NMC’s proposed 10-year MBBS limit: Why experts say student support matters more than one extra year

 The National Medical Commission’s proposal to restore the maximum duration for completing MBBS from nine years to 10 years has reignited debate on student welfare and academic standards. Senior medical educator Dr. M. M. A. Faridi argues that the focus should be on counselling, mentoring and identifying the reasons behind academic struggles rather than the one-year difference. Meanwhile, United Doctors Front President Dr. Babita Sikriwal supports the proposal, calling for stronger student support systems and reconsideration of the four-attempt First Professional MBBS rule. The National Medical Commission’s proposal to restore the maximum duration for completing MBBS from nine years to 10 years has reignited debate on student welfare and academic standards. Senior medical educator Dr. M. M. A. Faridi argues that the focus should be on counselling, mentoring and identifying the reasons behind academic struggles rather than the one-year difference. Meanwhile, United Doctors Front President Dr. Babita Sikriwal supports the proposal, calling for stronger student support systems and reconsideration of the four-attempt First Professional MBBS rule.