FMG Internship: New Guidelines and List of Approved Medical Colleges

The journey to becoming a doctor is filled with rigorous academic training, hard work, and perseverance. For foreign medical graduates (FMGs) who have pursued their medical education abroad and wish to practice in India, the road to becoming a licensed medical practitioner can be even more challenging. 

However, there is good news for FMGE aspirants who wish to practice in India and gain an internship. 

The National Medical Commission (NMC) recently announced new internship guidelines for FMGE aspirants allowing students to intern in over 670 hospitals nationwide.  

In this blog, we will discuss these new guidelines and what they mean for FMGs looking to start their medical careers in India. In addition to that, you can also explore the list of all the state-wise approved medical colleges for internship.

Latest FMG Internship Guidelines Issued By NMC

In a recent circular issued by the NMC on 9th May 2023, the regulatory body clarified the conduct of the internship of FMGs. Following are the key takeaways - 

Internship Within Two Years of MBBS

According to the latest NMC guidelines, FMGs must complete at least 12 months of supervised internship in medical colleges that are authorized to offer CRMI to Indian medical graduates. 

State medical councils will use a merit-based system to assign medical colleges to FMGs. The NMC has instructed all state medical councils to make sure that these regulations are followed.  

Furthermore, the internship must be completed within two years of finishing the final MBBS exam, the FMGE, or the Step-I of the National Exit Test (NExT) when it’s implemented.

Also Read: Preparing for FMG Exam: Memory Hacks to Remember All 19 Subjects

Two-year Internship For FMGE Aspirants

According to the National Medical Commission, the two-year internship requirement only applies to FMGs who were in their final year of medical school and were forced to return to India because of COVID-19 or the Russia-Ukraine War. 

These FMGs must pass the FMGE after receiving their medical degree, and they must then complete a 2 year internship (consisting of two 12-month schedules) in a hospital linked with a medical college. 

On the other hand, to finish a one-year CRMI, other FMGs are required to earn a legitimate medical degree and qualify for the FMGE.

Hospital/Institute Assignment

The State Medical Council assigns hospitals or institutes where foreign medical graduates can complete their FMGE internship. These assignments are based on availability and other relevant factors.

Domicile State

Moving forward, an eligible FMG can complete his/her internship from a medical college in any state/UT. Domicile is no longer a requirement for pursuing an FMG internship, and a state medical council cannot deny allotment of medical college for the internship to FMGs based on domicile. 

Internship Stipend

The National Medical Commission (NMC) issued a directive to all state medical councils and directorates of medical education in May 2022, requiring them to ensure that no medical college charges foreign medical graduates (FMGs) an internship fee and to offer them an internship stipend and other benefits on par with Indian medical graduates. 

The NMC confirmed in October 2022 that the stipend amount to be paid to FMG interns will be established and fixed by the relevant authority of the institution due to the lack of budgetary provisions for stipend payment to FMGs by state governments, UTs, and medical colleges. The responsible state authorities alone decide whether to put the stipend guidelines for FMGs into effect. 

Besides, the stipend payment to FMG interns will be applicable only during the second year of their internship. 

Also Read: How to Clear FMGE in One Month

One-Time Relaxation to Complete FMGE Internship 

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has provided “one-time relaxation” to FMGs for completing internships in India. The commission has validated around 650 hospitals, including non-teaching hospitals across India, where FMGs can complete their Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI).

However, this relaxation is only granted as a one-time measure and will be valid for one year from the issue of the circular, until May 2024, for FMGs only. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the duration of the internship required for FMGs in India? 

FMGs are required to complete a minimum of 12 months of supervised internship. However, those who were in their final year during the COVID-19 pandemic or the Russia-Ukraine war and were forced to return to India must complete a two-year internship.

2. Can FMGs complete their internship in any state in India? 

Yes, FMGs can complete their internship in any state or Union Territory in India. The domicile state requirement has been removed, so FMGs are no longer restricted to completing their internship in their home state.

3. Are FMGs entitled to a stipend during their internship? 

Yes, FMGs are entitled to a stipend during their internship. The NMC has mandated that FMGs should receive an internship stipend and other benefits on par with Indian medical graduates. However, the payment of the stipend is subject to the decision of the relevant state authorities and is only applicable during the second year of the internship for those required to complete a two-year internship.

4. What is the “one-time relaxation” provided by the NMC for FMG internships? 

The NMC has granted a one-time relaxation allowing FMGs to complete their internship in recognized non-teaching hospitals across India. This relaxation is valid until May 2024 and is only applicable as a temporary measure.

5. What are the eligibility criteria for FMGs to start their internship? 

FMGs must have completed their MBBS degree, passed the FMGE, or the Step-I of the National Exit Test (NExT) when implemented. Additionally, the internship must begin within two years of finishing the final MBBS exam or passing FMGE/NExT.

6. How does the state medical council determine the hospital or institute for my internship? 

The state medical council assigns hospitals or institutes based on availability and other relevant factors. FMGs do not have to worry about finding an institute themselves; the state medical council handles the assignments.

7. What happens if I cannot complete my internship within the stipulated time frame? 

FMGs must complete their internship within two years of finishing their final MBBS exam or passing the FMGE/NExT. If you face any issues, it's best to consult with your state medical council for guidance and possible solutions.

FMGE aspirants can check the internship hospital list of recognized non-teaching hospitals for CRMI here.

Also Read: Complete State-Wise List of Recognized & Approved Medical Colleges for FMG Internship in India