As per the circular, the foundation course will be covered in 11 months instead of 13. The course will be covered after regular teaching hours or on weekends or holidays. The vacations in the first, second, and third years will also be curtailed by a month. “Each subsequent professional year has been compressed by one month only. Care has been taken not to curtail practical and clinical postings. The internship will also remain for a year,” said the circular. The final exam for the batch will be held in June 2026. NMC added that it may appear that the course duration has been shortened but actual teaching and training hours have been preserved