FMG Internship Counselling 2025: State Medical Councils Begin Processing Merit List for Further Allotment Procedures

As of December 15, 2025, a critical phase in the FMG Internship Counselling has begun. State Medical Councils (SMCs) across the nation are actively processing the Provisional Merit Lists for eligible Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs). This essential step, following the release of final seat vacancies, paves the way for the subsequent stages of choice filling, seat allotment, and document verification. Aspirants must now meticulously check their official SMC portals, verify their ranks, and prepare for the strategic choice locking process. This process is crucial for securing a mandatory Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) slot in NMC-approved institutions.

The journey for thousands of Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) seeking to practice medicine in India hinges on successfully securing a Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) slot. This process, governed by the State Medical Councils (SMCs), has entered a pivotal phase. Datelined December 15, 2025, the news confirms that SMCs are now actively processing and, in many states, publishing the merit lists of eligible candidates. This move signals the immediate commencement of further allotment procedures, bringing FMGs one step closer to their mandatory year-long (or two/three-year, as per NMC guidelines) clinical training in NMC-approved medical colleges and hospitals. Aspirants must stay hyper-vigilant, tracking their respective state portals for the final rank and schedule.

 Current Status: Merit List Processing and Publication

The publication of the merit list is the definitive step that validates a candidate's eligibility and determines their ranking within the counselling system for a particular state. This process is based on the performance in the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) and adherence to state-specific registration norms.

• Provisional Merit List Review: Many State Medical Councils (SMCs), such as those in Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, have either released or are in the final stages of processing their Provisional Merit Lists (PMLs). This list is crucial as it allows candidates to review their details and raise any grievances before the Final Merit List is published.
• Final Vacancy Confirmation: This phase follows the finalisation of the seat matrix, which was published after addressing objections from various medical colleges regarding their initial capacity and logistical capabilities. The confirmed number of seats available for allotment directly influences the cut-offs and the overall competition.
• Merit-Based Ranking: The rank assigned in the merit list is the sole factor determining a candidate's priority during the seat allotment process. Higher FMGE scores generally translate to better ranks, increasing the probability of securing a preferred internship location.

 Key Next Steps in the Allotment Procedure

With the Provisional Merit Lists in circulation, the subsequent procedures are highly time-bound and demand immediate action from all eligible FMG aspirants. These steps must be followed precisely to avoid cancellation of candidature.

• Choice Filling and Locking: This is arguably the most critical stage. Candidates must log in to the official counselling portal and select their desired medical colleges/hospitals in order of preference. Strategic choice filling, based on the final vacancy list and the candidate's rank, is paramount.
  • Deadline Compliance: Strict adherence to the deadline for choice locking is non-negotiable. Failure to lock choices by the specified date (e.g., December 17th or 21st in certain state schedules) will automatically disqualify the application from the current round of allotment.
  • Strategic Prioritization: Aspirants are strongly advised to prioritize colleges with a high number of seats or those in their preferred location while being realistic about their merit rank.
• Seat Allotment Result: The SMCs will process the locked choices based on merit and the availability of seats. The results of the first round of allotment are expected to be published shortly, potentially between December 17th and December 23rd, 2025, depending on the state.
• Document Verification and Reporting: Candidates who are allotted a seat must immediately download their allotment letter and prepare for the physical document verification and joining process at the assigned medical college within the prescribed joining window.

 Essential Documents for Verification and Joining

Securing an allotment is only half the battle. FMGs must be fully prepared for the final, non-negotiable step of document verification (also known as Scrutiny) and physical reporting. A typical checklist of essential documents includes:

• FMGE Pass Certificate: The mandatory certificate confirming qualification in the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination.
• Primary Medical Qualification: The MBBS/equivalent degree certificate from the foreign university, duly attested/apostilled.
• Provisional Registration Certificate (SMC): The certificate from the State Medical Council where the candidate seeks to intern.
• Passport and Visa Copies: Complete copies of the passport with all relevant visa and immigration pages.
• Allotment Letter: The official letter generated from the counselling portal confirming the assigned internship seat.
• Other Mandatory Documents: This typically includes the Aadhaar Card, High School (10th) and Intermediate (10+2) Certificates, and any state-specific affidavits (e.g., Domicile, Non-Domicile, or Self-Declaration).

Conclusion

The commencement of merit list processing by State Medical Councils is a clear indicator that the FMG Internship Allotment process for 2025 is moving ahead swiftly and is now entering its most decisive phase. Aspirants must exercise utmost caution and precision, particularly during the choice filling and document verification stages, as errors at this point can lead to the forfeiture of the coveted internship seat. Ensure you download your respective state’s Final Merit List and Seat Allotment Schedule immediately and start preparing your choice list meticulously.