2025 NMC Updates on the List of Foreign Medical Colleges

yantrastudy
Jun 4
4 min read

With thousands of Indian students pursuing medical education abroad each year, it's crucial to stay updated with the latest regulations from the National Medical Commission (NMC). In 2025, the NMC has issued fresh clarifications and reinforcements to its guidelines for foreign medical education under the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations, 2021.

This article breaks down the key updates, dispels common myths, and offers guidance to students looking to select an NMC-compliant institution abroad.

What is the NMC List of Foreign Medical Colleges?

A common misconception is that the NMC provides a published list of medical colleges approved by NMC abroad. However, as per the FMGL Regulations, the NMC does not endorse or maintain a fixed list of foreign institutions.

Instead, the onus lies on students to ensure that the college or university they are applying to meets the eligibility criteria laid out in the regulations. Any institution meeting these parameters is effectively considered part of the NMC list of foreign medical colleges, even though no official list is directly published.

Key 2025 Updates by the NMC

1. No Change in Basic Eligibility Criteria

As of 2025, the core requirements of the FMGL Regulations remain intact. Here's what continues to be mandatory:

Course Duration: Minimum 54 months of theory and practical instruction.
Internship: 12 months of continuous internship in the same institution.
Medium of Instruction: English throughout the program.
Clinical Training: Sufficient hospital-based training in core subjects like Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, and Psychiatry.
Recognition: The college must be recognized by the relevant medical authority of the country it is located in.

2. Clarification on Online/Hybrid Education

In response to questions from the COVID-19 era, the NMC reaffirmed that no part of the MBBS-equivalent curriculum can be online, especially clinical and practical components. Students enrolled in hybrid or partially online medical courses abroad will not be eligible for registration in India.

3. Internship Must Be Done Abroad

The NMC strictly mandates that the entire internship must be completed in the same foreign medical institution, not in India or any other country. Transferring mid-internship or attempting to complete the internship elsewhere will disqualify candidates from appearing in the FMGE or registering in India.

4. NEET Qualification Still Mandatory

The NMC has reiterated that NEET qualification is mandatory for Indian students planning to study medicine abroad. Even if a student gains admission to a foreign university without NEET, they will not be eligible to appear for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) or practice in India.

Why You Must Verify Before You Apply

Because the NMC doesn’t publish an exhaustive list of pre-approved colleges, Indian students and parents often feel confused. The reality is that the NMC list of foreign medical colleges is based on compliance rather than fixed names.

Before applying, students must ensure that:

The college meets all FMGL criteria.
There is hospital infrastructure available for hands-on training.
The course is delivered entirely in English.
The local medical council or ministry recognizes the degree.

Failing to verify any of these can result in ineligibility to practice in India, even after completing the degree.

How Can Collegestoria Help?

With so many regulatory conditions, choosing the right foreign medical college can be overwhelming. Collegestoria, a trusted career and education guidance platform, helps students identify suitable MBBS programs abroad that align with NMC’s latest regulations.

Their expert counselors provide:

Country-wise analysis of foreign medical universities.
Step-by-step verification of FMGL compliance.
Admission support, documentation, and embassy verification.
Post-admission follow-up including internship tracking and FMGE preparation.

Still, students are advised to cross-check all information directly from the NMC and the respective university websites.

Countries That Commonly Comply with NMC Guidelines

While the NMC doesn't endorse specific colleges, here are a few countries where institutions commonly meet the eligibility norms, provided students choose wisely:

Russia: Offers English-medium MBBS programs with well-equipped government hospitals.
Philippines: Follows a US-based curriculum, though students must verify internship criteria.
Georgia: Increasingly popular due to modern infrastructure and English-taught courses.
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan: Gaining popularity for affordable fees and structured internships.

Note: Not all colleges in these countries meet NMC standards. Verification is critical.

Consequences of Choosing a Non-NMC Compliant College

If you graduate from a foreign medical college that doesn't meet FMGL standards:

You won’t be eligible to write the FMGE.
You can't register as a medical practitioner in India.
Your degree might not be recognized by Indian hospitals or PG entrance bodies.
You could lose time, money, and career opportunities.

Final Words: Don’t Just Choose—Verify!

Choosing to study MBBS abroad is a major life decision. The 2025 NMC updates reinforce the need for students to be more informed than ever. Relying solely on agents or flashy brochures is risky. Instead, ensure that your chosen institution meets every requirement outlined in the FMGL Regulations.

Use credible resources like Collegestoria for guidance, but ultimately take responsibility for cross-checking with the official NMC website and local embassy guidelines.

Your future as a medical professional in India depends on making the right choices—today.