Ukraine-returned students — NMC FAQ

Can Ukraine-returned students transfer to another foreign university?

Yes. NMC circular NMC/20659(Legal)/2022/UGMEB dated 28 July 2022 makes a specific exception for students who were enrolled in Ukrainian medical universities and had to return due to the armed conflict that began in February 2022. These students are permitted to transfer to another foreign medical university in another country — an exception to the general FMGL 2021 rule which prohibits transfers.

Can they transfer to an Indian medical university?

No. Transfer into an Indian medical college mid-way is not permitted. The transfer option applies only to foreign universities in other countries. Students who return to India must either transfer to a recognised foreign university in another country (and meet all FMGL 2021 requirements at the new institution) or complete their degree through online/distance mode if available and recognised — however the latter carries significant NMC compliance risks. Always verify with NMC before making any decision.

What is the 2-year CRMI provision?

Students who were enrolled in Ukraine, had to leave due to the war, and subsequently cleared FMGE will need to complete a 2-year Compulsory Rotatory Medical Internship (CRMI) in India — instead of the standard 1-year CRMI. This is specific to the Ukraine-returned cohort under the 2022 NMC circular and is an exception to the FMGL 2021 requirement that internship be completed at the same university in the same country.

Does the FMGL 2021 no-transfer rule apply to Ukraine students?

No — for the war-displaced cohort, the NMC 2022 circular creates a specific exception. Ukraine-returned students enrolled before the war (who had to leave due to armed conflict) are permitted to transfer. However, the rules governing the receiving institution must be carefully verified. The new institution must still be WDOMS-listed and must meet FMGL 2021 standards (English medium, 54-month course, hospital affiliation, etc.).

Do Ukraine-returned students need to qualify NEET UG?

If they were enrolled before May 2018, NEET was not required. If enrolled after May 2018 (i.e. most students returning from Ukraine), they must have a NEET UG qualifying score. Their enrolment-time NEET score is what is considered — they do not need to re-appear unless NBE specifically requires it. Verify with NBE FMGE desk.

Can a student who transferred from Ukraine complete FMGE eligibility at the new university?

Yes — if the new university is WDOMS-listed, has English medium, meets the 54-month duration requirement, and the student completes internship at the same new university in the same new country. All FMGL 2021 conditions apply to the receiving institution. The 2-year CRMI in India applies only to those who have already completed their MBBS degree (and thus need internship) — students mid-course must complete internship at the new foreign university.

Where can I verify the current NMC position?

The official NMC circular NMC/20659(Legal)/2022/UGMEB dated 28 July 2022 is the primary reference. For any updates after July 2022, check nmc.org.in directly. Regulations for this cohort may have been updated — always verify with the most current NMC circular before acting.