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NMC stated that students who have already availed themselves of an additional mercy attempt and exhausted all five attempts will not be eligible for another opportunity.
The NMC has described the decision as a one-time exceptional transitional measure intended to provide relief in eligible pending cases. (File/Representative Image)
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved a one-time additional attempt for eligible MBBS students admitted from the 2019–20 academic year onwards to clear the First Professional MBBS Examination. The decision allows students a maximum of five attempts, including the four attempts prescribed under the existing rules.
According to the public notice dated October 15, 2026, the decision was taken at the NMC’s 18th meeting held on September 23, 2026. The Commission considered representations from students, universities and other stakeholders seeking additional opportunities due to exceptional circumstances, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, health-related issues and personal difficulties.
Who Is Eligible For The Additional MBBS Attempt?
Under the one-time transitional relaxation, students admitted to MBBS courses from the 2019–20 academic year onwards can avail themselves of one additional attempt to pass the first professional MBBS exam, subject to the conditions specified by the NMC.
The additional attempt will also be available to eligible students who have crossed the prescribed four-year period for completing the course, provided their admission remains valid and has not been cancelled by the concerned university or college.
The NMC has clarified that students who have already availed themselves of an additional mercy attempt and exhausted all five attempts will not be eligible for another opportunity under the latest decision.
This restriction applies to students who received an earlier mercy attempt under a previous NMC decision or a court direction. The latest relaxation does not permit a sixth attempt.
Ten-Year Limit For Completing MBBS Remains Unchanged
The Commission has also specified that the overall duration for completing the MBBS course, including the applicable Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI), must not exceed 10 years from the date of admission.
The additional attempt will not extend or relax this maximum completion period.
The NMC has described the decision as a one-time exceptional transitional measure intended to provide relief in eligible pending cases. It will not be treated as retrospective application of the amended regulatory provision on the permissible number of attempts or as a precedent for future academic batches.
The Commission has advised universities, medical colleges and other stakeholders to take note of the conditions and process eligible cases accordingly.
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Ask News18The National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved a one-time transitional relaxation allowing eligible MBBS students admitted from the 2019-20 academic year onwards a maximum of five attempts to clear the First Professional MBBS Examination.
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October 16, 2026, 2:29 pm IST
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