NMC Proposes Easier Norms for New Medical Colleges, Stricter PG Standards in Draft Reforms
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has introduced draft amendments to its 2023 regulations, aiming to simplify the process of establishing medical colleges while simultaneously tightening the quality benchmarks for postgraduate (PG) medical education. Under the proposed changes, the Commission plans to relax eligibility norms, enabling more trusts and societies to set up medical institutions. At the same time, it is reinforcing stricter compliance requirements for PG programmes, focusing on infrastructure, faculty strength, and clinical exposure. Stakeholders have been invited to submit feedback on the draft regulations by May 7. A key reform targets doctors serving under the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS). The NMC has proposed a single-State registration system, allowing AFMS doctors to practice nationwide during active service without requiring multiple State licences. However, upon retirement, they will need to re-register in the State where they intend to practice. The amendments also aim to streamline administrative processes. Annual licence renewals would be centrally managed to prevent lapses, while cases of professional misconduct will be handled by the registration council, based on inputs from the State where the issue arises. Additionally, teaching experience gained in unrecognised departments will no longer be considered valid. To ensure higher standards in PG medical education, the NMC has proposed revised norms, including a minimum of 220 beds for standalone PG institutes, at least 80% bed occupancy, and a stricter faculty-to-student ratio of 1:2. Private medical colleges will be limited to a maximum of four seats when launching or expanding PG courses. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel informed the Rajya Sabha that 43 new medical colleges have been established for the 2025–26 academic year. The government has also approved 11,682 MBBS seats and 8,967 PG seats nationwide. The Union Health Ministry continues to support expansion through a centrally sponsored scheme focused on setting up medical colleges linked to district and referral hospitals, particularly in underserved and aspirational regions. So far, 157 colleges have been approved under this initiative, with substantial financial backing from both central and state governments. These proposed reforms reflect a dual approach—expanding access to medical education while ensuring tighter quality control across institutions. Source: The Hindu Photo Credit: Getty Images
