NMC grants one-time extra attempt at first professional MBBS exam for batches admitted from 2019-20

The National Medical Commission's Undergraduate Medical Education Board issued a public notice dated 15 October 2026 granting one additional attempt to pass the First Professional MBBS Examination to eligible students admitted from the 2019-20 academic year onwards, in pending cases. The decision was taken at the 18th NMC meeting on 23 September 2026 after representations from students, universities and other stakeholders citing COVID-19 disruptions, health issues and personal difficulties, Careers360 and Medical Dialogues reported on 16 October.

The relaxation takes the total to five attempts, one beyond the four prescribed, and is described as a one-time exceptional transitional relaxation. Medical Dialogues reports it applies even where the four-year window for completing the first professional year has lapsed, provided the admission remains valid and has not been cancelled by the university or college. Students who already used a mercy attempt under an earlier NMC decision or court direction, and so have exhausted five attempts, are not entitled to another. The overall limit of ten years from admission to complete MBBS including internship is unchanged.

The notice is on nmc.org.in under What's New; students should confirm eligibility with their university.