SC relief to Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, admissions allowed for 150 MBBS, 49 PG seats

SC relief to Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, admissions allowed for 150 MBBS, 49 PG seats

03.06.2026

Written By : Barsha MisraPublished On 2 June 2026 4:39 PM | Updated On 2 June 2026 4:39 PM

Supreme Court of India

 New Delhi: Granting major relief, the Supreme Court recently allowed the Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (HIMSR) to proceed with admissions to 150 MBBS seats and 49 postgraduate medical seats for the academic year 2026-2027.

The medical admissions at the medical institute had earlier faced uncertainty due to a dispute over affiliation consent. While considering the matter, the Apex Court bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan held that the consent of affiliation shall be deemed to have been granted by Jamia Hamdard Deemed to be University, subject to the outcome of the ongoing legal battle between two branches of the Hamdard family.

"Consequently, in continuation of our earlier order dated 11.02.2026, we observe that the Consent of Affiliation is deemed to have been granted by the first respondent-University in favour of the third petitioner-institution subject to the result of this Special Leave Petition for the academic year 2026-2027. This is particularly in respect of 150 seats of MBBS and 49 seats post-graduate seats for the very same academic year, namely, 2026-2027," the bench observed.

"We again observe that the aforesaid order is passed having regard to the peculiar facts of this case where there is an arbitral dispute between two branches of the family and arbitral proceedings are subject to adjudication in this Special Leave Petition," it added.

Background:

The plea before the top court bench was filed seeking directions for the issuance of enrolment numbers to 49 PG students, restoration of access to the NMC portal, and the grant of consent of affiliation for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported on the ongoing conflict between HIMSR and Jamia Hamdard University. Allegedly, HIMSR was facing challenges due to the ongoing legal and administrative dispute between the founding family members, which led to the withdrawal of affiliation to HIMSR by Jamia Hamdard.

The dispute followed a family settlement dividing control over institutes operating under the Hamdard umbrella. Earlier, citing objections under the UGC Act and UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023, Jamia Hamdard had withdrawn consent of affiliation to HIMSR.

Last year, the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), while releasing the tentative list of medical colleges and the MBBS seat matrix for NEET 2025 counselling, allotted zero seats to HIMSR.

Earlier this year, the issue concerning the PG medical admissions to the institute reached the Supreme Court, which had granted relief to the institute by allowing the addition of 49 postgraduate medical seats at the institute for the NEET PG counselling for the academic year 2025-2026.

The apex court bench of Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan had issued specific directions in this regard to the National Medical Commission, which had earlier withdrawn the 49 MD seats at the institute based on purported letters of Jamia Hamdard (Deemed University).

Following this, on February 11, 2026, after the admission of 49 PG students through the counselling process, the Court deemed consent of affiliation to have been granted in favour of the institute, subject to the outcome of the case.

Last week, during the hearing of the matter, the counsel for the petitioners, Senior Advocate Dhruv Mehta, submitted that unless access to the NMC portal was restored and affiliation-related issues were resolved, HIMSR would be unable to fill up its 150 MBBS seats for the 2026-2027 academic year.

On the other hand, the counsel for Jamia Hamdard, Senior Advocate P. Chidambaram, submitted that the university would not stand in the way of orders being passed in the interest of students. However, the counsel raised concerns over compliance with Regulations 26, 31 and 34 the UGC, observations made by an Expert Committee and also the issues highlighted in a CAG report.

He submitted that any lapse on the part of the college may jeopardize not only the interest of the petitioner-college but also of the respondent-University. Therefore, he submitted that certain directions may be issued to the petitioners in the context of those compliances.

Taking note of the submissions, the Apex Court bench issued directions for the issuance of enrolment numbers to 49 PG students, restoration of access to the NMC portal and acceptance of the institute's disclosure reports. It also directed the University to issue Consent of Affiliation to HIMSR in respect of 150 UG seats and 49 PG seats for the academic year 2026-2027, and mentioned that in the alternative, deemed Consent of Affiliation be granted to Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in respect of 150 UG Seats and 49 PG seats for the academic year 2026-2027

"The pendency of this Special Leave Petition would not come in the way of the High Court adjudicating the Writ Petition(s) pending before it. The Writ Petition(s) shall be disposed of as expeditiously as possible," the top court bench clarified.

To view the order, click on the link below:

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/2026/06/02/jamia-hamdard-351445.pdf

AI may assist doctors make medicine smarter

AI may assist doctors make medicine smarter 

TIMES EDUCATION 01.06.2026

Automation improves decision-making, but human precision has an edge during treatment, writes Anubhav Mishra 

From crowded OPDs to overworked doctors, India’s healthcare system is under pressure. With Artificial Intelligence (AI) entering the system, and many fearing job losses, the bigger story is how it can support doctors and improve patient care. AI is often discussed as a threat to jobs. Across industries, people worry that machines will replace humans. But healthcare tells a different story, especially in India, where the real challenge is not too many workers, but too few. 

India’s healthcare system faces a serious workforce gap. Hospitals are expanding, patient loads are rising, but trained professionals are not keeping pace. Even premier institutions struggle with shortages. Recent reports indicate that many public hospitals have significant vacancies in doctor and specialist positions, affecting service delivery. Globally, the situation is similar. 

