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Jaipur, May 22, 2025 — Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) in Rajasthan are raising their voices after the Rajasthan Medical Council (RMC) nearly doubled registration fees overnight, a move many describe as an “unfair financial burden” on doctors who have already overcome significant hurdles to practice medicine in India.
Fee Hike Sparks Outrage
Under the new fee structure, FMGs must now pay a base fee of Rs 10,000 plus 18% GST, totaling Rs 11,800 for any type of registration—almost double the previous rate of Rs 5,900. In stark contrast, Indian Medical Graduates (IMGs) pay only about Rs 2,000 for provisional certificates and Rs 4,000 for permanent registration.
“The RMC’s shift to a paperless, online system should reduce administrative costs, not increase them,” said Dr. Kaushal, Media Coordinator of the All FMGs Association, in an interview with EdexLive. “The fee disparity between FMGs and Indian Medical Graduates lacks transparent justification. Both groups use the same online registration system, and FMGs already face additional hurdles like FMGE and extended internships.”
Personal Stories Highlight Financial Strain
One FMG, who wished to remain anonymous, shared the shock of the sudden increase: “I finished my internship on May 17, and we received our ICC on May 19. Some of my friends registered right away, but a few of us waited a day because one friend couldn’t arrange the money immediately. The next morning, the fee had doubled from Rs 5,900 to Rs 11,800.”
He added that FMGs already pay Rs 12,000 each for provisional and permanent registration, plus Rs 6,000 for counseling—totaling Rs 30,000 after just one year of internship. Those who had to do two years of internship due to disruptions abroad pay even more. “Why are we asked such a high and different amount for the same registration that IMGs are doing? We have given the exam, we are equally qualified and eligible, so why this discrimination? It’s an injustice to all FMGs.”
Officials Cite Government Orders
Dr. Girdhar Gopal Goyal, Registrar of the Rajasthan Medical Council, defended the increase, stating, “The entire process is online and nothing is in our hands. Whatever orders we receive, we follow them. This is not an issue as a new gazette notice released two to three days back mandated these changes, and everything is being done in accordance with the government instructions.”
When asked about students paying different amounts depending on when they registered, Dr. Goyal responded, “Whenever the change comes into effect, we have to start from that date, correct?” He emphasized that the Council is simply following the rules.
Calls for Transparency and Fairness
FMGs argue that the fee increase is poorly timed and inadequately explained, adding unnecessary obstacles for doctors already navigating a challenging system. Many are calling for the National Medical Commission (NMC) to intervene as the supreme regulatory body.
“We have no other option but to register at whatever amount they charge. We want to get the permanent registration as soon as possible and appear for the exam,” said the anonymous FMG. “Students who had issues arranging Rs 5,000 initially now had to pay double.”
He also pointed to systemic discrimination: “There’s judgment in the entire system here, from questioning our abilities to assuming we have a lot of money because we studied abroad. They forget that we couldn’t afford the high fees of management seats in India, and that’s why we went out.”
Looking Ahead
As the controversy unfolds, FMGs are demanding transparency in the fee structure and equitable treatment compared to their Indian-educated peers. Without clear evidence that the increase reflects actual administrative costs, many see it as arbitrary and potentially discouraging to aspiring doctors at a time when India needs more medical professionals.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information reported by EdexLive on May 21, 2025. Details and quotes have been summarized and paraphrased for clarity. For the full report and latest updates, readers are encouraged to consult the original source: EdexLive article.
