Important Notice for Students Planning MBBS Abroad
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has clarified that it does not endorse or maintain any official list of foreign medical universities offering MBBS or equivalent courses. Earlier, such a list was provided by the erstwhile Medical Council of India (MCI) based on information from Indian Embassies
However, as per the 2018 Screening Test Regulations, every Indian citizen or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) who obtains a primary medical qualification (MBBS or equivalent) from a foreign medical institution must qualify the prescribed Screening Test (FMGE or NExT) to be eligible for medical registration in India.
Before taking admission abroad, students are strongly advised to verify directly with the concerned university about:
- Course duration, curriculum, and internship (must match Indian MBBS standards)
- Fee structure, medium of instruction, and hospital training details
Eligibility Criteria for Screening Test (FMGE/NExT):
- Nationality:
Must be an Indian citizen or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI). - Recognized Qualification:
Must hold a primary medical qualification recognized for enrollment as a medical practitioner in the country where the degree is awarded. - Eligibility Certificate:
Students who took admission in foreign medical institutions on or after 15th March 2002 must have an Eligibility Certificate issued by NMC (or MCI earlier). (Not required for those admitted before 15th March 2002.) - NEET Requirement (After May 2018):
Candidates must qualify NEET-UG before taking admission abroad.- NEET result acts as the Eligibility Certificate.
- NEET score remains valid for 3 years from the date of declaration of the result for MBBS admission abroad.
- Exemptions from Screening Test:
Candidates holding both undergraduate and postgraduate medical qualifications from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the United States of America, and recognized for medical practice in those countries, are exempted from FMGE/NExT.
About the Screening Test (FMGE/NExT):
- Conducted by the Prescribed Authority (currently NBEMS) as per NMC guidelines.
- Results are shared with NMC and State Medical Councils.
- Successful candidates can apply for provisional or permanent registration to practice in India.