The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued an urgent advisory to government medical colleges and institutions, asking them to extend full support to the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) for the smooth conduct of postgraduate and postdoctoral practical examinations.
According to the advisory, the growing number of candidates appearing for NBEMS practical examinations has created a shortage of examination centres, clinical infrastructure and eligible faculty members required for examiner duties.
NMC Advisory on PG Exam Centres Shortage
The advisory was issued by the Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) under NMC. The Commission noted that NBEMS has been facing difficulties due to:
- Non-availability of examination centres
- Shortage of clinical material and infrastructure
- Lack of available examiners
- Delays in relieving faculty members for examination duties
NMC has now directed government medical colleges and institutions to cooperate with NBEMS “subject to administrative feasibility” to ensure timely conduct of practical examinations.
Government Medical Colleges Asked to Support NBEMS
Under the latest advisory, institutions have been requested to:
- Provide examination centres
- Ensure availability of wards and laboratories
- Arrange suitable clinical material or patients
- Relieve eligible faculty members for examiner duties promptly
The Commission emphasised that coordination between medical colleges and NBEMS is necessary to conduct examinations efficiently and maintain academic standards in postgraduate medical education.
NMC Says NBEMS Provides Compensation
The advisory clarified that NBEMS compensates institutions for expenses incurred during the conduct of examinations. It also stated that examiners receive approved remuneration for participating in academic and examination-related activities.The Commission urged institutions to treat cooperation in examination activities as part of a larger academic and public interest responsibility.
Rising Number of Candidates Increasing Pressure on Infrastructure
The number of candidates appearing for postgraduate medical examinations has increased steadily in recent years due to:
- Expansion of medical education
- Growing demand for PG medical seats
- Increase in MBBS graduates nationwide
Medical education experts believe that infrastructure gaps, faculty shortages and uneven distribution of institutions continue to put pressure on examination systems across the country. Earlier reports and parliamentary discussions have also highlighted concerns regarding seat imbalance, faculty shortages and medical infrastructure challenges in several states.
NMC and Medical Education Under Increased Scrutiny
In recent months, NMC has issued several advisories linked to examination integrity and medical education management. The Commission had earlier directed colleges to remain vigilant during NEET UG 2026 and advised restrictions on leave for MBBS students during the examination period Education experts say the latest advisory reflects the increasing administrative burden on medical institutions amid rising student intake and examination expansion.
Why the PG Practical Examination Process Matters?
Postgraduate practical examinations are crucial for:
- Final assessment of PG medical students
- Award of specialist qualifications
- Maintaining clinical competency standards
Experts note that delays in practical examinations can directly affect:
- Academic calendars
- Degree completion timelines
- Hospital staffing and residency systems
The latest advisory aims to ensure examinations are conducted on schedule without compromising assessment quality.
