NMC Flags NBEMS Exam Shortage, Urges Medical Colleges to Provide Centres And Examiners

Amid rising numbers of postgraduate medical candidates across India, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued an advisory urging medical colleges and institutions to support the conduct of National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) practical examinations by providing adequate infrastructure, clinical material, and qualified examiners.

The advisory, issued by the NMC’s Postgraduate Medical Education Board, highlighted growing concerns over the shortage of examination centres and delays in the availability of faculty members for examiner duties. Authorities warned that the increasing number of NBEMS candidates has significantly strained existing examination capacity, creating challenges in conducting postgraduate and postdoctoral practical exams on schedule.

According to the directive, government medical colleges and teaching institutions have been asked to facilitate NBEMS examinations “within administrative feasibility” by making available wards, laboratories, patients, and other essential infrastructure required for practical assessments. Institutions were also instructed to promptly release eligible faculty members nominated for examiner responsibilities to avoid delays in examination processes.

The NMC stressed that institutional cooperation is critical to maintaining the quality, credibility, and timely conduct of postgraduate medical education in the country. The commission noted that NBEMS practical examinations play a crucial role in certification and career progression for postgraduate medical students, and any disruption could directly affect graduating candidates.

The advisory further clarified that NBEMS provides financial compensation to examination centres for operational expenses and approved remuneration to examiners participating in the process. Institutions have also been asked to coordinate closely with NBEMS to ensure smooth examination management.

Medical education authorities warned that if shortages of examination centres and examiners continue, scheduling practical examinations may become increasingly difficult in the coming years, potentially delaying postgraduate qualifications and impacting healthcare workforce readiness.

The NMC described the move as being in the larger academic and public interest, aimed at strengthening India’s postgraduate medical examination infrastructure and ensuring that standards of medical training are not compromised despite the growing demand.,