According to McKinsey & Company, the world could face a shortage of nearly 10 million healthcare workers by 2030. This makes it clear: healthcare needs more support, not fewer people. This is where AI comes in. AI refers to systems that can analyse data, identify patterns, and assist in decision-making. In healthcare, this includes reading X-rays, predicting disease risks, managing patient records, and even suggesting treatment pathways. It does not replace human judgement, but it enhances it. 

Increasing Usage 

In India, AI adoption in healthcare is already growing rapidly. More than 40% of clinicians are now using AI tools in some form, a sharp increase in recent years. This shows that AI is not a distant concept; it is already part of everyday medical practice. The benefits are significant. First, AI can improve diagnosis and early detection. Advanced AI systems can analyse medical images with high accuracy, helping detect diseases such as cancer and lung conditions faster. In India, AI tools trained on large datasets have achieved over 95% accuracy in identifying multiple diseases from scans, reducing reporting time and improving outcomes. AI can make healthcare more efficient. Doctors in India often spend a large part of their time on administrative tasks such as documentation, scheduling, and record-keeping. AI can automate these processes, freeing up valuable time. 

In fact, hospitals are already experimenting with AI tools that can save doctors two to three hours per day by handling routine tasks. AI can expand access to healthcare, especially in rural India. Many villages lack access to specialists, and patients often travel long distances for basic care. AI-powered tools, combined with telemedicine, can help bridge this gap by enabling faster diagnosis and remote consultations. Studies suggest that AI can significantly improve healthcare access and reduce delays in underserved areas. The economic impact is also noteworthy. 

AI in healthcare could contribute up to $30 billion to India’s GDP by 2025, highlighting its growing importance in the sector. However, the key question remains: will AI replace healthcare jobs? The answer is no, but it will change them. AI is best suited for tasks that involve data, repetition, and pattern recognition. This means roles such as medical transcription, diagnostics support, and administrative processing will evolve significantly. However, healthcare is not just about data; it is about people. Jobs that require empathy, trust, and human interaction are much harder to replace. Nurses, caregivers, and frontline health workers play a critical role in patient care that machines cannot replicate. A machine cannot comfort a patient, understand their emotional distress, or build trust with the families. Even for doctors, AI acts as an assistant, not a replacement. It provides insights, reduces workload, and improves decision-making, but the final judgement remains human. Reducing Burnout 

In fact, AI may help reduce burnout among healthcare professionals by allowing them to focus more on patients rather than the rigorous paperwork. However, challenges do remain. India still faces gaps in digital infrastructure, data quality, and AI training. Without proper investment and regulation, the full benefits of AI may not be realised. The future of healthcare jobs in India is not about humans versus machines. It is about humans working with machines. AI will not solve the workforce crisis on its own. It can be a powerful part of the solution. By improving efficiency, expanding access, and supporting doctors, AI can help India deliver better healthcare to more people. 

The real opportunity lies in preparing the workforce for this technological shift. Doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals who learn to work with AI will be better equipped for the future. Because in healthcare, technology may assist, but humanity will always lead. (The author is professor, Marketing, Jaipuria Institute of Management, Lucknow) 

Data-Driven Model AI can shift India’s healthcare system from reactive to proactive care. Instead of treating diseases after they occur, AI can help predict risks and enable preventive care. According to a KPMG–FICCI report, AI is driving Indian healthcare towards a more data-driven, preventive model.

NMC proposes 10-year time limit to complete MBBS course

NMC proposes 10-year time limit to complete MBBS course 

Draft Amendment Retains Four-Attempt Restriction In First Year

Anuja.Jaiswal@timesofindia.com 31.05.2026

New Delhi : Medical students could soon get an additional year to complete their MBBS course, with National Medical Commission (NMC) proposing to extend the maximum duration to finish undergraduate medical education from nine years to ten years. 

In a draft amendment to Graduate Medical Education Regulations 2023, the commission has proposed that no student will be allowed to continue the undergraduate medical course beyond ten years of joining the MBBS programme, including the compulsory rotatory medical internship. 

The existing regulation limits the duration to nine years from the date of admission. The proposal leaves unchanged another key provision of the regulations that bars students from making more than four attempts to clear the First Professional MBBS examination. 

The amendment is expected to benefit students whose education is delayed due to academic setbacks, health issues, family circumstances or other unforeseen reasons. The draft notification, published in Gazette of India, has been placed in the public domain for comments and suggestions. 

National Medical Commission has invited feedback from medical colleges, students, faculty members and other stakeholders. The commission said objections and suggestions received within 30 days will be considered before the amendment is finalised. 

The change comes nearly three years after the introduction of the competency-based Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023, which had capped the duration of undergraduate medical education at nine years.

Medical education experts say the proposal reflects the recognition that a small section of students may require additional time to complete training because of interruptions during the course. They noted that while the amendment provides greater flexibility, it does not dilute academic standards since the four-attempt ceiling in the First Professional MBBS examination remains intact.

