FMGE: NMC Says Georgia Medical Graduates Need Licence to Practise, Junior Doctor Status Not Enough

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has clarified an important eligibility requirement for Indian students pursuing medical education in Georgia. Foreign medical graduates must hold a valid licence to practise medicine in the country where they obtained their medical degree to become eligible for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) in India. Merely holding the designation of a “Junior Doctor” may not be sufficient.

The clarification has particular significance for Indian students enrolled in Georgia's six-year medical programmes, as the licensing structure in the country differs from the requirements applicable to independent medical practice.

What Has NMC Clarified?

The NMC referred to Regulation 4(b) of the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations, 2021.

Under the regulation, after completing a medical degree abroad, an FMG must be registered or licensed by the medical regulatory authority of that country to independently practise medicine at a level equivalent to that permitted for medical graduates of that country.

The NMC has therefore clarified that a foreign medical graduate cannot rely only on the title or employment status attached to their medical degree.

Is Junior Doctor Status Enough in Georgia?

According to the NMC's clarification, “Junior Doctor” status would be sufficient only if it legally permits practice at the level required under Regulation 4(b).

If independent medical practice in Georgia requires additional postgraduate certification, residency or other licensing requirements, simply working as a junior doctor under supervision would not fulfil the FMGE eligibility requirement.

The NMC said the matter will have to be determined according to the applicable laws and licensing requirements in Georgia.

This distinction is particularly important because Georgia permits medical graduates to work as junior doctors under supervision, while independent medical practice involves additional requirements. An official explanation published by the Embassy of Georgia in India has also stated that graduates can work as junior doctors, while independent practice requires the relevant qualification and licensing route.

Why Has This Issue Come Up?

The NMC's clarification followed a grievance submitted through the PM Grievance Portal by a candidate seeking clarity on whether completing a six-year MBBS programme in Georgia would make an Indian student eligible for the FMGE.

The issue has gained importance because some students and education consultants have interpreted the junior-doctor provision as sufficient for FMGE eligibility after completion of the medical course.

The NMC's response indicates that the actual legal right to practise independently, rather than simply the designation of the graduate, is the relevant consideration.

What Does Georgia's Licensing System Say?

The Indian Embassy in Yerevan had earlier issued an advisory for Indian students interested in studying medicine in Georgia.

According to the information cited in the recent reports, medical graduates in Georgia can work as junior doctors after undergraduate medical education. However, independent practice requires additional steps, including the National Post-Diploma Qualification Examination (NPDQE), postgraduate education/residency and obtaining the appropriate licence for independent practice.

Thousands of Indian Students Could Be Affected

Reports estimate that around 30,000 to 40,000 Indian students have taken admission to medical colleges in Georgia since the 2021 FMGE regulations came into effect.

The recent clarification could therefore have significant implications for students who entered Georgian medical programmes expecting to return to India and appear for FMGE after graduation.

However, the NMC clarification does not state that every Georgian medical graduate is automatically ineligible for FMGE. The key issue is whether the individual graduate possesses the required licence or registration that satisfies Regulation 4(b), based on the applicable Georgian legal and licensing framework.

What Should Students Studying MBBS in Georgia Do?

Students should not rely solely on statements such as “Georgia allows junior doctors to work, so you will automatically be eligible for FMGE.”

Before taking admission, students should verify:

• Whether the programme meets the applicable NMC requirements.
• Whether the graduate can obtain the required licence in Georgia.
• Whether that licence permits independent medical practice at the level required under FMGL Regulations.
• Whether additional examinations, residency or postgraduate certification are required in Georgia.
• Whether the specific medical university and programme satisfy the applicable Indian regulations.

Students already studying in Georgia should also obtain written clarification from the concerned Georgian licensing authority and follow the latest NMC/NBEMS instructions before assuming FMGE eligibility.

Conclusion

The latest NMC clarification highlights an important point for Indian students considering or pursuing medicine in Georgia: completing a six-year medical programme or holding “Junior Doctor” status should not automatically be treated as equivalent to holding a licence for independent medical practice.

Under Regulation 4(b) of the FMGL Regulations, the licensing status in the country where the degree was obtained is a key requirement. Therefore, students should carefully verify the Georgian licensing pathway and their eventual eligibility for FMGE before making decisions about studying medicine abroad.