NMC Proposes 10-Year Limit for MBBS Completion

The National Medical Commission (NMC) issued a Gazette notification on 18 May 2026 proposing to extend the maximum duration for completing the MBBS course from nine years to ten years. The proposal is part of the draft Graduate Medical Education (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, which seeks to amend Clause 21 of the Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023.

MBBS Course Duration Framework

The MBBS degree in India is regulated under the Graduate Medical Education Regulations framed by the National Medical Commission. The proposed ten-year limit will include the compulsory rotatory medical internship, which is a mandatory training component in the MBBS curriculum.

Examination and Attempt Rules

The draft regulations retain the existing limit of a maximum of four attempts for clearing the First Professional MBBS examination. The First Professional MBBS examination is the initial university-level examination in the undergraduate medical course.

Public Consultation and Regulatory Process

NMC Secretary Dr. Raghav Langer issued the draft regulations for public feedback, comments, and suggestions from stakeholders. The consultation period is 30 days, and the deadline for submitting feedback is 27 June 2026.

Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023

The Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023 govern admission, training, examinations, and internship requirements for MBBS students in India. Clause 21 of the regulations deals with the time limit for completion of the medical course.

Important Facts for Exams

• The National Medical Commission was established under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019.
• MBBS stands for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.
• The compulsory rotatory medical internship is a mandatory part of undergraduate medical training in India.
• The First Professional MBBS examination is commonly known as the first-year MBBS examination.

Regulatory Context

The draft amendment is titled Graduate Medical Education (Amendment) Regulations, 2026. The proposal keeps the four-attempt ceiling for the First Professional MBBS examination while extending the overall completion period to ten years.