The National Medical Commission (NMC) has directed medical colleges to charge MBBS tuition fees only for the 4.5 academic years of the course. This new directive applies from the 2026 academic session. The NMC clarified that the subsequent one-year Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) is a training period, not an academic one. Colleges cannot collect fees for this internship phase.
Fee Collection Directive
Medical institutions were previously found demanding fees for the entire five or five-and-a-half-year duration of the MBBS program. This included the internship period. The NMC stated this practice is inconsistent with existing norms. No formal educational instruction is provided during the internship.
The NMC emphasizes transparent and reasonable fee structures. Fees must be proportionate to services provided. Colleges charging fees beyond the mandated 4.5 years face serious consequences. These consequences fall under statutory and regulatory provisions.
Ensuring Ethical Practices
This clarification is part of a broader NMC effort. The goal is to standardize medical education costs. It also aims to ensure ethical practices in both private and government colleges. The directive requires colleges to immediately align their fee structures.
Medical aspirants and their families can now expect financial clarity for the NEET UG 2026 cycle. Colleges are instructed to comply with the guidelines to avoid disciplinary actions. Non-compliance could lead to penalties.
Key Details
- Academic Duration for Fees: 4.5 years (54 months)
- Internship Period: 1 year (CRMI)
- Fee Collection for Internship: Prohibited
- Effective Date: 2026 academic session
