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New Delhi, April 17, 2025: Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) across several Indian states are expressing growing anxiety and frustration as they face significant delays in the commencement of their Compulsory Rotating Medical Internships (CRMI). Despite successfully clearing the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) held in January 2025, many graduates report that their respective state medical councils have yet to begin the enrollment process or provide clear timelines for when their crucial internship year will start.
The situation has left many FMGs feeling “trapped sitting at home,” according to sources. An FMG from Bihar, speaking anonymously, revealed that initial assurances pointed towards internships starting in March. However, the Bihar Council for Medical Registration (BCMR) has repeatedly postponed the dates without providing concrete information. “Every time we ask for an update, we are only given dates, but they never begin,” she stated.
This lack of clarity is not confined to Bihar. Dr. Sudhanshu Pandey, Uttar Pradesh State Unit President of the Doctors’ Welfare Federation (DWF), confirmed receiving numerous complaints from FMGs in UP stating the state medical council has offered no updates regarding their internships.
The problem of delayed internship allotments for FMGs appears persistent. In West Bengal, FMGs who cleared the FMGE back in July 2024 allege they are still waiting for CRMI slots. Shayeque Reza, one such graduate, mentioned being told the West Bengal Medical Council cited “financial constraints” for the delay and advised them to wait for the counselling process for the January 2025 batch – a process which itself has not yet begun. This follows recent protests in Rajasthan during December 2024 and January 2025 by FMGs left without internships after the July 2024 FMGE counselling. Historically, states like Kerala, Haryana, and Jammu & Kashmir have also seen similar delays.
Compounding the issue is a perceived lack of communication from regulatory bodies. FMGs report that attempts to seek clarity from the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) or their state councils often result in silence or deflection. “When we approach BCMR for clarity… they would ask us to approach colleges. When we approach colleges, they ask us to approach the BCMR. Nobody has the answers,” the Bihar FMG shared. Similar experiences of verbal assurances without tangible action are reported in UP and West Bengal, where even approaching government health departments has yielded little result.
These protracted delays are taking a significant toll on the graduates. “After four years of study and six months of preparation for FMGE, we are being asked to wait for six more months,” lamented the FMG from Bihar, highlighting the potential seven-year timeline to become fully qualified. Critically, this delay jeopardizes their eligibility for the NEET-PG entrance exam next year, which requires a completed CRMI certificate for registration.
The emotional and financial strain is palpable. “We’ve been waiting for the last 10 months now, with no update in sight… Everyone is asking us when our internships would begin… and we are unable to answer them,” said Shayeque Reza from West Bengal. He added that the inability to start internships prevents them from earning stipends, contributing to households, and managing student loan repayments.
The uncertainty is driving some FMGs to seek alternatives. Dr. Pandey noted that some graduates from UP are now exploring internship opportunities in states like Madhya Pradesh, where the counselling process is reportedly underway.
The ongoing delays continue to cast a shadow over the careers of these aspiring doctors, leaving them in a state of limbo with significant professional and personal consequences.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided from external sources regarding delays faced by Foreign Medical Graduates in securing internships. The details and quotes reflect the reported experiences and allegations.
