NMC phases out PG diploma admissions from 2026-27; MD and MS become sole pathway

From 2027-28 onwards, the latest order states that specialist training in medical colleges will be offered only through MD and MS degree programmes and institutions are supposed to convert existing diploma seats into degree seats

New Delhi: In a move to standardise post-graduate medical education, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has decided to phase out post-graduate diploma medical courses from next year, an official said on Monday.Diploma courses phased outThe NMC's decision implies that there will be no admissions to PG diploma courses after the 2026-27 session, and this batch would be the last to complete the course. Conversion of Post Graduate Diploma Seats to Post Graduate Broad Specialty Degree Seats (MD/MS) in Medical Colleges/Institutions from the Academic Year 2027 - 28 onwards.Link: https://t.co/6c9TNnK75g#nmc #pg #medicalcolleges #publicnotice #nationalmedicalcommission— National Medical Commission (@NMC_BHARAT) June 22, 2026 The NMC said that the diploma medical courses will be phased out across the country and replaced with post-graduate broad-speciality degree programmes such as MD and MS.The decision to scrap the diploma was announced through a notification. The notification said that the 2026-27 academic session will be the last year in which students can be admitted to post-graduate diploma courses.Transition to MD MS programmesFrom the 2027-28 academic year onwards, no fresh admissions will be allowed to PG diploma programmes, and these courses will cease to function, it said.Mumbai Graduate Can Earn 2X More As JCB Operator Than Working In AC Office: Investor Saurabh Mukherjea Explains How The decision on phasing out medical diplomas aligns with the NMC's push to standardise post-graduate medical education and provide broader career qualifications for medical professionals, said an official. As part of the phase out, medical colleges have been instructed to convert existing diploma seats into MD/MS courses. The commission also said the decision would help institutions make better use of their existing infrastructure and faculty resources.Seat conversion directivesThe NMC noted that several medical colleges currently run both diploma and degree programmes in the same speciality, while some institutions offer only diploma courses. VIT University Climbs 94 Places to 597th in QS World University Rankings 2027 According to the Commission, many of these colleges already possess the infrastructure, clinical material, faculty and other resources required to upgrade diploma seats into MD/MS seats. The NMC has directed medical colleges running PG diploma programmes to start the formalities for converting those seats into corresponding Master of Surgery (MS) or Doctor of Medicine (MD) seats.Official notification detailsThe June 22 circular of the NMC said, "All Post-Graduate Diploma courses shall be phased out and converted to Post-Graduate Broad Speciality Degree courses (MD/MS)."(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)

The National Medical Commission will end admissions to postgraduate diploma medical courses from 2027, shifting focus to MD and MS degrees.

The National Medical Commission has announced the gradual discontinuation of postgraduate diploma medical courses, with the 2026-27 academic session being the last for admissions. From 2027-28 onwards, specialist medical training will shift entirely to MD and MS degree programmes, a move aimed at improving academic standards, streamlining postgraduate education, and better utilising institutional resources.

The National Medical Commission has announced a significant shift in postgraduate medical education, stating that the 2026-27 academic year will be the final opportunity for admissions to postgraduate diploma courses. Medical colleges are now directed to convert these diploma seats into equivalent Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Master of Surgery (MS) degree seats.