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For Indian students and their parents who dream of studying medicine (MBBS Abroad), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of the Government of India, the Embassy of India in Tashkent and the National Medical Commission (NMC) have issued a very important and cautionary detailed advisory. In the last few years, in view of the increasing interest of Indian students in the Central Asian country Uzbekistan and the game of misleading advertisements of private consultants, the Central Government has adopted a strict stance. The Ministry of External Affairs has clearly instructed the students to compulsorily read the special ‘Country Advisory’ (Embassy Student Advisory) issued by the Indian Embassy on its official website before paying the fees and taking admission in any medical college or university of Uzbekistan and understand its every condition thoroughly. Failure to do so may result in serious disqualification for students from obtaining medical license to practice upon returning to India in the future.
#1. Why is it mandatory to read the advisory of the Indian Embassy in Tashkent?
The Embassy of India in Tashkent updates its advisory from time to time after conducting ground investigations of the medical education scenario in Uzbekistan. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, many students fall into the trap of sweet and attractive claims of private admission agents and consultants and without thinking, take admission in such colleges which do not meet the rules of the Government of India and NMC. The embassy advisory gives full official details of the list of recognized medical institutions of Uzbekistan, the medium of study there, the arrangements for clinical training, hostels and security standards. The Government of India clearly states that instead of relying on the verbal assurance of any agent, students should make only the information and guidelines verified by the Embassy as the main basis for admission.
#1. It is necessary to comply with the strict guidelines of FMGL Rules 2021 and NMC.
It is mandatory by law for every student considering admission to MBBS course in Uzbekistan to meet the NMC Foreign Medical Graduate Licensure Regulations (FMGL Regulations 2021). It has been clearly warned in the government advisory that if any Uzbek university does not comply with these rules 100%, then the degree obtained from there will be declared completely invalid in India. As per the rules, the total duration of studies must be at least 54 months (4.5 years) and must include a compulsory internship of 12 months in the same institution. Additionally, the entire course must be entirely in the English Medium of Instruction and the student must be licensed to practice as doctors in the same country.
#1. Big concern over over-admission and language barrier in clinical training
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Medical Commission have expressed serious concern over the shortcomings and administrative irregularities uncovered in some medical institutions in Uzbekistan. In an alert note issued by the government, it was found that some Uzbek medical universities were admitting Indian students much more than their actual intake capacity, which was affecting the quality of education in classrooms and hospitals. Additionally, during hands-on clinical practice in local hospitals, students face major obstacles in interacting with patients due to the local language (Uzbek/Russian) and the commitment to the English medium remains limited to papers. The advisory cautions that in the absence of adequate practical training, students will be unable to clear the FMGE/NEXT examination to be conducted in India.
#1. Instructions to stay away from fake consultants and unauthorized off-shore premises
In its advisory, the government has asked students and their parents to be cautious about unauthorized off-shore campuses and unrecognized private institutions. According to the advisory, many admission agents, in the name of higher commission, mislead students and send them to college branches or private institutions that are not authorized by the NMC and the local Uzbek health ministry. The Government of India has given instructions not to pay huge lump sum amount to any middleman during the admission process and to check the eligibility of the University’s Recognition Certificate and NEET qualifying scorecard yourself.
#1. Checklist for Students for Medical Admission in Uzbekistan
The Government of India and the Embassy have issued an important safety checklist for candidates planning to pursue MBBS in Uzbekistan:
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Qualify NEET Exam: Students studying MBBS abroad without clearing NEET will not be eligible to practice in India.
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Visit the embassy website: Before admission, please check the list of recognized colleges listed on the official website of the Embassy of India, Tashkent (eoitashkent.gov.in).
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Take written proof of English medium: Receive written confirmation from the college that the entire curriculum and clinical rotations will be taught in English only.
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Internship at the same university: Ensure that after studies, 1 year internship will be completed in an affiliated hospital of the same university.
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Stay away from agents: Do not deposit huge fees in the personal accounts of any third party or consultant and contact the official channel of the University directly.