If you are planning to study MBBS abroad, this is a must-read for you and your parents! The National Medical Commission (NMC), which regulates medical education in India, has recently issued a strict advisory in July 2025 for Indian students who want to pursue their medical education in foreign countries. Many students dream of becoming doctors, and studying abroad looks like an easy option, but before you decide, make sure you don’t land yourself in trouble later.
Here’s everything you need to know from the recent NMC alert in simple words.
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Why This Advisory Was Issued
Over the last few years, thousands of Indian students have gone abroad for MBBS, but not all of them have been able to practice in India after completing their degree. Why? Because many foreign universities don’t follow the proper standards set by the NMC under the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations, 2021.
The NMC had already warned students through notices on 8th August 2023 and 22nd November 2024. Still, many students continued to take admission in colleges that do not follow the proper guidelines. Recently, reports from the Indian Embassy in Mexico and the Ministry of External Affairs (Eurasia Division) have raised serious concerns about certain foreign medical colleges.
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What Are the Main Issues Found in Some Foreign Medical Colleges?
According to the NMC, several problems have been reported from foreign medical universities which are causing big trouble for Indian students:
❌ Courses Not Matching Indian Standards: These universities are not following the minimum education standards required by India.
❌ Poor Infrastructure: Many colleges don’t even have proper buildings, classrooms, or laboratories.
❌ Low-Quality Education and Training: Students are not getting proper clinical exposure or hospital training.
❌ Harassment of Indian Students: Some students have reported facing harassment in these institutions.
❌ Unreasonable Fees: Colleges are charging very high fees and even after withdrawal, the fees are not refunded.
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Which Foreign Medical Colleges Are Blacklisted?
In this advisory, NMC has clearly mentioned the names of a few universities where Indian students should strictly avoid taking admission:
Central American Health and Sciences University, Belize
Columbus Central University, Belize
Washington University of Health and Sciences, Belize
Chirchik Branch of Tashkent State Medical University, Uzbekistan
If you take admission in these colleges, you may become ineligible to register as a doctor in India in the future.
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What Will Happen if You Don’t Follow This Advisory?
This is a serious warning from the NMC. If you study in a university which is not recognized under FMGL Regulations, 2021, you will not be allowed to appear in the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) or NEXT exam. This means you won’t get a license to practice medicine in India.
So, even after spending lakhs of rupees and many years of study, you will not be able to become a doctor in India. That’s why the NMC has made it very clear: follow the guidelines or face disqualification.
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What Students and Parents Should Do Before Taking Admission
If you are planning to study MBBS abroad, here are some important steps you should take:
✅ 1. Check NMC’s Official Website
Always check the NMC website (https://www.nmc.org.in) for the latest updates. NMC keeps updating the list of recognized and non-recognized foreign universities.
✅ 2. Read the Latest Advisories
NMC has published a special advisory on 19th May 2025 with all the important details for students. Go through it properly before finalizing your admission.
✅ 3. Consult the Indian Embassy
Before joining any university, get in touch with the Indian Embassy of that country and verify if the college is recognized and safe for Indian students.
✅ 4. Understand FMGL Rules Properly
The FMGL (Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate) Regulations 2021 clearly mention the criteria your medical college abroad must meet. Make sure you understand these properly.
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What Are the Main FMG 2021 Rules You Should Know?
According to FMG 2021 rules, here are the key points your foreign MBBS course must follow:
Minimum Duration: The MBBS course must be at least 54 months (4.5 years).
Language of Study: The course should be taught in English.
Internship/Clerkship: You must complete at least 12 months of internship in the same university hospital.
Syllabus: The syllabus should match Indian MBBS standards, including practical clinical exposure.
Continuous Study: You cannot skip classes or study part-time.
If your college fails to follow any of these, you will not get your degree registered in India.
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Why This Advisory Is Important for Your Career
Many students fall for fake promises of agents or misleading advertisements by colleges abroad. Later, they realize that their degree is useless in India. The NMC is trying to protect Indian students from wasting their time, money, and future.
It’s not just about getting a degree, it’s about becoming a qualified doctor who is legally allowed to practice in India. Always be smart while choosing a foreign medical college.
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Final Advice to Students
Don’t rush while taking admission.
Always verify from official sources.
Don’t believe everything agents tell you.
Talk to students already studying in those universities.
Remember, your future is in your hands.
