The National Medical Commission (NMC) has proposed extending the maximum period allowed for completing the MBBS programme from nine years to ten years. The proposal is part of the draft Graduate Medical Education (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, which have been released for public feedback. The commission has invited comments and objections from stakeholders within 30 days before finalising the new regulations.
As per the draft, medical students would be given up to 10 years from the date of admission to complete the MBBS course, including the mandatory internship. The proposed amendment is aimed at providing additional flexibility to students who may face academic setbacks, health issues or other personal challenges during their medical education.
However, the NMC has clarified that there will be no relaxation in the rules governing the first year of the MBBS programme. Students will still be required to clear their first-year examinations within four attempts. Failure to do so will result in disqualification from continuing the course, as per existing regulations.
The commission believes that the additional year could improve course completion rates while maintaining the quality and rigour of medical education. By offering more time to students facing unforeseen difficulties, the proposal seeks to strike a balance between academic standards and student welfare.
The draft amendment comes at a time when issues related to higher education and examination systems are under increased scrutiny, including recent debates over delays in the declaration of recruitment examination results at Gujarat University.