The National Medical Commission (NMC) of India plays a vital role in defining the standards and recognition criteria for medical education obtained abroad by Indian students. In recent years, many aspiring doctors have chosen Uzbekistan as their preferred destination for MBBS studies due to its affordable tuition, English-medium instruction, and quality education system.
However, with the introduction of the NMC 2024 guidelines, there has been widespread curiosity among Indian students — Are these guidelines applicable to MBBS programs in Uzbekistan?
This comprehensive article explains the relevance of NMC’s updated 2024 guidelines for MBBS in Uzbekistan, the impact on Indian students, compliance factors, admission eligibility, and the benefits of studying MBBS in Uzbekistan under the new regulatory structure.
The NMC 2024 guidelines were introduced to ensure that Indian students who pursue medical education abroad receive a standard of education comparable to that in India. These updated rules aim to maintain quality and protect students from substandard institutions or misleading promises.
The NMC (Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate) Regulations 2024 outlines specific requirements related to:
Course duration and training
Internship structure
Medium of instruction
Clinical exposure
Licensing and eligibility for registration in India
The main goal is to ensure that foreign medical graduates are well-trained and prepared to practice medicine after clearing the FMGE or the upcoming NEXT (National Exit Test) in India.
According to the NMC 2024 guidelines, any MBBS program pursued abroad must have:
A minimum duration of 54 months (4.5 years) of theoretical and practical study.
A mandatory internship of 12 months in the same institution or hospital approved by the local medical authority.
In the context of Uzbekistan MBBS, the course structure perfectly aligns with this rule. The MBBS in Uzbekistan typically lasts 6 years, which includes 5 years of academic study and 1 year of internship. Therefore, Uzbekistan’s medical universities comply with the NMC’s duration criteria.
NMC emphasizes that students must complete a full 12-month clinical internship in the same country where they pursue their MBBS degree. This internship must provide hands-on training in subjects such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, gynecology, and community medicine.
Uzbekistan medical universities meet this requirement by offering structured clinical rotations in affiliated hospitals. During the final year, students gain direct exposure to patient care under professional supervision, fulfilling NMC’s criteria for practical training.
One of the most important updates in the NMC 2024 guidelines is the medium of instruction requirement. The entire course must be taught in English, and students should not be required to study in any local language.
Uzbekistan’s top medical universities, such as Tashkent Medical Academy, Samarkand State Medical University, and Bukhara State Medical Institute, conduct the MBBS program entirely in English for international students. This makes the Uzbekistan MBBS program completely NMC compliant in terms of teaching language.
To be recognized under the NMC guidelines, the foreign university must be accredited by the respective country’s medical education authority and eligible to license its graduates for medical practice locally.
All recognized MBBS universities in Uzbekistan are approved by the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS). This means graduates from these universities can appear for licensing exams not only in India but also in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Under the NMC 2024 guidelines, students who complete their MBBS from an NMC-recognized university abroad are eligible to appear for the NEXT exam (which will replace FMGE soon).
As Uzbekistan’s universities follow the required course duration, English-medium instruction, and approved clinical training, students graduating from these universities are eligible to take NEXT/FMGE and practice medicine in India after clearing the exam.
| NMC 2024 Guideline Criteria | Uzbekistan MBBS Compliance |
|---|---|
| Course Duration: Minimum 54 months | 6 years (fully compliant) |
| Internship: 12 months mandatory | 1-year clinical internship included |
| Medium of Instruction | English (for international students) |
| Recognition by Local Medical Body | Approved by Uzbekistan Ministry of Education |
| Licensing Eligibility | Eligible for local & international exams |
| Internship in Same Country | Provided within university hospitals |
| Clinical Exposure | Available from 3rd year onwards |
Thus, Uzbekistan MBBS perfectly meets the NMC’s 2024 standards for foreign medical education.
For Indian students already studying or planning to pursue MBBS in Uzbekistan, the NMC 2024 guidelines bring clarity and security. They ensure that:
Degrees from accredited Uzbek universities remain recognized in India.
