The National Medical Commission (NMC) has announced a one-time additional attempt—called a 'mercy attempt'—for First Professional MBBS examinations. This relief measure applies to medical students admitted from the 2019–20 academic year onwards and is designed to help resolve pending cases. The key catch: this extra chance does not extend the overall time limit for completing your entire MBBS degree. If you are an MBBS student struggling with your first-year exam, understanding who qualifies and what the rules are is essential.
MBBS students admitted from 2019–20 onwards get one additional attempt at the First Professional exam, even if they exceed the normal four-year window—but only if they have not already used a mercy attempt, and the overall course duration limit remains unchanged.
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Unlock My College ListWhat is the NMC mercy attempt and who can use it?
The National Medical Commission's Under Graduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) has issued an official notice granting eligible MBBS students a single extra opportunity to pass their First Professional examination. This is framed as a transitional relief measure—a one-time exception—to help resolve cases that were pending before the Commission.
The mercy attempt is available to students who were admitted to MBBS programmes from the 2019–20 academic year onwards. Importantly, this attempt is permitted even if a student has exceeded the standard four-year timeframe normally allowed to complete the First Professional exam, provided the student remains enrolled and their admission is still valid.
Who is NOT eligible for this mercy attempt?
The NMC has been explicit about one critical exclusion: any student who has already been granted a mercy attempt in the past cannot apply for this new relief. This is a one-time-only provision, and double-dipping is not permitted.
Additionally, the mercy attempt does not apply to students admitted before the 2019–20 academic year. If you entered your MBBS programme in 2018–19 or earlier, this notice does not extend to you.
Does this mercy attempt extend your MBBS course duration?
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No. This is a crucial point that the NMC has emphasized. While the mercy attempt allows you to sit for the First Professional exam even if you have gone beyond the usual four-year limit, it does not relax or extend the maximum overall time permitted to complete your entire MBBS course.
In other words, the mercy attempt is a one-time lifeline for the first-year exam specifically—it does not buy you extra time to finish your degree. You must still complete all five years of MBBS within the total permissible duration set by your medical college and the NMC regulations.
What does this mean for MBBS students who are behind schedule?
If you are an MBBS student who has struggled with the First Professional exam and are approaching or have exceeded the four-year mark, this mercy attempt offers a genuine second chance. You can now attempt the exam without the fear of being debarred solely on the grounds of exceeding the time limit for that particular milestone.
However, you must act strategically. Use this attempt wisely—prepare thoroughly, because if you do not pass on this attempt, you will not get another mercy attempt. After this, you will need to follow the standard examination rules and timelines set by your institution and the NMC.
How do you apply for the mercy attempt?
The NMC has instructed all medical colleges, universities, and other educational authorities across India to identify eligible candidates and arrange their examinations. This means you do not apply directly to the NMC; instead, you should contact your medical college's examination or academic office.
Your college will determine your eligibility based on your admission year, whether you have already used a mercy attempt, and your current status as an enrolled student. The complete official notice and guidelines are available on the NMC's website at nmc.org.in. It is advisable to reach out to your college's examination cell to confirm your eligibility and the process for registering for this attempt.
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Why did the NMC introduce this relief measure?
The NMC framed this as an extraordinary and transitional measure to resolve pending cases—situations where students had legitimate reasons for delays or were caught in administrative or academic bottlenecks. The Commission recognized that a blanket application of time limits, without any flexibility, could unfairly penalize students in such circumstances.
This relief is not a permanent change to MBBS exam rules; it is a one-time exception. It reflects the NMC's acknowledgment that the transition to new medical education standards and regulations has created edge cases that warrant a compassionate but bounded solution.
What should NEET aspirants and current MBBS students know?
For NEET aspirants preparing to enter MBBS: this news underscores the importance of performing well in your first-year exams. While a mercy attempt exists, it is a safety net, not a substitute for solid preparation. The NMC's regulations are tightening, and relying on relief measures is not a sustainable strategy.
For current MBBS students: if you are struggling with the First Professional exam and are approaching the four-year deadline, this mercy attempt is a lifeline. However, treat it as your final opportunity to pass that milestone. Plan your preparation carefully, seek academic support from your college, and use this attempt to move forward in your course.
Key dates and where to find official information
The NMC issued this notice on October 15, 2026. All medical institutions have been directed to implement this provision immediately. The complete official notice is available on the NMC's portal at nmc.org.in.
If you believe you are eligible, do not delay in contacting your medical college's examination office. Clarify your eligibility status, understand the examination schedule, and begin your preparation. Waiting until the last moment could result in missing the opportunity.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
Am I eligible for the NMC mercy attempt if I was admitted to MBBS in 2018–19?
No. The mercy attempt applies only to students admitted from the 2019–20 academic year onwards. If you were admitted before that, this relief does not apply to you. You would need to follow the standard examination rules and timelines set by your college and the NMC.
Can I use the mercy attempt even if I have already exceeded the four-year limit for the First Professional exam?
Yes, that is the key benefit of this relief. You can attempt the First Professional exam even if you have gone beyond the usual four-year timeframe, provided you are still an enrolled student and your admission is valid. However, this does not extend the overall MBBS course completion deadline.
What happens if I have already used a mercy attempt before? Can I use this new one?
No. If you have already been granted a mercy attempt in the past, you are not eligible for this new relief. The NMC has explicitly stated that candidates who previously availed of a mercy attempt cannot apply under this notice. This is a one-time-only provision.
Does the mercy attempt give me extra time to complete my entire MBBS degree?
No. The mercy attempt allows you to sit for the First Professional exam beyond the normal four-year window, but it does not extend the maximum overall time permitted to complete your entire MBBS course. The total course duration limit remains unchanged.
How do I apply for the mercy attempt?
You do not apply directly to the NMC. Instead, contact your medical college's examination or academic office. Your college will verify your eligibility based on your admission year, whether you have used a mercy attempt before, and your current enrollment status. They will then arrange your examination.
Is this mercy attempt a permanent change to MBBS exam rules?
No. The NMC has described this as an extraordinary and transitional relief measure to resolve pending cases. It is a one-time exception, not a permanent relaxation of MBBS examination rules. Future batches may not have access to this relief.
What should I do if I think I am eligible but my college says I am not?
Ask your college to provide the specific reason for ineligibility in writing. Review the official NMC notice on nmc.org.in to confirm the eligibility criteria. If you believe there is an error, you can escalate the matter to your college's examination committee or contact the NMC directly through their official channels.
If I fail the mercy attempt, what are my options?
After using the mercy attempt, if you do not pass, you will revert to the standard examination rules and timelines set by your college and the NMC. You may be able to attempt the exam again, but you will no longer have the benefit of the time-limit exemption. Consult your college's academic office for the next steps.
If you are an MBBS student admitted from 2019–20 onwards and have not yet passed the First Professional exam, check your eligibility with your college immediately. This mercy attempt is a genuine relief, but it is also a final opportunity—use it strategically and prepare thoroughly. For NEET aspirants, this underscores the importance of excelling in your first year; do not count on relief measures to carry you through.
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