Overview
- The National Medical Commission has authorized a single additional (fifth) attempt for students admitted to MBBS from the 2019-20 academic year to pass the First Professional exam.
- The decision is a one-time transitional relief that applies only to eligible pending cases and cannot be used as a precedent for later batches.
- The UGMEB issued the public notice on October 15, 2026, signed by NMC Secretary Dr Raghav Langer, and asked universities and colleges to process cases under the rules in the notice.
- The relief excludes students who have already used an earlier mercy attempt, does not allow a sixth attempt, and does not extend the maximum ten-year period to complete the MBBS course.
- Local reports show identifiable beneficiary groups, for example 82 students in Chhattisgarh, and students are advised to consult the official notice so colleges can verify valid admissions before allowing the additional attempt.