Students get sufficient practical exposure to qualify for NEXT/FMGE.
Their internship in Uzbekistan will be valid in India.
The MBBS education system remains transparent and internationally accepted.
These rules also encourage students to choose only NMC-approved universities, eliminating the risk of studying at unrecognized institutions.
Apart from compliance with NMC norms, Uzbekistan offers several advantages:
The total cost of MBBS in Uzbekistan ranges between INR 20–30 lakhs, making it much more affordable than private medical colleges in India.
Most universities are recognized by WDOMS, ECFMG, and FAIMER, allowing global career opportunities.
Uzbekistan offers a peaceful environment with friendly locals and excellent hostel facilities for Indian students.
Most universities have Indian mess facilities and a large Indian student community, helping new students adapt easily.
Modern laboratories, experienced faculty, and English-medium classes ensure that students receive a world-class education.
The admission process is straightforward and student-friendly. Below is a step-by-step guide:
Check Eligibility – The student must have scored at least 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in 12th grade and qualified for NEET.
Choose an NMC-Recognized University – Select from top universities like Samarkand, Tashkent, or Andijan.
Apply Online – Submit scanned copies of academic documents and passport.
Receive Admission Letter – Once approved, the university issues an official admission letter.
Pay the Fees – Pay the tuition and hostel fees as per the university’s policy.
Apply for Visa – Submit your admission documents to the Uzbekistan Embassy for a student visa.
Fly to Uzbekistan – Join the university and begin your MBBS journey.
Must be 17 years or older at the time of admission.
Must have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English.
Should have qualified NEET (as per NMC rules).
Must possess a valid passport and student visa.
Tashkent Medical Academy
Samarkand State Medical University
Andijan State Medical Institute
Bukhara State Medical Institute
Fergana State University Medical Faculty
All these universities are recognized by NMC and follow a curriculum aligned with global medical education standards.
10th and 12th mark sheets
NEET scorecard
Passport copy
Birth certificate
Admission letter
Medical certificate
Passport-sized photographs
Visa and travel documents
After completing MBBS, students can:
Appear for NEXT/FMGE to practice in India.
Apply for USMLE, PLAB, or NHS exams for other countries.
Pursue postgraduate studies (MD/MS) in India or abroad.
Work in recognized hospitals or research organizations worldwide.
1. Are the NMC 2024 guidelines applicable to Uzbekistan MBBS?
Yes. Uzbekistan’s MBBS programs align fully with NMC 2024 rules, including duration, medium of instruction, and internship requirements.
2. What is the duration of MBBS in Uzbekistan?
The MBBS course in Uzbekistan lasts 6 years, including 1 year of internship.
3. Is the medium of teaching English in Uzbekistan MBBS?
Yes, the MBBS program for international students is conducted entirely in English.
4. Are Uzbekistan medical universities approved by NMC?
Yes, several universities in Uzbekistan are NMC-approved and listed in WDOMS.
5. Is the internship in Uzbekistan valid in India?
Yes, as per NMC guidelines, the 1-year internship in Uzbekistan is valid.
6. Do students need to clear NEET to study in Uzbekistan?
Yes, NEET qualification is mandatory for Indian students under NMC rules.
7. Can Uzbekistan MBBS graduates appear for NEXT or FMGE?
Yes, graduates are eligible to appear for NEXT/FMGE after completing their MBBS.
8. Is Uzbekistan safe for Indian students?
Yes, Uzbekistan is known for its safety, affordable living, and student-friendly environment.
9. Are living expenses in Uzbekistan affordable?
Yes, living costs are much lower compared to Western countries, typically INR 10,000–15,000 per month.
10. Why choose Uzbekistan for MBBS in 2025?
Because it offers NMC-approved, English-medium, affordable, and globally recognized MBBS education for Indian students.
WHO
Course Duration:
Average Fees:
Universities:
Medium:
6 years
$3,000 - $7,000 per year
2+
English