NMC grants mercy attempt to eligible MBBS students to clear first professional exam, clarifies 10-year completion rule

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has allowed eligible Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students admitted from the 2019-20 academic year onwards to take one additional attempt to clear their First Professional MBBS Examination.The decision offers one-time relief to students who faced difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, health-related issues and other personal circumstances.The decision was taken at the NMC's 18th meeting held on September 23, 2026. The additional attempt is a one-time transitional measure and will apply only to students who meet the conditions mentioned in the notice.Who is eligible for the NMC mercy attempt?Students admitted to the MBBS course in the 2019-20 academic year or later can get one additional attempt to pass the First Professional MBBS Examination.Under the existing rules mentioned in the notice, students are allowed four attempts. With the additional mercy attempt, the maximum number of attempts will increase to five.Students can use this extra attempt even if they have already crossed the prescribed four-year period for completing the First Professional MBBS Course.However, their admission must still be valid, and it must not have been cancelled by the concerned university or college.Who cannot get another attempt?Students who have already used a mercy attempt and exhausted all five attempts will not be eligible for another chance under the latest decision.The NMC has clarified that such students will not be allowed a sixth attempt under this relaxation, even if they refer to an earlier Commission decision or a court direction.What is the maximum duration for completing the MBBS course?The NMC has also clarified that the additional attempt will not extend the maximum period allowed to complete the MBBS course.Students must complete the entire course, including the applicable period of Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI), within 10 years from the date of admission.The extra attempt does not change or relax this 10-year limit.Is the mercy attempt a permanent rule change?No. The NMC has described the decision as a one-time exceptional measure to provide relief in pending cases.The relaxation will not be treated as a retrospective application of amended regulations on the permitted number of attempts. It will also not serve as a precedent for students from future batches.Universities, medical colleges and other concerned authorities have been asked to take note of the decision and process eligible cases accordingly.Read the official notice here.Get the latest Education News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.