NEW DELHI: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has announced that postgraduate (PG) medical diploma courses will be phased out across India, with specialist medical education transitioning to MD and MS degree programmes.

According to the NMC, the 2026–27 academic session will be the final admission cycle for PG diploma courses. From the 2027–28 academic year onwards, no new admissions to these programmes will be permitted.

The commission has directed medical colleges currently offering diploma courses to initiate the process of converting existing diploma seats into corresponding MD/MS seats through the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB).

The NMC has clarified that students already enrolled in diploma programmes, including those admitted during the 2026–27 session, will be allowed to complete their courses without any disruption.

According to the commission, the decision is intended to standardize postgraduate medical education and align specialist training with current educational requirements. The NMC noted that diploma holders often face limitations in career progression and academic opportunities compared to MD/MS degree holders.

Medical institutions have been advised to review the guidelines issued by the Post Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) and take the necessary steps for seat conversion in accordance with regulatory requirements.