NMC warns Indian students against pursuing medical education in Pakistan

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has cautioned Indian students against pursuing medical education in Pakistan.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has cautioned Indian students against enrolling in Pakistani medical schools just days after the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) issued a joint advisory urging Indian students not to enrol in any college or educational institution in Pakistan.

UGC and AICTE had warned that if they do, they will be unable to find work or pursue higher education in Pakistan.

"All concerned are advised not to travel to Pakistan for pursuing medical education," said NMC's official notice.

"Any Indian national/overseas citizen of India who intends to take admission in MBBS/BDS or equivalent medical course in any medical college of Pakistan shall not be eligible for appearing in FMGE or seeking employment in India on the basis of educational qualifications (in any subject) acquired in Pakistan except those who had joined Pakistan degree colleges/institutions before December 2018 or later after obtaining security clearance from MHA till date," the public notice issued on April 29 read.

The FMGE/NEXT (Foreign Medical Graduates Examination/National Exit Test) is a licensure exam for foreign medical graduates who wish to practise in India.

Migrants and their children who received a medical degree or higher education in Pakistan and were granted Indian citizenship will be eligible to sit for the FMGE/NEXT or seek employment in India after receiving security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), according to the statement.

(With inputs from PTI)