The National Medical Commission (NMC) has announced a major reform in postgraduate medical education by deciding to phase out Post Graduate (PG) Diploma courses and convert eligible diploma seats into Post Graduate Broad Specialty Degree courses (MD/MS) from the Academic Year 2027–28 onwards.

According to the notification issued by the Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB), the Academic Year 2026–27 will be the last year for admissions to PG Diploma courses. No new admissions will be permitted in PG Diploma courses from 2027–28 onwards and such courses will cease to function thereafter.

NMC stated that many medical colleges and institutions currently offering PG Diploma courses already have the required infrastructure, faculty, clinical material and other resources needed to conduct MD/MS degree programs. The conversion aims to standardize postgraduate medical education, improve specialist training quality and align qualifications with modern educational standards.

Medical colleges intending to convert their PG Diploma seats into corresponding MD/MS seats will be required to submit applications to the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) through the dedicated online portal. Approval for conversion will depend on fulfilling NMC’s prescribed regulatory requirements and standards.

The move is expected to strengthen postgraduate medical education in India by increasing the focus on recognized degree-level specialist training and better utilization of existing medical college facilities.