Confusion Surrounding MBBS Degrees from Abroad: Know the Rules Before Enrolling

Conflicting statements from the National Medical Commission (NMC) regarding pursuing an MBBS degree in countries like Georgia have created a state of confusion. The responses provided by the NMC have only served to further complicate the situation.

There is significant news for students who dream of becoming doctors by studying abroad. Conflicting statements from the National Medical Commission (NMC) concerning MBBS studies in countries like Georgia have led to widespread confusion. Taking advantage of this ambiguous stance and the contradictory responses from the NMC, certain "education consultants" and agents are misleading students—a situation that could jeopardize the careers and futures of thousands of aspiring doctors.

What is the controversy about?

To practice medicine in India after obtaining an MBBS degree from a foreign medical institution, students are required to pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE). In connection with this, two aspiring doctors submitted identical queries to the Prime Minister’s Grievance Portal at different times. They asked whether students who complete a 6-year MBBS course in Georgia would be eligible to appear for the FMGE in India. The responses provided by the NMC have only added to the confusion.

What was the NMC’s ​​response regarding MBBS degrees from abroad?

On September 24, citing its 2021 regulations, the NMC clarified that a foreign degree would be considered valid only if the country in question—such as Georgia—grants students a license for independent medical practice immediately upon completion of the course. However, when another candidate posed the exact same question to the NMC on October 13, the Commission’s stance had shifted. This time, the Commission stated that the provisions concerning independent licensing systems are currently being examined by a competent authority and an expert committee. Meanwhile, when a third student sought to clarify which of the two responses was correct, the NMC merely reiterated the existing 2021 regulations. When PTI reached out to NMC Secretary Raghav Langer for clarification on this matter, no response was received.

Education consultants are misleading students.

Sachin Jain, a Delhi High Court lawyer specializing in medical matters, states that education consultants—who charge hefty commissions—are exploiting this ambiguity to mislead students. By showing students the NMC’s ​​second response, these consultants lead them to believe that the requirement for an independent license will soon be waived or that an alternative solution will emerge. Legal experts emphasize that such false promises could ruin students' futures, as the NMC itself lacks the authority to amend the law. Laws are enacted by Parliament, and the NMC can only recommend amendments to the government.

Confusion also stems from the regulations of Georgia’s NCEQE.

The situation has been further complicated by the 'Frequently Asked Questions' (FAQs) issued by Georgia’s National Center for Education Quality Enhancement (NCEQE). On one hand, the NCEQE claims that Georgia fully meets all of the NMC’s ​​requirements for foreign medical graduates. On the other hand, their own regulations state that graduates of the MD program are eligible to work as junior doctors without additional examinations, but they are not permitted to practice independently; they must work under the supervision and responsibility of an authorized physician. Regarding this, a Supreme Court advocate notes that the NMC’s ​​regulations are, in fact, quite clear. It is mandatory for students to obtain a license to practice independently in the country where they completed their medical education. In this context, the claims made by the NCEQE are likely to confuse Indian students and appear intended to benefit medical colleges in Georgia.

What is being demanded now?

Given this serious situation, legal experts and lawyers have urged the Union Ministry of Health and the National Medical Commission to promptly issue both the relevant orders and an official, clear list of foreign universities that fully meet all the eligibility criteria for Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs).