Over 2,300 CPS doctors in limbo as exams delayed, NMC intervention urged
CPS Courses
New Delhi: Highlighting the issue of more than 2,300 CPS resident doctors, who are still waiting for their final exit examinations, a doctors' body has written to the National Medical Commission (NMC), requesting its intervention in the matter.
In a letter addressed to the Chairperson of the Apex Medical Commission, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has pointed out that the resident doctors who pursued their postgraduate medical courses from the College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPS) are waiting for the exams for more than one year.
The last exams were conducted in October 2024 and since then, these doctors have remained in a state of uncertainty, which has adversely affected their careers and well-being, FAIMA said.
"This prolonged delay is primarily due to ongoing litigation before the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India concerning regulatory issues related to CPS (College of Physicians and Surgeons) courses. While we understand the importance of due process, it is crucial to emphasize that such delays are causing significant hardship to the affected residents, including financial strain, psychological stress, and disruption of clinical practice," the letter addressed to the NMC chief further mentioned.
Accordingly, the association has urged the Apex Medical Commission to take cognizance of this matter and expedite the process of resolution.
The association has asked the NMC to ensure that the Commission and other relevant authorities submit their responses promptly before the Supreme Court to prevent further delays, facilitate the swift scheduling and conduct of the final exit examinations for the affected residents, and streamline the regulatory process by implementing measures to prevent such delays in the future, ensuring timely assessments and examinations for postgraduate students.
"The medical fraternity and the nation at large depend on the timely graduation of competent and qualified healthcare professionals. Delays in examinations compromise the quality of healthcare delivery and the future of these young doctors," the association added in the letter.
Background:
Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that over 2,300 postgraduate CPS doctors are facing uncertainty as their final examinations for specialist qualification have not been conducted for more than a year. On March 5, 2026, a large group of affected doctors staged a peaceful protest at Azad Maidan, demanding that the state government and the medical education department conduct their long-delayed postgraduate examinations.
The protesting doctors said they have already completed their academic training and hospital postings, but remain unable to obtain their specialist qualifications because the final exams have not been held.
The issue began after the recognition of CPS diplomas and postgraduate programmes was withdrawn in 2022. However, students who had taken admission in the 2021–22 academic session through NEET-PG were allowed to continue their courses. Authorities had assured them that they would be able to complete the programme.
Many of these students have now completed their two-year training programmes. However, their final examinations have not been conducted since November 2024, leaving them without certificates and unable to practise as specialists.
Last year, the Bombay High Court passed an order cancelling the CPS recognition. Following this, the Directorate of Medical Education and Research stopped conducting further exams, leaving students who had already completed their courses but not taken the exams in a difficult situation.
The Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) derecognised all the courses offered by CPS on August 16, 2024, on the grounds of failure to comply with the regulatory mechanism under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019.
Earlier in 2025, the Bombay High Court dismissed the plea filed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPS) challenging the derecognition of many postgraduate diploma courses that were deleted from the schedule of the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC), 1965.
On the same day, the High Court bench had allowed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging permission given to CPS to conduct 10 additional PG courses. The PIL was filed before the High Court by a Mumbai-based doctor, Suhas Pingle.
Following this, the matter came for consideration before the Supreme Court in 2025. The Attorney General for India had informed the Apex Court that a viable solution would be arrived at to secure the future of students after the Bombay High Court upheld the derecognition of all PG medical courses offered by CPS Mumbai. Taking note of the issue, the Supreme Court on September 12 requested the intervention of the Attorney General for India to arrive at a viable solution in this regard.
Later, the Central Government agreed before the Supreme Court to grant such students two final opportunities to clear their final examinations. This relief will apply to 852 students of CPS Mumbai, and after clearing their final examinations, they will also be enrolled with the State and National Medical Councils.
Also Read: 2,300 CPS PG Doctors Await Exams, Doctors Seek Government Intervention
