NMC CRMI 2021: Rules, Duration, Eligibility & Structure

NMC CRMI 2021: The National Medical Commission (NMC), under the powers conferred by the NMC Act, 2019, introduced the Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) Regulations 2021. These regulations establish standards for medical internship training across India for both Indian and foreign medical graduates.

The CRMI is not just a mandatory step before permanent registration but also a structured programme aimed at preparing young doctors for independent medical practice.

NMC CRMI 2021: Key Objectives of CRMI

The CRMI is designed to:

• Integrate practical training as an essential part of the MBBS curriculum.
• Expose interns to diverse medical disciplines.
• Develop clinical, procedural, and ethical competencies.
• Ensure readiness for independent practice and participation in public health systems.

Without the successful completion of CRMI, no medical graduate can obtain permanent registration to practice medicine in India.

CRMI Duration and Structure

• Total Duration: Minimum of 12 months (52 weeks).
• Completion Window: Must be completed within two years of qualifying exams such as MBBS final, FMGE, or NExT Step-1.
• Extensions: Granted in special cases like insufficient attendance, natural disasters, or approved medical/maternity leave.
• Leaves:
  • 15 days of normal leave,
  • Maternity leave as per government rules,
  • Paternity leave of 2 weeks,
  • Medical leave (included within 15 days, unless extended by a medical board).

NMC CRMI 2021 Eligibility Criteria

For Indian Medical Graduates:

• Must have completed MBBS from an NMC-recognised institution.
• Internship must be carried out in the same institution where the MBBS was completed.
• Equivalent recognition given to one year of service in the Armed Forces Medical Services.

For Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs):

• Required to complete CRMI at par with Indian graduates.
• Must undergo CRMI in NMC-approved medical colleges/hospitals.
• Up to 7.5% of the intern quota in a college may be allotted to FMGs.
• Posting may be assigned through counselling/seat allocation.

Curriculum and Rotations

The CRMI curriculum is comprehensive, ensuring exposure to clinical, community, and emergency care.

MBBS Clinical Postings Duration

Discipline / Posting	Duration
Community Medicine (incl. General Medicine, Surgery, OBG, Rural postings)	12 weeks
General Medicine	6 weeks
General Surgery	6 weeks
Pediatrics	3 weeks
Psychiatry	2 weeks
Anesthesiology & Critical Care	2 weeks
Obstetrics & Gynaecology (OBG)	7 weeks
Orthopedics & Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PMR)	2 weeks
Emergency / Trauma	2 weeks
Dermatology	1–2 weeks
ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat)	1–2 weeks
Ophthalmology	1–2 weeks
Forensic Medicine	1–2 weeks
Electives (Respiratory Medicine, Radiology, Lab Medicine, AYUSH, etc.)	4 weeks

Skills and Competency Development

Interns are expected to observe, assist, or independently perform a wide range of medical and surgical procedures such as:

• Venipuncture, IV infusion, lumbar puncture, and blood transfusion.
• Neonatal resuscitation, normal delivery, episiotomy, and IUCD insertion.
• Trauma care, wound suturing, and fracture management.
• Lab investigations, pathology, microbiology, and radiology techniques.
• Legal documentation in medico-legal cases.

A Log Book is mandatory to track competencies, procedures, and clinical exposure.

Also Read: NMC Fee Guidelines: 50% Private Medical Seats at Govt College Fees

Assessment and Certification

• Regular assessment during postings through logbooks, feedback forms, and skill evaluations.
• Certification of satisfactory completion issued by the Dean/Principal based on departmental endorsements.
• Interns must clear NExT Step-2 (Licentiate Test) before obtaining permanent registration.

Stipend and Supervision

• All interns are entitled to a stipend as per the rules of the respective State/University.
• Stipend not paid for extension periods (except approved maternity/paternity/medical leave).
• Training is conducted under the guidance of qualified mentors who hold postgraduate qualifications in the subject.

Who is a Mentor? [Regulation 2 and 6]	A mentor is an appropriately qualified and trained medical teacher and senior to the trainee, who guides the trainee in all aspects of graduation, such as education, skill enhancement, research work and ethical values. The entire course of internship is to be done under the active supervision of the mentor, duly qualified in that respect.
What should be the qualifications of a mentor? [Regulation 1 of Schedule IV]	A mentor for interns shall possess a postgraduate qualification in the subject concerned and shall be duly certified as a mentor for interns by the Professor and Head of the Department concerned.

The CRMI regulations of 2021 aim to standardise internship training, enhance clinical competencies, and strengthen the role of young doctors in India’s healthcare system. With emphasis on community exposure, emergency care, and holistic skill-building, the internship bridges the gap between theoretical learning and real-world medical practice.

For both Indian and Foreign Medical Graduates, this internship is not only a gateway to permanent registration but also a crucial phase in shaping competent, ethical, and empathetic physicians.