The National Medical Commission (NMC) has declared a correction window for candidates wishing to obtain an Eligibility Certificate (EC) to study MBBS abroad. This move has come after careful scrutiny of initial applications where defects were found at different levels. The NMC has now offered candidates a chance to check and correct these loopholes to make their applications processed.

In an official notice, the NMC stated that its Registration Division has carefully examined the documents submitted by applicants on the portal. Following this evaluation, it was found that several applications contained errors or lacked necessary details. Candidates who have not yet received their Eligibility Certificates have been urged to correct these deficiencies as soon as possible. The commission emphasized that timely rectification would ensure smoother processing and help applicants proceed with their overseas medical education plans without further delays.

While the requirement for obtaining an Eligibility Certificate before studying MBBS abroad was officially removed after the NEET-UG 2019 results were declared, qualifying the NEET-UG examination has been made mandatory. This certificate is now recognized as an Eligibility Certificate for Indian and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) applicants who are applying to MBBS or equivalent medical programs in foreign schools. Nevertheless, even with this modification, the commission has identified a list of applicants who had already gone abroad without acquiring an Eligibility Certificate. These candidates are mentioned in Annexure-I of the official notification.

Considering the significance of the issue, the NMC has decided to extend the deadline for these applicants, allowing them additional time to submit the required corrections. The notice specifies that applicants mentioned in Annexure-I must complete their corrections within seven days from the date of issuance of the public notice. Failure to meet this deadline will result in their applications being summarily rejected. Additionally, all other applicants who have not yet received their Eligibility Certificates have been advised to review their applications and address any deficiencies promptly.

The legal framework governing the issuance of the Eligibility Certificate is outlined in Section 13(48) of the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956. This section mandates that Indian citizens seeking admission to foreign medical institutions must obtain an Eligibility Certificate issued by the council. Furthermore, it states that individuals who obtain a foreign medical qualification without the certificate will not be eligible to appear for the screening test required for practicing medicine in India. However, an exception is provided for those who had secured admission to a foreign medical institution before the commencement of the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Act, 2001. Such candidates are not required to obtain the certificate but must still pass the screening test to qualify for medical practice in India.

The NMC has reiterated the importance of this correction window, emphasizing that timely resolution of application deficiencies will prevent unnecessary delays and complications. This move aims to ensure that students who aspire to pursue medical education abroad comply with the necessary regulations and do not face hurdles in their academic and professional journeys.

With an increasing number of Indian students opting for medical education in countries like Russia, China, Ukraine, and the Philippines, the NMC’s scrutiny of Eligibility Certificate applications becomes crucial. The requirement for proper documentation and adherence to guidelines ensures that students meet the necessary academic and legal criteria before embarking on their medical studies abroad.

As the deadline for rectifications approaches, applicants must act swiftly to complete the necessary corrections and avoid the risk of rejection. The NMC’s initiative underscores its commitment to maintaining the integrity of medical education and safeguarding the interests of students seeking to build a career in medicine.