All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Gorakhpur, has decided to allow MBBS students five attempts to clear the examinations, instead of the earlier four permitted under the existing NMC regulations. The decision has reportedly been implemented from the current academic session after approval by the institute’s Standing Committee on compassionate grounds.
AIIMS Gorakhpur MBBS Exam Attempts Rule Explained
Under the existing rules of the National Medical Commission, MBBS students are generally allowed only four attempts to clear First Professional MBBS examinations. Students failing to pass within the permitted attempts may not continue the course. However, AIIMS Gorakhpur has now introduced an additional opportunity for students through a humanitarian and student-centric approach. Reports suggest students may receive the fifth attempt through a mercy petition mechanism.
Why AIIMS Gorakhpur Relaxed the Earlier NMC 4-Attempt Rule?
The institute reportedly madethe the decision considering the academic pressure faced by first-year MBBS students. Medical education experts have often highlighted that the MBBS first professional subjects include:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
are academically demanding, especially for students transitioning directly from school education.
A Parliamentary Standing Committee had also recently recommended increasing MBBS first-year exam attempts from four to six and extending the overall course completion period from nine years to ten years.
NMC MBBS Rules and Latest Developments in 2026
The discussion around flexibility in the MBBS examination has gained momentum in 2026. Along with recommendations to increase exam attempts, several other reforms in medical education norms have also been proposed or implemented. Recent developments include:
Experts believe such reforms could reduce academic stress while ensuring deserving students are not forced to discontinue medical education due to repeated failures in early semesters.
Relief for MBBS Students Ahead of NEET 2026 Admissions
The latest AIIMS Gorakhpur decision is being viewed as a major relief for medical students and NEET aspirants. With increasing competition and academic pressure in medical colleges, many students and parents have demanded more flexible progression rules in MBBS programmes. The move may also trigger discussions in other medical institutions regarding student welfare and examination policies.
How MBBS Exam Attempts Work Under Current Rules?
Students should understand the present examination structure carefully:
- MBBS students must clear the First Professional exams within permitted attempts
- Subjects include Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry
- Failing repeatedly can affect continuation in the course
- Institutions follow NMC regulations and internal academic policies
- AIIMS Gorakhpur has now introduced a fifth opportunity in special cases
- Students should regularly check official institutional notices
AIIMS Gorakhpur MBBS Exam Attempts 2026 FAQs
How many MBBS exam attempts are now allowed at AIIMS Gorakhpur?
AIIMS Gorakhpur has allowed five attempts for MBBS examinations instead of four.
What was the earlier NMC MBBS attempt rule?
Under existing NMC regulations, MBBS students were generally allowed four attempts to clear First Professional exams.
Why did AIIMS Gorakhpur relax the MBBS exam rule?
The institute reportedly decided on compassionate grounds, considering students’ academic pressure and future prospects.
Has NMC officially increased MBBS exam attempts to six?
A Parliamentary Committee has recommended six attempts, but it is currently a proposal and not yet an official nationwide rule.
Which subjects are included in MBBS First Professional exams?
The subjects include Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry.