Published at : 2026-08-04 18:52:00 | Views: 2,107
Universities almost always publish that they are "internationally recognized" on their websites. The phrase is meaningless. Recognized by whom, and does this recognition carry any weight for the Indian medical licensing? This tends to trip families during the evaluation of MBBS in Uzbekistan as much as fees or hostel conditions.
This guide will answer the real questions. We provide a straightforward explanation of what being NMC-approved means, the common universities said to meet this criteria, and how to check this for yourself rather than relying on others.
The NMC no longer has a simple "approved list" of foreign universities. Since 2021, every university students wish to attend must satisfy the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations, which include a full course of at least 5 years in one University, full instruction in English, and a full year of medical internship conducted in the same University. Currently, 6 to 8 medical universities in Uzbekistan that are said to meet these requirements are Tashkent Medical Academy, Samarkand State Medical University, Bukhara State Medical Institute, Andijan State Medical Institute, and Fergana Medical Institute of Public Health. Every student interested in studying in these universities must do a direct verification of current compliance, since these requirements can be revised from time to time.
Most brochures skip this part. Previously, the NMC published a list of foreign universities it approved. This system changed in 2021 with the publication of the FMGL Regulations. Now, all universities must comply with the FMGL Regulations, whereas previously it was a matter of inclusion on a list. What someone means when they call a university 'NMC-approved' is typically that the university meets the FMGL criteria and not that the university has some governmental approval. For those interested in the MBBS in Uzbekistan for Indian students, this is important because it means there is a responsibility to verify on an ongoing basis. This is not a one-time verification.
● Cross check the university's status on the World Directory of Medical Schools. This is the database that officially certifies medical schools.
● Check the official website of the National Medical Commission for the latest advisories and guidance prior to paying any fee.
● Request confirmation of a written undertaking stating the course is a minimum of 54 months duration, taught entirely in English, and is taught at one institution.
● Ensure the 12 months mandatory internship is undertaken at the same institution.
● Request the university for the past FMGE/NExT results of the recent batches. A reputable university will provide these results.
Requirement | Detail |
Minimum Age | 17 years as of December 31st of year of admission |
Education | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology with minimum of 50% (40% for reserved categories) |
NEET | Valid, qualifying NEET required |
Duration | 54 months teaching at one institution |
Internship | 12 months |
Prior to shortlisting a university, check the NEET cut offs on the NTA NEET official portal.
1. Shortlist universities using WDOMS and current FMGL compliance for a more detailed analysis rather than just comparing fees.
2. Request written confirmation about course outline and internship information from universities.
3. Submit documents - mark sheets, NEET scorecard, passport, photos etc.
4. Admission/invitation letter will be sent to you.
5. Apply for student visa
6. Confirmation fee, travel and on arrival registration
University | City | Established | Notable Features |
Tashkent Medical Academy | Tashkent | 1920 | Long standing institution, FMGE support |
Samarkand State Medical University | Samarkand | 1930 | Large campus, Clinical Training |
Bukhara State Medical Institute | Bukhara | 1990 | Historic Campus, Good Academics |
Andijan State Medical Institute | Andijan | 1955 | Large Indian Students |
Fergana Medical Institute of Public Health | Fergana | 1991 | Cheaper, Focus on Preventive Medicine |
Nukus Branch, Tashkent Medical Academy | Nukus |
| lower cost of living, less crowded city |
This list includes universities that are regularly posted as FMGL compliant. Always confirm compliance with a university directly, as they undergo regular reviews and the status may change.
Description | Approximate Cost |
Annual Tuition | ₹2-4 Lakhs (USD $2300 -$4500) |
Hostel and Living Expenses | ₹1-1.5 Lakhs (Annual) |
Total Expenditure | ₹3-5.5 Lakhs (Annual) |
Salary: ₹22 - ₹27 LPK
● You have a legal pathway to practice medicine in India after NExT/FMGE
● There are no donations or capitation fees like in most private colleges of India
● Teachings are done in English
● The university's recognition by WHO and WDOMS provides such an assurance internationally
● The risk of your degree being challenged during the process of Indian licensing is reduced
● You may look at how prestigious and modern the campus is, but your degree may not be registered in India if you don't verify for FMGL compliance
● There is no "approved list", hence an agent may misrepresent the compliance
● There may be advisories on universities and these are fairly unpredictable
● Even at compliant universities, FMGE/NExT pass rates for foreign medical graduates have been under 20% in recent years, so preparation for the exam is warranted
● You can take the FMGE/NExT to register and practice medicine in India
● Take the USMLE for a career in the United States
● Pursue MD/MS specializations in India, or elsewhere
● Practice Medicine in other countries with recognition of degrees from the World Directory of Medical Schools
A degree from a university with WHO recognition provides a greater level of credibility internationally. However, for practice in India, having both NMC and FMGL compliance is crucial, and WHO listing will not suffice alone.
Students who plan on Study MBBS in Uzbekistan should demand hard copies of the course duration, language of instruction, and if they have any information regarding the terms of their clinical internships. They should verify the information from the universities themselves and use the WDOMS listing to cross-check the information. They should not take the word of the agent.
Currently there are no such lists. Since 2021, the NMC has opted for the FMGL Regulations in a rule-based system, and students have to check the compliance status of each university themselves.
It is best to check their current status on the World Directory of Medical Schools and verify the compliance information with the university itself as per the current NMC guidelines.
Tashkent Medical Academy, Samarkand State Medical University, Bukhara State Medical Institute, Andijan State Medical Institute, and Fergana Medical Institute of Public Health. However, further verification is necessary
Even if the university is a legitimate instituion in Uzbekistan, your degree may not be allowed for registration with the Indian Medical Council.
Yes. Even if an instituion is NMC-compliant, this will allow you to appear for the FMGE or NExT, but you will still need to clear these exams to practice in India.
Those applying to schools in Uzbekistan would be well-advised to take the position NMC Approved with a grain of salt. Now you would have to check school by school against the FMGL criteria and the official WDOMS database. On a positive note, once you learn the criteria, this verification process will be the least time consuming of the many steps involved in this process. Make sure you do this verification before you pay any fee, and remember that MBBS in Uzbekistan is, in fact, a legitimate pathway to a medical career at a fraction of the cost.