The National Medical Commission (NMC) will phase out postgraduate diploma medical courses nationwide. Admissions for these courses will end with the 2026-27 academic session . The 2027-28 academic year will see no new admissions for diploma programs.
Transition to Degree Programs
MD and MS degree programs will replace the diplomas. This change aims to standardize postgraduate medical education. It will also enhance the quality and recognition of specialist training. The NMC seeks to align qualifications with current academic standards.
College Conversions
Medical colleges can convert existing diploma seats to MD or MS seats. The NMC believes many institutions have the necessary faculty and infrastructure. Some colleges currently offer both diploma and degree courses in the same specialty. Others offer only diploma programs.
Application Process
Colleges running PG diploma courses can apply for conversion. Applications must be submitted online to the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB). A separate application module and schedule will be announced by the NMC. This initiative supports the transition to degree-based postgraduate training.
Regulatory Basis
This decision follows the Post-Graduate Medical Education Regulations (PGMER) 2023 . These regulations already permitted colleges to convert diploma seats to degree seats. The PGMER 2023 also stopped accepting new proposals for diploma seats. Postgraduate specialist medical training in India will now fully shift to MD and MS courses.
Key Dates and Deadlines
The 2026-27 academic session is the final year for PG diploma admissions.
The 2027-28 academic year will mark the discontinuation of new PG diploma admissions.
