In a move that has left many Indian MBBS students in Nepal worried about their future careers, a significant number of students are planning to protest against the Nepal Medical Council (NMC) Regulations 2024. These students, enrolled in medical programs in Nepal since 2021, are now facing an uncertain future due to a policy change implemented by the NMC in April 2023. This policy prohibits foreign students who enrolled in Nepal after 2021 from obtaining a license to practice medicine in the country, causing widespread concern.
Approximately 480 Indian students participated in counselling sessions conducted by Nepal’s Medical Education Commission (MEC) in October 2024. However, the introduction of the new regulations has left many students questioning whether their education will be recognized in India, as well as the validity of their medical degrees. With no license to practice in Nepal and uncertainty regarding qualifications for the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) or NExT (National Exit Test) exams in India, these students fear their future in the medical field is at risk.
The Licensing Dilemma and Its Impact
A student studying at Kathmandu University from Muzaffarpur, Bihar, shared his frustration with Education Times, saying, “After the NMC’s ambiguous notifications released in April 2023 and October 2024, foreign students are struggling to ensure if their medical education will remain valid in India. Since Nepal does not grant licenses to foreign students, it is unclear why we are still expected to take the licensing exam. Without the license to practice in Nepal, our careers are at risk, as we will not be able to qualify for the FMGE or NExT exams in India.”
Another student from Gorakhpur, enrolled at Tribhuvan University, added that Nepal’s medical education is not recognized by the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) either, limiting global opportunities for students. “We have reached out to the Indian Embassy in Nepal for clarifications, but if the NMC does not provide us with a practicing license for at least 10 years, we will be forced to return to India.”
Around 1,338 Indian students currently enrolled in Nepal’s medical colleges could face severe career setbacks due to this new policy unless amendments are made to the regulations. Many students are calling for the authorities to delay the ongoing admission process to allow prospective students to make informed decisions regarding their future.
Financial and Emotional Impact on Students
The policy changes have not only caused academic uncertainty but also significant financial losses. Consulting agencies in Nepal have reportedly charged students illegal pre-booking fees, ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 15 lakh, leading to widespread financial distress among students and their families. Dr. Kumar, from a private medical college in Nepal, revealed that nearly 50% of the 480 students selected for counselling have withdrawn their applications after learning about the licensing issue.
Anuj Goyal, co-founder of Get My University, a consultancy for international students, highlighted the financial strain caused by misleading information from agents. From 2021 to 2024, over 1,400 Indian students invested an average of Rs 30 lakh in tuition fees for their medical degrees in Nepal. However, following a circular issued by the MEC on October 17, 2024, students now face the prospect of having their education invalidated, risking the loss of their savings and professional futures.
Calls for Change and Protests
The Global Medical Society (GMS), an association representing Indian MBBS students in Nepal, has announced plans to protest against the Nepal Medical Council (NMC) Regulations 2024. Their primary demand is an amendment to Section 21(f) of the regulations, which they believe is causing undue harm to foreign students who have already enrolled in Nepalese medical colleges.
Students are also urging the authorities to reconsider the policy to prevent more Indian students from falling into this predicament. As a result of the confusion and fear surrounding the new regulations, many students are calling for transparency in the admission process and for the government to provide clarity regarding the future of their medical degrees.
Conclusion
The uncertainty surrounding the Nepal Medical Council’s regulations has left hundreds of Indian medical students in a state of distress. These students, who have already invested significant amounts of money and time into their education in Nepal, are now at risk of seeing their qualifications go unrecognized. As protests are set to begin, students are hoping that the NMC will revise its policies and provide a pathway for them to continue their studies and pursue careers in medicine, both in India and globally. Until then, these students remain in a state of uncertainty, fighting for their future in the medical profession.
