The Delhi High Court has upheld the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) requirement that foreign medical graduates must complete a recognised, integrated medical degree to qualify for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE).
The court rejected a plea from a medical graduate who had completed different components of medical education at institutions in different countries. It held that fragmented qualifications cannot be treated as equivalent to a single, recognised medical degree under NMC regulations.
NMC Rules Must Be Followed
The court emphasised that candidates seeking to practise medicine in India must meet the eligibility requirements prescribed by the NMC. Therefore, completing parts of a medical course at different institutions or countries does not automatically establish eligibility for the FMGE.
As per The Economic Times, the ruling reinforces the NMC’s Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations, 2021, which prescribe specific requirements for medical education completed abroad.
Implications for Indian Students Abroad
The ruling highlights the importance of verifying the recognition and structure of a foreign medical programme before enrolling. Students pursuing medicine overseas must ensure that their course, clinical training and internship comply with NMC requirements.
Consequently, candidates who complete fragmented or non-compliant programmes may face difficulties in obtaining eligibility to appear for the FMGE and, ultimately, securing registration to practise medicine in India.