(a) General. For each academic year of scholarship support received, participants must serve as full-time employees of the National Institutes of Health:

(1) For not less than 10 consecutive weeks of each year during which the participant receives the scholarship; and

(2) For 12 months for each academic year for which the scholarship has been provided.

(b) Beginning of service. The period of obligated service under paragraph (a)(2) of this section must begin within 60 days of obtaining the undergraduate degree, except for participants who receive a deferment under § 68b.8.