NMC gives MBBS first-year students one more attempt to clear the exam
The National Medical Commission has allowed an extra "mercy attempt" for first-year MBBS students admitted in 2019-20 or later, taking the total to five.
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The National Medical Commission (NMC) has given first-year MBBS students significant relief. Medical students admitted in 2019-20 and later will get one additional attempt to pass the first-year examination.
Students will now get a total of five chances to clear the first-year examination, against four earlier. The concession will also apply to students who have exceeded the four-year period fixed for completing the first-year course. The condition is that their admission must be valid and must not have been cancelled by the university or college concerned.
The move brings relief to medical students who were troubled by delays in their studies because of backlogs in first-year subjects. The extra chance may give eligible students another opportunity to pass the required examination and move ahead with their medical training. The proposal to grant a mercy attempt was discussed at the 18th meeting of the NMC on September 23, 2026.
The commission had received many applications from students, universities and other stakeholders seeking more chances to pass the first professional MBBS examination. In their applications, students cited disruption of studies by the Covid-19 pandemic, health problems and personal difficulties.
The new decision is a one-time, temporary concession for pending cases. It does not create a rule for the first-year MBBS examination that can be applied any number of times. The concession has been given only once, not permanently.
The extra chance does not mean students can take as much time as they like to complete their medical degree. The NMC has clarified that under this decision, the maximum limit for completing the MBBS course is 10 years from the date of admission.
Students who have already used a mercy attempt and exhausted all five chances will not be entitled to another under this decision. The NMC has clarified that such students will not get a sixth chance under this concession, even if they cite an earlier decision of the commission or a court direction.
The NMC has advised all universities, medical colleges and other stakeholders concerned to take note of the decision and act on it accordingly in eligible cases.
