How to Validate MBBS Degree from Abroad in India

Sakshi Gautam

Published On:

Discover the complete process to validate a foreign MBBS degree in India. Learn about NMC eligibility rules, FMGE/NExT exam requirements, CRRI internship steps, and medical registration guidelines to help foreign medical graduates practise legally in India.


 
How to Validate MBBS Degree from Abroad in India

Every year, a large number of Indian students go overseas to pursue their MBBS from countries like Russia, Georgia, Uzbekistan, the Philippines, and Bangladesh. However, obtaining a medical degree overseas might be an easier or cheaper option, but returning to India entails an official validation process. Only after going through this process can a foreign medical graduate legally practice medicine in India.

This article offers a step-by-step guide on how Indian students can validate their MBBS degree from abroad. We will discuss the exams involved, required documents, eligibility, and important guidelines set by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
Also Check - Can foreigners pursue MBBS in India?

Why Do You Need to Validate Your Foreign MBBS Degree?

All foreign medical graduates (FMGs) must have their medical degree validated. Some of the importance of validating your degree is mentioned below:

  • It confirms that your medical degree satisfies the NMC’s requirements for clinical training and education.

  • It grants you the freedom to practice medicine anywhere in India.

  • It indicates that your training overseas is real, full, and well-documented.

  • It sets national standards for patient safety and medical quality.

  • It provides you with the eligibility of getting internships, obtaining state medical registrations, and participating in PG entrance exams.

NMC Eligibility Requirements for Foreign MBBS Graduates

Before applying for validation, you must ensure your foreign degree meets NMC’s mandatory guidelines:

NMC Eligibility Requirement

Details

Graduation from an NMC-Recognised University

  • The foreign medical college has to be included and acknowledged by the NMC.
  • This is to make sure that your education meets the Indian standards.

Minimum Course Duration

Your MBBS course is supposed to have:

  • 54 months of MBBS academic education, and
  • 12 months of a completely supervised internship abroad.

Medium of Instruction

The primary language of your course must be English, which allows for a smoother transition to India.

Completion of Internship Abroad

NMC makes it mandatory for foreign graduates to complete an internship in the same country where the MBBS was completed.

Also Check - Challenges Indian Students Face While Pursuing MBBS Abroad

Steps to Validate an MBBS Degree from Abroad in India

Below is the complete validation process FMGs must follow:

Step 1: Verification of All the Academic Documents

You need to collect all important documents, such as:

  • MBBS degree

  • All semester/annual mark sheets

  • Internship completion certificate

  • Passport, visa, and travel record

  • University admission letters

  • NMC approval proof of your foreign college

Verification is necessary to confirm that your foreign education is genuine and complete.

Step 2: Appear for the FMGE or NExT Exam

Once you are done with MBBS in foreign, and you return to India, you have to appear for the FMGE or NExT exam.

FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination)

This screening test is organised by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) to permit you to practice medicine in India.

  • It is conducted twice a year in June and December.

  • This exam will test your medical knowledge and understanding.

  • The pattern of the qualifying exam is multiple-choice questions (MCQ).

  • The minimum score must be at least 50% to qualify.

NExT (National Exit Test)

Expected to replace FMGE:

  • This exam will test both theoretical and clinical understanding

  • First, it will test your theoretical knowledge. And then, in the second paper, you will have to undergo a practical examination.

You must clear NExT to receive a licence for medical practice.
Also Check - Salary Expectations for Fresh MBBS Graduates in India

Step 3: Finish the Compulsory Rotatory Residential Internship in India (CRRI)

It is mandatory to undergo a one-year Compulsory Rotatory Residential Internship (CRRI) at a recognised medical college or institution in India. Students can take advantage of the practical exposure and get used to the Indian Healthcare System.

Step 4: Apply for a Request for Provisional Medical Registration

Once you have started your internship, provisional registration with the National Medical Commission can be applied for. You may also register with your respective state medical council. You may then work as an intern doctor in India.

Step 5: Permanent Medical Registration

Finally, after all these steps, you can apply for Permanent Registration. This certificate will officially grant you full legal rights to practice medicine.

List of Documents Required for Foreign MBBS Degree Validation in India

Go through the list of documents necessary to validate an MBBS degree in India.

Essential Documents

Details

MBBS Degree

Confirms your successful completion of MBBS abroad.

Internship Completion Certificate (Foreign)

Proof of 12-month internship completion under supervision.

Class 10th and 12th Academic Certificates

Used as an academic proof

FMGE/NExT Scorecard

Check if you have scored above the required cutoff

Academic Transcripts (All Semesters)

Display the detailed academic record for the duration of the MBBS course.

Identity Proof & Passport-Size Photos

Used for formal paperwork

Passport and Visa Copies

Confirms one’s identification and permissible stay in the other nation while pursuing MBBS.

Admission and Enrollment Letters

Confirms official entry into the foreign medical university.

NMC Eligibility Certificate (If Applicable)

For MBBS students who came before the NMC regulations changed.

Affidavits

If more evidence or clarification is requested.

These documents help verify your academic background, identity, and training history.

The process of getting validation of an MBBS degree from a university abroad involves a systematic method. But once you pass all the stages without any issues, you can easily practice your license in India.

By passing the FMGE or the NExT and finishing their one year of internship, foreign doctors can work legally in India. Register with the Medical Council of India and practice freely in India.

CollegeDekho’s mentor team helps foreign graduates understand NMC rules, internships, and registration steps easily.

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