NMC Rules for Foreign Medical Graduates — Is MBBS Abroad Valid in India?

The Short Answer

Yes — an MBBS degree from an NMC-approved foreign medical university is valid in India, but with important conditions attached. Simply holding a foreign MBBS degree does not automatically allow you to practice medicine in India. You must clear the FMGE (or NExT from 2027) and complete a compulsory internship. This article explains every step and requirement.

The NMC Approved University Requirement

The National Medical Commission (NMC) maintains a list of approved foreign medical universities. For your MBBS degree to be recognised in India:

• Your university must be on the NMC approved list at the time of your enrollment
• Your university must remain on the NMC approved list at the time you apply for FMGE/NExT
• Universities can be added or removed from the NMC list — always verify before enrolling

The NMC updates its approved list annually. As of 2026, over 900 universities across 40+ countries are on the approved list, including all major Russian, Georgian, Bangladeshi, Kazakhstani, and Kyrgyz medical universities recommended by Horizon Edu.

The FMGE / NExT Requirement

After completing your MBBS abroad, you must clear a screening examination before practicing medicine in India. Currently, this is the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) — a 300-question MCQ exam conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE).

From 2027, the NMC has announced that FMGE will be replaced by the National Exit Test (NExT), which will be the same examination taken by Indian MBBS graduates from government and private medical colleges. This means foreign graduates will compete on the same level as domestic graduates.

The Internship Requirement

After completing your MBBS degree abroad, you must complete a 1-year compulsory rotating internship before you can apply for a medical license in India. You have two options:

• Option A: Complete the internship at the foreign university (where it is offered as part of the programme — common in Russia, Bangladesh)
• Option B: Complete the internship at an NMC-recognised hospital in India after clearing FMGE/NExT Step 1

Most students prefer Option A as it allows them to practice in the clinical environment they studied in, and they return to India with FMGE prep completed.

Step-by-Step Path from Foreign MBBS to Practicing Doctor in India

1. Enrol at an NMC-approved foreign medical university
2. Complete 5.5–6 year MBBS programme (academic + clinical)
3. Complete 1-year compulsory internship (abroad or in India)
4. Clear FMGE (or NExT Step 1 from 2027) — minimum 50% passing marks
5. Register with the National Medical Register (NMR) maintained by NMC
6. Apply for State Medical Council registration in your home state
7. You can now practice as a registered medical practitioner in India

Common Misconceptions Addressed

"Any foreign MBBS is valid in India" — False. Only degrees from NMC-approved universities are accepted.

"You need a very high NEET score for Russia/Georgia" — Partially false. NEET qualifying marks are sufficient, but higher-ranked universities may have their own criteria.

"MBBS abroad is a shortcut to becoming a doctor" — False. The path is longer than domestic MBBS in some ways (FMGE coaching, extra travel). It is an alternative pathway, not a shortcut.

"Once you clear FMGE, you're automatically registered" — False. Clearing FMGE gives you eligibility — you must separately apply for the National Medical Register and State Medical Council registration.