Delay in Eligibility Certificates Leaves Foreign Medical Graduates in Limbo Ahead of FMGE Registration

Summary of the situation

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has opened registration for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) scheduled for December 2025. However, a significant number of Indian citizens who completed medical studies abroad remain unable to sit for the screening test because their mandatory eligibility certificates have not been issued. These delayed approvals predominantly affect students who began their foreign medical education during the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 academic years. The All India Medical Students’ Association (AIMSA) has formally sought intervention from the Union Health Ministry and the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) to resolve the backlog urgently. medichelpline had earlier reported on the origins of this problem and the affected cohorts.

Why an eligibility certificate is required

An eligibility certificate is a mandatory document for foreign medical graduates (FMGs) to register for the FMGE and to enroll in the compulsory internship required for medical licensure. The certifying authority for issuance and verification of these documents falls under the jurisdiction of the NMC’s Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB). Without this approval, graduates are barred from taking the screening test that qualifies them to practice medicine in India.

Timeline and regulatory background

In 2018, a regulatory direction changed the rules for students seeking medical education abroad: prospective candidates were required to qualify the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG) before taking admission overseas. Prior to that change, eligibility certificates had been routinely issued for students planning MBBS abroad. A transitional arrangement allowed candidates who had already started pre-medical or related courses to proceed under specific conditions. Authorities set 5 June 2019 as the cutoff date for applying for eligibility certificates under the previous framework; thereafter, NEET-UG clearance became mandatory for new admissions abroad.

Certain students who had already commenced pre-medical courses — notably B.S. programs in the Philippines or pre-medical/language courses in other countries — were later provided an exemption. On 07.12.2023, the NMC issued guidelines clarifying that candidates who began pre-medical education in the academic years 2018–19 and 2019–20 could be allowed to continue and later enroll in MBBS or equivalent courses abroad, provided they applied for an eligibility certificate under section 13(4B) of the Indian Medical Council (IMC) Act, 1956, through the Medical Council of India process administered by the NMC/UGMEB.

What has happened to the affected students

Students from the 2018–19 and 2019–20 cohorts submitted applications for eligibility certificates as required. According to AIMSA, all concerned students were considered on April 16, 2025, and submitted the required documentation in May 2025. Applicants also responded to deficiency notices and complied with requests for additional documents from the NMC. Despite completing these procedural steps, a considerable number of candidates still have not had their eligibility certificates verified and approved.

As a result of this prolonged administrative delay—reported to extend from one to two years—many FMGs have missed multiple opportunities to sit the FMGE. The association highlights that the delays have caused severe emotional strain and financial hardship for the affected graduates and that the upcoming December 2025 exam represents a critical chance to secure their professional future.

Actions taken by student bodies and graduates

AIMSA has taken formal steps to escalate the issue. The student association has written to the Union Health Ministry urging prompt intervention to facilitate expedited review and approval of the pending cases. In a separate communication directed to the President of the NMC UG Board, AIMSA provided detailed explanations of the situation and requested prioritization of the stalled verifications.

Meanwhile, groups of foreign medical graduates from several States and Union Territories have physically visited the NMC office to draw attention to what they describe as unnecessary delays by the apex medical regulator. These delegations have pressed for a clear, time-bound resolution so that eligible candidates can participate in the FMGE and proceed with their internships.

Consequences and stakes for affected graduates

The delay in issuing eligibility certificates directly prevents FMGs from taking the FMGE and from registering for mandatory internships, thereby obstructing their pathway to licensure in India. Each missed FMGE attempt represents not only lost time but also additional financial costs associated with exam fees, preparation expenses, and potential loss of income. The emotional toll and uncertainty associated with prolonged administrative backlogs are also emphasized by students and their representative bodies.

Given the limited windows to sit the FMGE and the substantial career impact of continued postponement, stakeholders view an expedited resolution as essential to safeguard the professional prospects of these cohorts.

What the stakeholders are requesting

AIMSA’s requests are focused and procedural: they seek Union Health Ministry intervention to accelerate the review and approval of the long-pending eligibility certificate applications and have urged the NMC’s Undergraduate Medical Education Board to prioritize verification. The association emphasizes the need for a transparent, time-bound process so that eligible candidates can be cleared in time to register for and sit the December 2025 FMGE.

Current position and next steps

With NBEMS opening registration for the December 2025 FMGE, the clock is ticking for applicants awaiting eligibility certificates. The immediate next steps hinge on administrative action by the NMC/UGMEB and potential oversight or direction from the Union Health Ministry. A swift, documented resolution would allow affected FMGs to participate in the upcoming screening exam and move forward with internship enrollment and licensing processes.

medichelpline will continue to monitor developments and report on any official responses or procedural updates from the NMC, UGMEB, NBEMS, and the Union Health Ministry.