Science TechnologyThursday, 25 June 2026·The Hindu - National
NMC to end PG diploma medical courses from 2027-28; seats to convert into MD/MS
NMC has ordered a phased end to PG diploma medical courses in India, with 2026-27 as the last admission year and conversion into MD/MS seats.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In June 2026, the National Medical Commission (NMC) said the 2026–27 academic session will be the last for PG diploma medical admissions in India, and from 2027–28 no fresh admissions will be allowed as seats are converted into MD/MS degree seats.
Key specifics
- The order was issued by the NMC’s Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) in 2026.
- PG diploma seats are to be converted into corresponding MD/MS broad-specialty seats through the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB).
- Traditional diploma courses named in the report include DGO, DCH, DA, DMRD and DO.
- PG diploma courses are typically 2 years, while MD/MS programmes are 3 years.
- The policy basis cited is the Post Graduate Medical Education Regulations (PGMER), 2023.
Exam lens
TNPSC science and governance question angle: NMC, PGMEB, MARB, PGMER 2023, and the 2027–28 phase-out deadline. One-liner: match the regulator with the reform that replaces diploma streams with degree-based specialist training.