Failed in MBBS First Year? NMC’s One-Time Relief Could Give You Another Chance

Medical students who have struggled to clear their first-year MBBS examination may get another opportunity under a new decision by the National Medical Commission (NMC).

On October 15, the NMC announced a one-time additional attempt, known as a “mercy attempt,” for eligible MBBS students admitted from the 2019–20 academic year onwards. The decision offers limited relief to students whose cases are pending and who meet the conditions mentioned in the official notice.

Under the decision, eligible students may get a fifth attempt to clear the First Professional MBBS Examination. However, the relief is not automatic for every student who has failed. Certain conditions apply, and students must check their eligibility with their medical college and university.

The NMC has also clarified that the maximum period allowed to complete the entire MBBS course, including the compulsory internship, remains 10 years from the date of admission.

What Is the NMC's One-Time Mercy Attempt?

The National Medical Commission is the regulatory body responsible for medical education and related standards in India.

In its public notice dated October 15, 2026, the NMC announced a one-time transitional relaxation for eligible students who have been unable to pass the First Professional MBBS Examination within the prescribed number of attempts.

The decision followed the NMC's 18th meeting held on September 23, 2026. The commission considered requests from students, universities and other stakeholders seeking another opportunity due to exceptional circumstances, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, health-related issues and personal difficulties.

The commission has now approved one additional attempt for eligible students admitted from the 2019–20 academic year onwards. This brings the maximum number of attempts to five, including the four attempts already prescribed under the existing rules.

However, the NMC has clearly stated that this is a one-time exceptional measure, not a permanent change to the examination rules.

Who Is Eligible for the NMC MBBS Mercy Attempt?

According to the official notice, the additional attempt applies to eligible students admitted to the MBBS course in the 2019–20 academic year or later.

However, admission year alone does not guarantee eligibility. Students must also meet the conditions mentioned in the notice.

The key conditions include:

• The student's MBBS admission must still be valid.

• The admission must not have been cancelled by the concerned university or college.

• The student must meet the other applicable conditions in the NMC notification.

• Students who have already used an additional mercy attempt and exhausted five attempts cannot claim another mercy attempt under this decision.

The notice also allows the additional attempt even if the student has crossed the prescribed four-year period for completing the First Professional MBBS Course, provided the relevant eligibility conditions are met.

Students should read the official notification carefully and contact their college or university to confirm whether the relief applies to their individual case.

How Many Attempts Will MBBS Students Get Now?

Under the existing rules, students are generally permitted four attempts to pass the First Professional MBBS Examination.

The new NMC decision allows eligible students to receive one additional attempt beyond those four attempts.

This means eligible students who have already used their four prescribed attempts may get one more chance. However, students who have already used an additional mercy attempt and exhausted five attempts will not receive a sixth attempt under this notice.

Does the Relief Apply to Students Who Have Crossed Four Years?

Yes, the official notice specifically addresses this situation.

The NMC has stated that the additional attempt may be available even when a student has crossed the prescribed four-year period for completing the First Professional MBBS Course.

However, this does not mean that every student who has crossed four years automatically qualifies.

The student's admission must remain valid, it must not have been cancelled by the college or university, and the other conditions in the notice must be satisfied.

Students should therefore avoid making decisions based only on their admission year or the number of attempts they have used. They should confirm their eligibility with the relevant authorities.

Is the 10-Year MBBS Course Limit Changing?

No. The NMC has made it clear that the overall time limit remains unchanged.

The complete MBBS course, including the applicable period of Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI), must be completed within 10 years from the date of admission.

The additional mercy attempt does not extend this 10-year limit.

For example, if a student qualifies for the additional examination attempt, that student must still meet the applicable overall course-completion deadline.

This is an important point for students who have spent several years trying to clear their first professional examination. They should check both their eligibility for the extra attempt and the time remaining under the overall course-completion limit.

Why Has the NMC Announced This Relief?

The NMC considered representations from students, universities and other stakeholders who requested another opportunity to clear the First Professional MBBS Examination.

The commission took into account exceptional circumstances, including the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, health-related issues and other personal difficulties.

The NMC had previously granted a one-time mercy attempt to students admitted in the 2019–20 and 2020–21 academic years. The latest decision provides a further transitional arrangement for eligible pending cases, subject to the conditions in the new notice.

The purpose is to offer limited relief to students facing such circumstances without permanently changing the examination rules for all future batches.

What Should Students Do Next?

Students who believe they may qualify should take the following steps.

Step 1: Read the Official NMC Notice

Check the notification dated October 15, 2026, on the NMC website. Read all the eligibility conditions rather than relying only on social media posts or headlines.

Step 2: Check Your Admission Status

Confirm that your MBBS admission remains valid and has not been cancelled by your college or university.

Step 3: Check Your Previous Attempts

Confirm how many times you have appeared for the First Professional MBBS Examination and whether you have already used an additional mercy attempt.

Step 4: Contact Your College or University

Ask the relevant examination department how the notification applies to your case and what steps you need to follow.

Step 5: Confirm the Examination Process

Do not assume that the examination date or application process is the same at every institution. Follow official instructions issued by your university or college.

Students should rely on written instructions from their institutions and the NMC rather than unofficial claims about guaranteed eligibility.

Will This Rule Apply to All Future MBBS Students?

No. The NMC has described the decision as a one-time exceptional transitional measure for eligible pending cases.

The notification also says that this relief should not be treated as a precedent for subsequent academic batches.

Therefore, students should not assume that every future MBBS student who fails the first professional examination will automatically receive a fifth attempt.

The existing rules and any future official notifications will continue to determine the opportunities available to other students.