NMC Phases Out PG Diploma Courses: Transition to MD and MS Degrees

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has announced that the 2026-27 academic year will mark the end of admissions for postgraduate diploma medical courses. Starting from the 2027-28 session, these courses will be phased out and replaced with MD and MS degrees. Medical colleges are instructed to convert their diploma seats to degree seats, with the necessary infrastructure already in place in many institutions. This move aims to standardize postgraduate medical education across India and enhance the recognition of specialized training. The NMC has notified all relevant institutions to comply with these changes promptly.

By Ambika Singh Jun 23, 2026, 09:26 IST

Changes in Medical PG Diploma Courses

Medical PG Diploma Courses Update: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has announced significant changes to postgraduate medical education in India. Starting from the 2027-28 academic year, no new admissions will be permitted for postgraduate (PG) diploma medical courses, with the 2026-27 session being the last for such enrollments.

In a public notice released on June 22, the NMC confirmed that all PG diploma programs will be phased out and replaced with corresponding broad-specialty degree courses, specifically MD (Doctor of Medicine) and MS (Master of Surgery).

Instructions for Medical Colleges

Directives for Seat Conversion:

The NMC’s Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) has directed medical colleges to begin the process of converting diploma course seats into MD/MS seats. Colleges are required to submit applications to the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) for this transition.

The MARB is expected to introduce a dedicated online portal for this application process soon, with further details and deadlines to be announced.

Existing Resources in Medical Colleges

Infrastructure Readiness:

The NMC has noted that numerous medical colleges already offer both diploma and degree programs in the same field, while some institutions focus solely on diploma courses. The Commission is confident that these colleges have the necessary infrastructure, faculty, and clinical facilities to effectively implement degree courses.

However, seat conversion will only be approved if the institutions comply with the standards set by the NMC.

Rationale Behind the Decision

Objective of Standardization:

The NMC has articulated that this decision aims to standardize postgraduate medical education nationwide. The primary objectives include enhancing the recognition of specialized medical training and ensuring that qualifications meet contemporary academic standards.

The Commission believes that this initiative will optimize the existing capacity of medical institutions and promote a more organized approach to training specialist doctors in the future.

Notification to Medical Institutions

Compliance Notification:

The NMC has disseminated this notification to all medical colleges under its jurisdiction, as well as to state medical education departments and universities, urging them to comply promptly with the new directives.