According to the advisory issued by the Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) of the NMC onMay 8, 2026, the growing number of candidates appearing for NBEMS final practical examinations has significantly increased the demand for examination infrastructure, clinical material, and experienced examiners.

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) conducts nationally recognised postgraduate and postdoctoral medical examinations across India. The NMC noted that the timely and efficient conduct of these practical examinationsdepends heavily on the cooperation and active support of medical colleges and teaching institutions.

However, NBEMS reportedly informed the Commission that several challenges are being faced during the organisation of practical examinations. Among the major issues highlighted were the shortage of suitable examination centres and the inability of institutions to relieve faculty members nominated as examiners. These issues have reportedly affected the smooth scheduling and execution of examinationsin some instances.

In its advisory, the NMC asked all government medical colleges and institutions to provide necessary support to NBEMS by taking several measures. Institutions have been advised to facilitate the conduct of practical examinations on their campuses wherever administratively feasible. Colleges were also instructed to ensure the availability of adequate infrastructure, including wards, laboratories, clinical material, and patients required for the examinations.

Further, the Commission directed institutions to relieve eligible and nominated faculty members on time so that they can perform examiner duties without administrative delays. Medical colleges have also been asked to coordinate effectively with NBEMS to ensure examinations are conducted in a smooth and efficient manner.

The advisory additionally clarified that NBEMS provides financial compensation to examination centres for the expenses incurred during the conduct of practical examinations. Examiners participating in NBEMS academic activities are also paid approved remuneration for their services.

NMC stated that cooperation from medical colleges and faculty members is essential to maintain the standards of postgraduate medical education and to ensure timely completion of examinations in the larger academic and public interest.

Following the issuance of the advisory, NMC Secretary Dr. Raghav Langer also wrote to Directors, Principals, and Deans of government medical colleges and institutions, requesting them to comply with the recommendations and take necessary action for supporting NBEMS practical examinations.

The latest development comes at a time when postgraduate medical education in India is witnessing a steady rise in the number of candidates appearing for NBEMS examinations, increasing pressure on available examination infrastructure and trained faculty resources. Experts believe that stronger institutional cooperation could help streamline examination processes and reduce logistical challenges faced by NBEMS during practical assessments.