NMC Tightens FMGE Eligibility: Licence to Practise Abroad Now Mandatory

The National Medical Commission has clarified that foreign medical graduates must hold a valid licence to practise medicine in the country where they obtained their medical degree.

The clarification is linked to Regulation 4(b) of the NMC Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations, 2021.

Under the rule, graduates must be registered or licensed by the foreign country’s medical regulator to practise independently at the required level.

Simply completing a foreign medical degree may not be enough to qualify for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) in India.

The NMC clarified that “Junior Doctor” status is sufficient only if it legally permits medical practice at the level required under the regulations.

For Georgia, independent medical practice may require additional postgraduate certification, residency or other licensing requirements.

An earlier advisory said Indian students in Georgia can work as junior doctors after undergraduate medical studies, but independent practice requires further qualifications and licensing.

The NMC has stressed that FMGE eligibility must be assessed according to the actual medical licensing laws of the country where the degree was obtained.

The clarification has raised concerns among students who joined Georgian medical colleges after the 2021 FMGE regulations came into effect.

Students planning to study medicine abroad should verify whether the primary medical qualification itself leads to a licence for independent medical practice in that country.

Key takeaway: Before choosing a foreign medical college, students should carefully check NMC rules and the destination country’s medical licensing requirements to avoid FMGE eligibility issues.

Thanks for watching!

Stay updated with the latest in
Education & Careers.