After studying abroad, students have a 10-year window to take FMG and NExT exams.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) recently announced a 10-year time limit for taking the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) or the NExT after completing a medical course overseas. This decision addresses concerns raised by various stakeholders, including foreign medical graduates, particularly those from Ukraine and the Philippines.

In response to challenges faced by students, the NMC introduced several relaxations. Notably, graduates from Ukraine are allowed to continue their studies in a different country, with the degree being awarded by the migrating university. This initiative, an extension of the Academic Mobility Program, aims to assist FMGs returning from Ukraine to complete their remaining medical courses.

Foreign medical graduates from Ukraine who completed their courses in foreign medical institutes are required to obtain provisional registration from the state medical council in India. They must undergo a one-year Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) and are eligible for stipends similar to those received by Indian medical graduates.

Addressing disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the NMC clarified that foreign medical graduates with breaks in their final year can complete their courses, including examinations, in online mode. However, they must undergo a one-year clinical clerkship (CC) in India to address training deficiencies. The clinical clerkship fee may be charged, but stipends equivalent to Indian medical graduates’ stipends will be provided during CRMI.

For graduates from the Philippines, the NMC de-recognizes the BS course as of November 18, 2021. Those enrolled in MD courses on or before this date are eligible to complete the course and take the FMG examination in India. After qualifying FMGE, they must undergo a one-year internship to compensate for training deficiencies, followed by CRMI.

The NMC emphasized a 10-year time limit for appearing in FMG examinations/NExT from the completion of training in a foreign medical institution. This comprehensive approach addresses various concerns, offering clarity and support to foreign medical graduates navigating complex situations.