Read About the Is MBBS in Italy Valid in India....
Mar 11, 2025 11:58:47
The National Medical Commission (NMC) recognizes medical degrees from certain foreign universities.
Before choosing an Italian university, check if it is approved by NMC. You can find the list of recognized foreign medical institutions on the official NMC website.
To practice in India, foreign medical graduates must pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE)or the upcoming National Exit Test (NExT).
If you complete your MBBS in Italy, you must clear this exam to get a medical license in India.
Many medical universities in Italy teach in Italian, but some aound 16 universities offer courses in English.
If the course is in Italian, you may need to learn the language for clinical training.
Ensure the university is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and recognized by ECFMGif you plan to practice abroad.
Italy follows European Union (EU) medical education standards, meaning you may also have career opportunities in other EU countries after clearing the necessary exams.
If you choose a recognized university and are prepared for FMGE/NExT, an MBBS from Italy can be a good option.
Italy has high-quality medical education, but language barriers and licensing exams in India are challenges to consider.
The NMC does not maintain a specific list of recognized Italian universities.
However, if the university is recognized by WHO (World Health Organization) and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), it is generally acceptable.
It must also meet NMC's new regulations (2021), which state that foreign medical degrees must have at least 54 months of medical training, 12 months of internship, and English as the medium of instruction.
After completing MBBS in Italy, graduates must pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) or the upcoming National Exit Test (NExT) to get a medical license in India.
The FMGE has a low pass rate (~15-20%), so students must be well-prepared.
Internship in India
If the internship in Italy is not recognized by NMC, you may need to do an additional internship in Indiaafter clearing FMGE/NExT.
Medium of Instruction
Many medical universities in Italy teach in Italian, but some offer courses in English.
NMC requires that the entire course be in English for foreign graduates to be eligible for registration.
The university must be recognized by WHO and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
It should meet the NMC's Foreign Medical Graduate (FMG) Regulations, 2021.
The medical course should be at least 54 months (4.5 years) + 12 months of internship.
The medium of instruction should be English (otherwise, it may not be valid in India).
Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE)
After MBBS in Italy, you must pass the FMGE (conducted by the National Board of Examinations).
FMGE is a screening test that foreign medical graduates must clear to get a medical license in India.
You need at least 50% marks in the exam to pass.
The FMGE is held twice a year (June & December).
National Exit Test (NExT) – Future Replacement of FMGE
From 2024-25 onwards, FMGE will be replaced by NExT.
NExT will be a common licensing exam for both Indian and foreign graduates.
If your internship in Italy is recognized by NMC, you may not need to repeat it.
If not, you must do a 1-year internship in an NMC-approved hospital in India after clearing FMGE/NExT.
After passing FMGE/NExT and completing the internship, apply for registration with the State Medical Council (SMC).
Once registered, you can legally practice as a doctor in India.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) mandates that all foreign medical graduates must pass FMGE (or the upcoming NExT exam) to obtain a medical license in India.
Since Italy is not part of the NMC’s list of exempted countries (like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand), its MBBS graduates must clear FMGE.
Conducted by: National Board of Examinations (NBE)
Frequency: Twice a year (June & December)
Format: 300 multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
Passing Marks: 150 out of 300 (50%)
Number of Attempts: Unlimited
Negative Marking: No negative marking
Apply for a one-year internship in an NMC-approved hospital (if required).
After completing the internship, register with the State Medical Council (SMC).
Get a permanent medical license to practice in India.
Be recognized by WHO (World Health Organization) and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
Offer a 6-year MBBS program (5 years + 1-year internship).
Have English as the medium of instruction (NMC does not accept degrees taught in non-English languages).
Provide clinical training that meets NMC's requirements.
Ensure students are eligible to practice in Italy after graduation (this is a new NMC rule).
One of the oldest universities in the world (est. 1088).
Offers a 6-year medicine program in English.
Recognized by WHO and WDOMS.
Ranked among Italy’s top medical universities.
Offers a 6-year MBBS program in English (International Medical School - IMS).
WHO-listed, making it internationally valid.
One of Italy’s largest medical schools.
Offers a 6-year English-taught MBBS program.
WHO-listed and follows EU medical standards.
Highly ranked for medical research and education.
Offers an English-taught MBBS course.
Recognized by WHO and EU medical bodies.
Offers a 6-year medical program in English.
Follows European standards for medical education.
One of the top medical universities in Italy.
Offers an International Medical Program (IMP) in English.
Recognized by WHO and follows EU medical guidelines.
Check the medium of instruction (it should be English).
Ensure the university is listed in WDOMS and recognized by WHO.
Make sure the medical degree allows you to practice in Italy after graduation (as per new NMC rules).
You must clear the FMGE/NExT exam in India after completing your MBBS in Italy.
Ensure your university is recognized by WHO and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
The medical degree must be at least 5.5 years (4.5 years MBBS + 1-year internship).
The medium of instruction should be English (as per NMC regulations).
The degree should be valid for practicing in Italy (new NMC rule).
FMGE (Until NExT is Implemented)
Conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE).
300 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), with a passing score of 150 out of 300 (50%).
Held twice a year (June & December).
Unlimited attempts allowed.
After clearing FMGE, you get a Provisional Registration Certificate from NMC.
NExT (Replacing FMGE in the Future)
From 2024-25, FMGE will be replaced by NExT (National Exit Test).
NExT will be a common exam for both Indian and foreign MBBS graduates.
NExT Step 1: Theory-based licensing exam.
NExT Step 2: Practical/clinical skills assessment.
If your internship in Italy is recognized by NMC, you may not need to repeat it.
If not, you must complete a 1-year mandatory internship at an NMC-approved hospital in India.
After passing FMGE/NExT and completing the internship, apply for permanent registration with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or State Medical Council (SMC).
Submit the required documents (see below).
Once approved, you will be legally registered to practice medicine in India.
MBBS degree certificate from an Italian university.
Internship completion certificate.
FMGE/NExT passing certificate.
Eligibility certificate from NMC (if required).
Copy of passport & visa (for foreign studies verification).
Translation of documents (if MBBS degree is in Italian).
Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN card, etc.).
Once you receive your permanent registration certificate, you can:
Work as a doctor in government or private hospitals.
Pursue PG medical courses (NEET-PG, INI-CET, or foreign options like USMLE, PLAB, etc.).
Open your own clinic in India.
In conclusion, an MBBS degree from Italy is valid in India, provided that the course is conducted in English, has a minimum duration of 5.5 years (including a one-year medical internship), and the candidate successfully clears the FMGE/NEXT exam. Additionally, the candidate must complete a one-year medical internship in India to be eligible for registration with any state medical council in the country.
