Medical students from the 2019-20 MBBS batch onwards will get an additional opportunity to clear their first-year examinations, following a one-time concession announced by the National Medical Commission (NMC) to address disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Under existing regulations, students are allowed a maximum of four attempts to pass the First Professional MBBS examination. The NMC has now extended this limit to five attempts, offering relief to students who could not clear their first year within the prescribed period.

However, the relaxation comes with certain conditions. Students must have valid enrolments that have not been cancelled by their respective institutions. Those who have already exhausted five attempts under previous mercy orders or court interventions will not be eligible for another attempt.

The commission has also clarified that the overall limit of 10 years to complete the entire MBBS course, including the Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship, will remain unchanged.

Covid-19 Disruptions Behind the Decision

The Undergraduate Medical Education Board issued the circular following the NMC’s 18th meeting held on September 23. The commission considered representations from students, universities and medical organisations before approving the one-time relaxation.

The regulator cited several pandemic-related challenges, including the closure of classrooms, prolonged illnesses and psychological stress, which affected students’ academic progress.

Universities and medical colleges have been directed to process pending cases in accordance with the order. However, the NMC has made it clear that this special concession will not set a precedent for future batches.

Around 400 PG Medical Seats Await Approval

Meanwhile, state quota admissions to postgraduate medical programmes are scheduled to begin on October 28, amid uncertainty over approval for additional seats.

According to admission committee sources, around 400 proposed seats across various medical specialities are awaiting formal clearance.

If the necessary approvals from the central authorities do not arrive before the first round of counselling begins, these seats will not be included in the initial allotment. They may instead be made available during the second round of seat allocation, subject to approval.