Foreign Medical Graduates in 2026–27: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a major circular regarding the allocation of Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) slots for Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) across India for the academic year 2026–27. The notice was released by the Under-Graduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) of the NMC and circulated to all State Medical Councils and medical education departments.
According to the official communication, 43,250 internship slots will be available for Foreign Medical Graduates in medical colleges across India. These slots are in addition to seats available in MCI-approved non-teaching hospitals that conduct internship programmes.
The decision comes after several meetings between the NMC and State Medical Councils to address the shortage of internship opportunities faced by FMGs in India.
Why the New Internship Allocation Was Introduced
In recent years, thousands of Indian students who completed their medical degrees abroad faced difficulties in securing mandatory internships in India. Many FMGs even approached High Courts and the Supreme Court over the issue of denial or delay in internship allotment.
To address this problem, the NMC reviewed the available internship capacity in medical colleges across the country and created a national matrix of CRMI internship slots.
The matrix lists state-wise and institution-wise availability of internship seats that can be allotted to Foreign Medical Graduates.
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Criteria for Allotment of CRMI Internship Seats
The NMC has issued clear guidelines on how internship seats will be allocated for FMGs. The criteria include:
- 7.5% of the permitted intake of interns in established medical colleges will be allocated to FMGs.
- 100% of CRMI seats in newly established medical colleges can be allotted to FMGs.
- 100% of internship seats created due to increased MBBS intake in existing colleges between academic years 2022–23 and 2025–26 can also be used for FMGs.
These rules aim to ensure that FMGs get fair access to internship opportunities across the country.
State-Wise Availability of Internship Seats
The notice also includes a state and union territory-wise seat matrix showing the total number of CRMI seats available for FMGs in 2026–27.
Some major states with the highest internship slots include:
- Tamil Nadu: 801 seats
- Karnataka: 753 seats
- Maharashtra: 733 seats
- Uttar Pradesh: 662 seats
- West Bengal: 309 seats
Overall, the matrix covers 35 states and union territories and thousands of medical colleges across India.
Instructions for State Medical Councils
The NMC has directed all State Medical Councils and Directorates of Medical Education to start the process of allotting internship seats to eligible FMGs.
Authorities must ensure that the allotment process follows the rules, regulations, and public notices issued by the NMC from time to time.
Additionally, states have been asked to report any discrepancies or inaccuracies in the seat matrix within one week of the circular’s issuance so that corrections can be made quickly.
What This Means for Foreign Medical Graduates
The announcement is expected to bring significant relief to thousands of FMGs who are waiting for internship opportunities in India. Completing the Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) is mandatory for obtaining medical registration and practicing as a doctor in India.
With the release of over 43,000 internship slots, the new policy aims to reduce backlog and streamline the internship allotment process.
Conclusion
The latest NMC circular marks an important step toward solving the long-standing issue of internship shortages for Foreign Medical Graduates. By expanding CRMI seats and creating a transparent allocation framework, the Commission aims to ensure that eligible FMGs can complete their internship and enter the medical workforce without unnecessary delays.
