20/08/2026
NMC Draft Update
Major Changes Proposed for Medical Registration
The NMC has proposed amendments to the Registration of Medical Practitioners & Licence to Practice Medicine Regulations, 2023, which could significantly simplify medical registration across India.
🔹 One Registration, Nationwide Practice: Once registered with an SMC and allotted an NMR UID, doctors may be able to practice across India without obtaining fresh registration in every State/UT.
🔹 Unified Digital Portal: Registration and licence-related applications proposed through the NMC/EMRB unified portal.
🔹 National Medical Register: UID-based NMR with synchronization of State Medical Registers.
🔹 Greater Transparency: Licence status, suspension, disciplinary action, removal and restoration orders to be reflected in the NMR.
🔹 5-Year Licence: Proposed validity of 5 years, with inactive status if renewal is not completed within 3 months after expiry.
🔹 Professional Misconduct: The SMC having territorial jurisdiction over the place where the alleged cause of action occurred may conduct the inquiry.
🔹 Appeal Provision: Rejection of registration/licence may be appealed before EMRB within 30 days.
🔹 FMGs: FMGE is specifically recognised under the draft framework until NExT comes into force, subject to applicable regulations.
🔹 Foreign Doctors: Temporary registration for foreign nationals undergoing PG/Super-specialty training may be permitted for up to 24 months, followed by a proposed 1-year cooling-off period.
⚠️ Important: These are DRAFT regulations and are not yet final. NMC has invited objections and suggestions for 30 days.
A unified, transparent and portable registration system could be a major step towards reducing unnecessary administrative hurdles for doctors practicing across States.
👉 Doctors and medical organisations should carefully review the draft and submit constructive suggestions within the stipulated period.
Healthcare FMGE FMG MedicalProfession