NMC Grants Extra Attempt for First Professional MBBS Exam 2026, Check Eligibility
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• Updated on 16 Oct, 2026, 3:16 PM, • 1 hour ago by Sahil Negi
The National Medical Commission has allowed one additional mercy attempt for eligible MBBS students admitted from the 2019–20 academic year onwards to clear the First Professional examination. The relaxation permits up to five attempts but does not extend the 10-year maximum course-completion limit, including CRMI.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has granted a one-time additional attempt, known as a mercy attempt, for the First Professional MBBS Examination to eligible medical students admitted from the 2019–20 academic year onwards. The decision allows qualifying students to take up to five attempts instead of the four ordinarily permitted, subject to the conditions specified in the official notice.
The NMC Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) issued the public notice on October 15, 2026, following representations from students, universities and other stakeholders. The requests cited exceptional circumstances, including COVID-19 disruptions, health-related issues and personal difficulties.
Students should carefully check the eligibility conditions before approaching their medical college or university to avail themselves of the additional attempt.
NMC MBBS Mercy Attempt 2026 Key Details
The latest NMC decision provides transitional relief to eligible students who have not cleared their first professional examination. The important details are listed below.
Who Is Eligible for the NMC MBBS Extra Attempt 2026?
Under the latest public notice, students admitted to the MBBS course from the 2019–20 academic year onwards may qualify for one additional attempt to pass the First Professional MBBS Examination.
The relaxation also covers eligible students who have crossed the prescribed four-year period for completing the first professional course. However, their admission must remain valid and must not have been cancelled by the concerned university or medical college.
Candidates should note that eligibility is subject to the conditions in the NMC notice. Students should contact their respective institutions to confirm their status and the procedure for processing eligible cases.
How Can Eligible MBBS Students Avail the NMC Mercy Attempt?
The NMC has directed universities and medical colleges to process eligible cases according to the prescribed conditions. Students should first review the official notice and confirm their eligibility with their institution.
Candidates can take the following steps:
- Visit the official NMC website.
- Open the latest notices section and locate the October 15, 2026, notice on the additional mercy attempt.
- Read the eligibility conditions and restrictions carefully.
- Contact the examination department or academic office of the concerned medical college or university.
- Follow the institution's instructions for verifying eligibility and processing the additional attempt.
Students should rely on official institutional instructions for any application procedure, examination schedule or deadline, as these details should not be assumed without confirmation.
Who Is Not Eligible for the NMC MBBS Mercy Attempt?
The additional opportunity is not a sixth attempt for students who have already exhausted five attempts under an earlier NMC decision or a court direction. Such candidates cannot claim another mercy attempt under the latest relaxation.
The measure is intended to address eligible pending cases and is described as a one-time transitional concession. Students should not assume that the same relaxation will automatically be available to future MBBS batches.
Does the NMC Extra Attempt Extend the 10-Year MBBS Limit?
No. The additional attempt does not extend the maximum permissible duration for completing the MBBS course.
The NMC has clarified that the overall course duration, including the Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI), must not exceed 10 years from the date of admission. Therefore, students who qualify for the mercy attempt must still meet the overall course-completion requirement.
The extra attempt provides a further opportunity to clear the First Professional MBBS Examination, but it does not remove the other applicable academic and course-duration conditions.
NMC MBBS Mercy Attempt 2026 FAQs
Who can get the NMC MBBS extra attempt in 2026?
Eligible students admitted to MBBS from the 2019–20 academic year onwards may receive one additional attempt to clear the First Professional MBBS Examination, subject to the official conditions.
How many attempts are allowed under the NMC mercy attempt?
Eligible students can have up to five attempts in total, including the four ordinarily permitted.
Can students who have crossed the four-year limit apply?
They may qualify if their admission remains valid and has not been cancelled by the concerned university or college.
Can a student who has already used five attempts get another chance?
No. Students who have already availed a mercy attempt and exhausted five attempts under an earlier NMC decision or court direction are not eligible for another attempt under this relaxation.
Does the additional attempt extend the maximum MBBS course duration?
No. The overall duration for completing MBBS, including CRMI, cannot exceed 10 years from the date of admission.
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