres, clinical material, infrastructure, and experienced examiners has correspondingly increased," the notice mentioned. 

The Commission also clarified that NBEMS provides suitable compensation to examination centres for expenses incurred during the conduct of examinations. The examiners are also given approved remuneration for the services offered by them for various NBEMS academic activities.

Therefore, it said that the cooperation of institutions and faculty members will significantly contribute towards maintaining standards of postgraduate medical education while ensuring the timely conduct of examinations in the larger public and academic interest. NMC asked all institutions to take necessary action accordingly.

Referring to this, NMC Secretary Dr Raghav Langer wrote to the Directors, Principals, and Deans of government medical colleges and institutions, seeking cooperation for the conduct of NBEMS practical examinations.

"Kind reference is invited to the Public Notice No. N-P050 (20)/71/2026-PGMEB-NMC dated 08-05-2026 issued by the Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB)’ of National Medical Commission (NMC) regarding advisory to extend necessary cooperation and support to NBEMS for conduct of its practical examinations. All the concerned institutions are requested to kindly take note of the same for further necessary action," the letter read. 

To view the official notice, click on the link below: 

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