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New Delhi, August 4, 2025 — In a significant development for Indian medical aspirants, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) of the Philippines has confirmed that its Doctor of Medicine (MD) programmes are now fully compliant with the latest eligibility criteria mandated by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India.
This alignment means Indian students graduating from CHED-accredited Philippine medical schools are now officially eligible to appear for both the National Exit Test (NExT) and the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE), which are essential for those aiming to practice medicine in India.
Background: Addressing Prior Uncertainty
The NMC’s Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations, implemented via a gazette notification on November 18, 2021, stipulated that the minimum duration for any MBBS-equivalent program outside India must be 54 months (4.5 years), excluding the premedical course. Because typical medical education in the Philippines combined a 2-year Bachelor of Science (BS) premedical course with a 4-year MD program, most Indian students were left in limbo since neither phase met the 4.5-year requirement individually.
This regulation cast uncertainty over the future of about 10,000 Indian students in the Philippines. Despite appeals from the Indian Embassy in Manila and continued protests by students, the NMC originally declined to consider the BS course as part of the recognized medical curriculum.
However, in December 2023, the NMC granted major relief by allowing those already pursuing the BS course at the time of the FMGL Regulation’s publication to continue their education, with the caveat that they must undergo an additional year of internship per the CRMI Regulation, 2021.
MD Now Fully Recognized
Following sustained consultations and reforms, CHED has now restructured its MD programmes. The main features include:
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A 54-month MD programme, separate from the premedical BS degree.
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Instruction delivered entirely in English.
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A mandatory one-year internship at the same institution or an affiliated hospital.
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The syllabus and duration fully align with the NMC’s requirements outlined in Schedule I of the 2021 Gazette Notification.
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Graduates receive a degree that is registerable and valid for use in the Philippines.
Student Reactions and Impact
The new alignment has brought much-needed peace of mind to Indian students. Aditya, a third-year MD student at Davao Medical School Foundation, shared, “When I found out that the Philippines’ MD program is now aligned with NMC norms, I felt extremely relieved. There was a lot of uncertainty earlier, and this update brought me peace of mind. Now, I can focus on my studies without constantly worrying about the eligibility of my degree.”
Dr. Pankaj Kokate, an MBBS graduate from the same institution and FMGE aspirant, agreed: “It feels great that the Philippine M.D. program now aligns with NMC guidelines. This means Indian students are receiving education that matches our country’s standards. Since medical education and practice in the Philippines are similar to India’s, it’s the best opportunity for Indian students to achieve their dream and serve the community.”
Rohit, a recent graduate from Bicol Christian College of Medicine, remarked, “The recent confirmation that our degrees are now fully aligned with NMC norms gives me a sense of closure. For a long time, there was a fear that all our years of hard work might not count in India. Now, I can concentrate on revising confidently without second-guessing the legitimacy of my qualification.”
Guidelines for Aspirants
The Indian Embassy has also issued important instructions for future students:
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Ensure the pre-medical (BS) degree is CHED-accredited and fulfills required duration and structure.
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Pass the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) before beginning the MD program.
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Pay tuition fees directly to universities and secure official receipts.
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Obtain an apostille for degree and transcripts from the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs for validity in India.
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Consult the latest NMC and CHED advisories before application.
Practice Opportunities in the Philippines
Legislative amendments now allow Indian graduates to practice medicine in the Philippines, provided they complete their MD from a CHED-recognized college and undergo a mandatory 12-month internship.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on the advisory published by the Indian Embassy in Manila and official notifications from the Commission on Higher Education, Philippines, and the National Medical Commission, India. Prospective students are strongly advised to refer to the latest official announcements and consult with recognized authorities before making any educational decisions, as regulatory requirements are subject to change.
