NMC proposes stricter rules for new medical colleges across India

The National Medical Commission has proposed stricter rules for establishing medical colleges, including mandatory completed infrastructure, a corpus fund requirement and a zero-tolerance policy against influencing regulators. Stakeholders have 30 days to submit feedback on the draft amendments.

Hyderabad: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has proposed stricter norms for the establishment of new medical colleges, signaling a major shift in how medical education infrastructure is regulated in India.

To this effect, the NMC has published the draft amendments to the ‘Establishment of New Medical Institutions, Assessment and Rating Regulations, 2023’ in the Gazette of India on July 9, aimed at enhancing accountability and institutional standards.

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A central feature of these proposals is that the NMC mandate now requires that all infrastructure and statutory requirements to establish a medical college must be fully complete and functional at the time of application, and temporary arrangements will no longer be permitted. As a part of this new norm, the NMC, in its amendments, has eliminated ‘work-in-progress’ status for new applicants.

The NMC has established a zero-tolerance policy against attempts to influence the Medical Assessment & Rating Board (MARB). Any such pressure will result in the immediate halting or rejection of an institution’s application.

To ensure long-term financial sustainability of medical colleges, the Commission has introduced a requirement for a mandatory ‘corpus fund’ for both new and existing medical colleges.

The notification also clarifies eligibility criteria, stating that only companies incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013, or trusts registered under relevant state statutes can apply.

Stakeholders have 30 days from July 9 to submit feedback exclusively via email to emiarr2026amendment@nmc.org.in using the prescribed format. Physical submissions will not be considered.