NMC Warning for MBBS aspirants! Apex Council warns against Unauthorised Medical Colleges, non-compliant foreign programs

The advisory lists 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.

“The NMC has observed a few 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,” stated the apex medical commission.

The NMC stated that only institutions listed on its official website are legally allowed to offer MBBS and related degrees, and admissions taken outside the approved channels could render students ineligible for medical practice in India.

In the alert issued under the authority of Sukh Lal Meena, Director of NMC’s Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB), two institutions have been specifically flagged: Singhania University in Rajasthan, currently under legal scrutiny for offering MBBS courses without NMC approval, and Sanjiban Medical College in Howrah, West Bengal, which is allegedly running an unauthorised medical program. Legal action is underway in both cases.

The NMC clarified that it does not conduct or approve direct admissions. The National Eligibility-Entrance Test (NEET) examination remains the sole valid route for admission to MBBS courses in India.

For students pursuing medical education/MBBS abroad, the NMC reiterated the need to comply with the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations, 2021. These include a minimum of 54 months of education at a single institution, a 12-month internship at the same university, clinical training within one country, English as the medium of instruction, and registration with a local regulatory body. Failure to meet these standards can lead to disqualification from licensing exams such as FMGE and denial of permanent registration in India.

The Commission has further urged students and parents to stay vigilant, verify the institution’s recognition status on the NMC website, avoid direct admission offers, and report suspicious institutions. For assistance, stakeholders may contact the NMC helpline at +91-11-25367033.

WARNING AGAINST UNAUTHORISED MEDICAL COLLEGES AND OFF-SHORE MEDICAL PROGRAMS

The important points that need to be kept in mind while taking admission in a medical course are:

NMC APPROVAL IS MANDATORY

Only the medical colleges listed on the official NMC website are legally permitted to offer MBBS and other medical degree programs in India. Institutions not appearing in the NMC’s official list are unauthorised and are operating in violation of NMC regulations. The Commission ensures to update the list on a regular basis.

INSTITUTIONS UNDER SCRUTINY

Singhania University, Rajasthan

The university came under legal scrutiny for allegedly offering MBBS courses without NMC recognition. The issue is under challenge in a matter titled "Ranjana Jangra and ors v State of Rajasthan and ors, SBCWP NO 7682/2022, which is currently under adjudication before the Hon'ble Rajasthan High Court.

It is important to note that the former Board of Governors, through public notices dated 30.10.2019 and 03.08.2020, sought to alert the General Public about fraudulent practices by Singhania University, which invited applications for the MBBS course without obtaining the necessary permission or recognition from the Board.

Subsequently, the National Medical Commission (NMC), through a public notice dated 28.10.2022, reiterated this warning and advised the public to verify the status of any medical college on the NMC website before seeking admission.

Sanjiban Hospital and Medical College, Howrah, West Bengal

“The NMC has come to know about this institution running a medical course without authorisation from the Commission. Legal action against said college is being taken,” the apex body mentioned.

RULES TO BE FOLLOWED FOR THE STUDENTS WHO INTEND TO PURSUE MEDICAL EDUCATION IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES:

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

Key Requirements:

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.

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

It is firmly advised that for detailed requirements, Schedule I of the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulation, 2021 (FMGL Regulation 2021) shall be complied with, to apply for a licence or permanent registration to practise in India.

“Further, no Foreign Medical Graduate shall be granted permanent registration, unless he/she has undergone supervised internship in India for a minimum term of twelve months, after applying for the same to the Commission. Foreign Medical Graduates who fail to comply with these regulations may lead to disqualification for registration to practice medicine in India,” the NMC stated in the advisory.

RISK OF DISQUALIFICATION

“Students graduating from non-compliant institutions will be held 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,” the NMC warned.

HOW TO VERIFY THE LEGITIMACY OF A MEDICAL INSTITUTION

a. Visit the NMC official website and check the list of recognised medical colleges in India.

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

c. Do not rely on college websites or advertisements alone.

d. The NMC does not conduct direct admissions to any medical college.

IMPORTANT ADVICE FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS

a. DO NOT FALL FOR FAKE OFFERS: No college can guarantee admission outside of official channels, i.e., NEET Examination

b. VERIFY BEFORE YOU PAY: Confirm approvals before making any payments or committing to a program.

c. REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY: If you know any institution illegally offering medical admissions, report them to NMC.

CONTACT THE NMC

In case of any query regarding the recognition status of the institution, parents/students/stakeholders are requested to reach out to the NMC.

“The medical aspirants and their families are strongly advised to stay vigilant, as the same is essential to protect oneself and the integrity of the Indian medical education system,” the NMC added.

To view the official NMC advisory, click here