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New Delhi, July 24, 2025
In a significant move aimed at reducing financial barriers in medical education, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has released a draft amendment to its 2023 regulations, proposing the removal of the existing Rs 2.5 lakh application fee for the recognition of new medical qualifications in India.
Details of the Proposed Amendment
The proposal, published in the Official Gazette dated July 16, 2025, seeks to amend Clause 7 of the “National Medical Commission (Recognition of Medical Qualification) Regulations, 2023.” Previously, Clause 7 mandated a non-refundable fee of Rs 2.5 lakh per qualification for domestic applicants seeking recognition of new medical qualifications. Additionally, foreign authorities applying for recognition of their qualifications were required to pay a $10,000 fee.
Under the latest draft, the requirement for the Rs 2.5 lakh fee has been deleted. Clause 7 will now read:
“7. Application fee – Any foreign authority in any country outside India, entrusted with the recognition shall remit $10,000 (US dollars ten thousand only) per qualification as fees to the Commission while submitting its application in a proforma.”
Thus, domestic applicants will no longer need to pay the previously stipulated amount, while the provision for foreign applications remains unchanged.
Opportunities for Stakeholders’ Feedback
The draft notification invites objections and suggestions from all stakeholders likely to be affected by the amendment. Interested parties may submit their inputs within 30 days from the date the draft regulation is made available to the public. Inputs must be sent exclusively via e-mail to the Director (PGMEB), NMC, at [email protected] in the prescribed format provided by the Commission.
The notice emphasizes that feedback sent through physical or other electronic means may not be entertained. The draft and required format for comments are available on the NMC website.
Background
The move follows the finalization of the 2023 regulations, which aimed to bring uniformity to the process of recognizing medical qualifications in India. The 2023 framework included a comprehensive list of recognized qualifications and specified the inclusion and withdrawal procedures for new and existing qualifications.
Prescribed Format for Suggestions/Comments
The NMC has provided a tabular format for sending feedback, requesting details such as the relevant section of the draft, comments and suggestions, rationale, and any additional remarks.
| Sl No. | Organization Details | Relevant Section | Comments/Suggestions | Rationale | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Conclusion
By scrapping the Rs 2.5 lakh fee for domestic recognition of medical qualifications, the NMC aims to enhance accessibility and encourage a broader range of qualifications to be recognized within India. The window for public feedback ensures stakeholder participation in shaping this regulatory change.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information and the draft amendment notification issued by the National Medical Commission as of July 24, 2025. Policy updates and official regulations are subject to change. Readers are advised to consult the NMC or its official website for the most current and comprehensive details.
