Fri Dec 12 17:06:11 UTC 2025: Summary:
The Karnataka Health Department has clarified regulations for medical graduates completing their studies in the state who are required to undergo compulsory government service. A circular issued on December 10, 2025, outlines that while these graduates aren’t eligible for permanent medical registration until they fulfill their service obligation (or obtain an exemption), they are eligible for temporary registration from the Karnataka Medical Council (KMC). The circular also clarifies that universities and colleges can issue Provisional Degree Certificates and Course Completion Certificates, respectively, without departmental clearance, but the final degree issuance will still be governed by the Karnataka Compulsory Service Act of 2012. Out-of-state candidates will need to provide an affidavit undertaking to serve when called upon to be issued an NOC.
News Article:
Karnataka Clarifies Rules for Medical Graduates on Compulsory Service
Bengaluru, December 12, 2025 – The Karnataka Health Department has issued new directives clarifying regulations for medical graduates obligated to perform compulsory government service. The announcement, aimed at streamlining the registration process, ensures that while graduates are fulfilling their service requirements, they can still practice medicine under temporary registration.
According to the circular, issued December 10, MBBS, postgraduate, and super-specialty degree holders aren’t eligible for permanent registration under existing medical council acts until they complete their mandatory service or obtain an exemption. However, the Karnataka Medical Council (KMC) has been instructed to grant temporary registration to these graduates, allowing them to practice medicine while fulfilling their service obligations.
“This move is intended to support our medical graduates while ensuring that underserved areas of the state receive the medical attention they desperately need,” stated a Health Department official.
The department also clarified that universities can issue Provisional Degree Certificates and colleges can issue Course Completion Certificates without prior approval from the Health and Family Welfare Department. However, the issuance of final degree certificates remains subject to the provisions of the Karnataka Compulsory Service Act of 2012. Out-of-state candidates will be required to submit an affidavit promising to serve when called upon in order to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
The circular has been communicated to the Karnataka Medical Council, the Director of Medical Education, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, and other relevant state universities.
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