MBBS fees only for 4.5 years: Kerala govt reiterates NMC directive to medical colleges

The decision has been issued through a G.O by the Health and Family Welfare Department.

The order follows the NMC's earlier public notice, which clarified that the MBBS programme comprises 4.5 years of academic study followed by one year of Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI). Accordingly, the NMC directed all medical colleges and universities across the country to charge fees only for the academic duration of the course, warning that any non-compliance would invite regulatory action.

The government order mentioned that the Deputy Secretary, Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB), NMC, had instructed the Director of Medical Education (DME), Kerala, to take immediate steps to refund excess fees collected by medical colleges in accordance with the NMC's public notice.

The order also pointed out that the Kerala High Court, in its interim order dated June 19, 2026 in WP(C) No.16663 of 2026, stayed the NMC's communication for a period of three months. The Court permitted the petitioner, M.O.S.C. Medical College, Kolenchery, to continue collecting the fee fixed by the Fee Regulatory Committee until further orders.

After examining the matter, the Kerala Government has directed that all Government and Self-Financing Medical Colleges in the state shall collect MBBS fees only for the prescribed academic duration of 54 months, in compliance with the NMC's directions.

The Fee Regulatory Committee for Medical Education in Kerala will take necessary steps to fix the fee structure for Self-Financing Medical Colleges in the State as per the directions issued by the National Medical Commission.

While implementing the revised fee policy, the government clarified that the refund of excess fees already collected by medical colleges will depend on the final judgment of the Kerala High Court in WP(C) No.16663 of 2026.

To view the notification, click the link below