In a landmark development for Indian medical aspirants, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) of the Philippines has officially confirmed that its Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) programs are fully compliant with the regulatory requirements set by India’s National Medical Commission (NMC).
This clarification, issued through formal correspondence with the Embassy of India in Manila, ensures that Indian students graduating from CHED-recognised institutions are fully eligible to appear for India’s Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) and the upcoming National Exit Test (NExT)—both mandatory for licensure under NMC norms.
Philippine M.D. Programs Now Fully Aligned with NMC Norms
According to CHED’s memo and the advisory issued by the Indian Embassy, the following NMC criteria are now officially met by the Philippine M.D. program:
- A 54-month Doctor of Medicine course, exclusive of the pre-medical bachelor’s program.
- English-medium instruction throughout the curriculum.
- Coverage of all mandatory subjects listed under Schedule I of the NMC Gazette Notification (dated 18 November 2021).
- A 12-month clinical internship conducted within the same institution or its affiliated hospital.
- A degree eligible for registration and practice in the Philippines.
Industry Reactions: A Major Milestone for Indian Students
Mr. Kadwin Pillai, Managing Director of Transworld Educare and Director of Kings International Medical Academy, welcomed the development:
“This confirmation from CHED puts to rest years of uncertainty for Indian students. It validates that medical education in the Philippines not only adheres to NMC’s stringent requirements but also equips our students for global careers. At Transworld Educare, we have always prioritised regulatory clarity and student success—and this development aligns perfectly with our mission to build future-ready doctors.”
Guidelines for Indian Students Pursuing Medicine in the Philippines
The Indian Embassy has also issued the following advisory for prospective students:
- Ensure that the pre-medical (Bachelor’s) degree is CHED-accredited and meets the required academic structure and duration.
- Clear the NMAT (National Medical Admission Test) before enrolling in the M.D. program.
- Refer to the latest NMC and CHED guidelines before application and admission.
- Make payments directly to the medical colleges and insist on official receipts.
- Have all degree-related documents apostilled by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs for recognition in India.
With over 2,000 Indian students opting for medical studies in the Philippines each year, this formal endorsement is expected to boost confidence and further cement the country’s reputation as a top destination for affordable, English-medium medical education.
As global medical mobility increases in competitiveness, CHED’s alignment with NMC guidelines marks a new era of cooperation between the Philippines and India—benefiting students, institutions, and healthcare systems alike