Grant one-time exemption from FMGL regulations, apply prospectively from 2022 batch: FMGs urge NMC

New Delhi: Highlighting the non-uniform implementation of the Foreign Medical Graduates Licentiate (FMGL) 2021 Regulations across States, the medical graduates from abroad have requested the National Medical Commission (NMC) to grant a one-time exemption from its strict applicability.

In the representation submitted before the Apex Medical Commission, the FMGs have requested NMC to ensure that the 2021 Regulations are implemented prospectively and uniformly from the 2022 batch onwards.

Referring to different issues faced by the medical graduates from abroad, representatives from the All FMGs Association (AFA) and All India Medical Students' Association Foreign Medical Students' Wing (AIMSA-FMSW) met with the National Medical Commission's officials yesterday.

The medical graduates from abroad also highlighted the issue of State Medical Councils not following the NMC guidelines and the notice dated 18 March 2026. Other matters, such as the shortage of Preventive and Social Medicine seats and the three-year internship issue, were also raised before the Apex Medical Commission.

"Today, AFA (@official_afa_)along with AIMSA-FMSW(@aimsa_fmsw) representatives met with NMC (@NMC_BHARAT) officials regarding the non‑uniformity in the FMGL‑21 regulation affecting the 2021 batch of the 2021‑22 session. We further discussed the issue of state medical councils not following the NMC guidelines and the notice dated 18 March 2026. Other matters raised included the shortage of PSM seats in Delhi and the three‑year internship issue faced by FMGs. We are truly thankful to the @NMC_BHARAT officials who patiently heard our concerns and assured us of prompt action on these matters. We are truly grateful to our representatives — Dr. Kanishka, Dr. Shubham, Dr. Gaurav and National convenor Dr Apurv & National Vice president Dr Samar for doing such a commendable job," All FMGs Association mentioned in an X post.

In its representation, submitted to NMC, AIMSA-FMSW referred to the meeting held on 17 March 2026 regarding the grievances arising out of the implementation of the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL)- 2021 Regulations.

"At the outset it is respectfully submitted that the batch of students admitted during the academic cycle of 2021-2022 was subjected to extraordinary and unprecedented disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably. NEST-UG 2021 was conducted in September 1021 instead of its usual schedule in May. leading to substantial delays in the counselling and admission process. Consequently. a large number of students were unable to join their respective foreign medical institutions within the prescribed timelines," the letter addressed to NMC Secretary mentioned.

"It is further submitted that. despite belonging to the same academic batch. certain students were able to commence their courses earlier. while others--due to circumstances entirely beyond their control-faced delayed admissions and travel restrictions. The rigid application of the FAAGL -2021 Regulations in such a scenario has resulted in an arbitrary and discriminatory outcome within the same cohort. Such differential treatment among similarly placed students is contrary to the principles of equality and fairness enshrined under Article 14 of the Constitution of India. which mandates equal treatment under the law. The present situation, therefore, warrants urgent reconsideration to prevent manifest injustice to the affected student," AIMSA FMSW further mentioned in the letter.

The association, on behalf of the aggrieved FMGs, has urged the Apex Medical Commission to grant a one-time exemption from the strict applicability of the FMGL-2021 Regulations for the affected 2021 batch of the 2021-2022 session, ensure that the said regulations are implemented prospectively and uniformly from the academic year 2022 onwards, to maintain consistency, fairness, and legal certainty.

Speaking to Medical Dialogues, Dr. Kaushal from AFA said, "Representatives of the All FMGs Association (AFA) and AIMSA-FMSW held an important meeting with officials of the National Medical Commission (NMC) today to discuss pressing issues affecting Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs), particularly the 2021 batch. The delegation highlighted the non-uniform implementation of the FMGL-21 regulations, which has created significant hardships for students from the 2021-22 academic session. They pointed out inconsistencies in how different states and medical councils are interpreting and applying the guidelines, leading to uncertainty and delays in licensing and practice for many FMGs."

"During the meeting, the representatives also raised concerns over several state medical councils failing to adhere to NMC guidelines and the official notice issued on 18 March 2026. This non-compliance has reportedly exacerbated difficulties for FMG students seeking permanent registration. Other critical issues discussed included an acute shortage of PSM (Preventive and Social Medicine) seats in Delhi, affecting FMGs who require these compulsory postings, and the three-year internship mandate being faced by many Foreign Medical Graduates, which has become a major bottleneck in their professional journey. According to the representative, NMC officials listened patiently to all the concerns raised and assured prompt, positive action to resolve the issues at the earliest," he added

The team of foreign medical graduates who led the delegation included Dr. Kanishka Kalra, Dr. Shubham Singh, Dr. Gaurav, AIMSA FMSW National Convenor Dr. Apurv Dalvi, and National Vice President Dr. Samar Kumar.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that in a notice dated March 06, 2026, the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) of NMC had stated that FMGs who took admission on or before Nov 18, 2021 and have already compensated for online classes and completed internship abroad will be governed by the old rules (Screening Test Regulations). Those admitted after Nov 18, 2021, will follow FMGL 2021 and must do a 1-year mandatory internship in India (CRMI).

This triggered protests and opposition from FMGs, who argued that the notice was unfair, as they had attended online classes due to the COVID-19 pandemic and should not be required to undergo additional training again in India. Several representations from associations like AIMSA, AFA, and Tamil Nadu Medical Students Association's Foreign Medical Graduates Wing, Democratic Medical Association (DMA India) were submitted to the NMC for a rollback.

In response, NMC withdrew its earlier notice dated March 6, 2026, and the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) of the Commission issued a fresh clarification on physical onsite compensation for online studies undertaken by FMGs on 18.03.2026.

Issuing the new notice, the National Medical Commission (NMC) clarified that the medicos will not be required to undergo additional training in India if they have already completed the required compensation abroad.