AIIMS Gorakhpur allows 5 attempts for MBBS exams

AIIMS Gorakhpur allows 5 attempts for MBBS exams

Written By : Barsha MisraPublished On 11 May 2026 6:05 PM | Updated On 11 May 2026 9:46 PM

Gorakhpur: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Gorakhpur has decided to grant five attempts to MBBS students to pass the exam, instead of four. The institute has implemented this arrangement from the current academic session.

The decision to grant an additional opportunity to the MBBS students was taken by the Standing Committee of the institute on compassionate grounds at a meeting held a few days ago.

Under the current regulations, MBBS students who fail to clear the exam are given four opportunities to clear the exam. If a student fails to clear the exam within the granted attempts, they are prevented from continuing their studies.

As per the latest media report by Jagran, considering the students' future, the AIIMS administration has decided to adopt a humanitarian approach and decided to provide an additional opportunity to the students. The Daily has reported that the students can avail this additional attempt to clear the exam based on a mercy petition.

Commenting on the matter, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Major General (Retd.) Dr. Vibha Dutta told the Daily that according to the AIIMS regulations, previously, unsuccessful students used to get only four chances. However, keeping the students' future in mind, a decision has been taken to grant an additional opportunity on compassionate grounds.

However, Dr. Dutta clarified that if the MBBS students fail even after the fifth atempt, they will not be given any further opportunities.

As per the existing rules prescribed by the National Medical Commission (NMC), MBBS students are given a total of four attempts to clear their first professional examination.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that setting a limit regarding the number of attempts to clear the MBBS examination, NMC had clarified in GMER 2023, "Provided under no circumstances the student shall be allowed more than four (04) attempts for first year (First Professional MBBS) and no student shall be allowed to continue undergraduate medical course after nine (09) years from the date of admission into the course, mentioned the Regulations."

Back in 2023, the Apex Medical Commission granted one extra attempt to the MBBS batches of 2019 and 2020 to qualify for their first professional exam. NMC took this decision because these batches were affected by COVID.

Recently, the Department-related Parliamentary Committee on Health and Family Welfare in its 172nd report pointed out that permitting students only four attempts to clear the MBBS first professional examination can be overly stringent for many students adjusting to the demanding nature of medical education. Therefore, the panel suggested increasing the permissible limit to six attempts.

However, the panel has opined that the students must complete the entire MBBS course within a maximum period of ten years from the date of admission.

Top 5 toughest medical exams in the world

Top 5 toughest medical exams in the world

etimes.in | May 14, 2026, 08.49 AM IST

Almost everyone wants to be a doctor while growing up. The allure is, of course, undeniable: the opportunity to save lives; the respect that comes with the white coat. From the outside, it is indeed a glamorous job. But those who finally make it to medical school and get to wear that white coat and a stethoscope are the ones who have gone through some of the most brutal examinations ever designed—exams that require years of preparation and can be demanding in every possible way. From the USMLE in the United States to the UK’s GAMSAT, these competitive medical examinations are designed to filter out only the best.When people talk about the toughest medical entrance exams globally, India’s NEET UG always finds a place on the list. The pressure around it is even more grueling than the syllabus and difficulty level. In 2026 alone, NEET UG saw a 96.92% turnout, with over 22 lakh candidates competing for approximately 1.3 lakh MBBS seats across the nation. This alone highlights the high stakes in medical education. Let’s take a look at the top five toughest medical exams in the world and what makes them so challenging.

USMLE

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is often considered one of the toughest competitive exams in the world. This test is known for its notorious difficulty. USMLE is a three-step licensure exam for doctors who want to practise medicine in the United States. The first test focuses on comprehensive medical knowledge of basic sciences and is particularly feared by medical students, with only about 85% passing on their first attempt. The second evaluates the ability to apply medical knowledge, and skills. The third step assesses whether candidates can apply medical knowledge and understanding of biomedical and clinical science essential for the unsupervised practice of medicine. These three-step exams are taken over a period of several years, with the lowest pass rates in the first step.

MCAT

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is the gateway exam for prospective medical students in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the Caribbean islands. MCAT has earned quite a reputation for its difficulty. Administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges, this exam assesses scientific reasoning, critical thinking, and psychological concepts. The seven hours of a gruelling exam is tough to crack, with an average pass rate of about 65–70%. This competitive exam demands months of intensive preparation, costing thousands of dollars. American medical schools trust MCAT scores explicitly.

GAMSAT

The Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) is a distinctive exam that stands apart as one of the world's most unusual and psychologically demanding medical entrance tests. This test is the gateway for graduate entry into medical schools in Australia, Ireland, and the UK. Students entering dentistry, pharmacy, and veterinary programmes are also required to take this test. This exam is notoriously long—roughly 5.5 to 6 hours. Scientific knowledge, emotional intelligence, and ethical reasoning, among others are assessed in this exam. Pass rates are often between 40–50%. For Australian and British medical schools, GAMSAT's integrity is beyond question.

MRCP

The Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) in the UK is one of the notoriously difficult exams. This is a postgraduate medical qualification for doctors who want to specialise in internal medicine in the UK. This British qualification is a set of three postgraduate exams—MRCP Part 1, MRCP Part 2, and MRCP PACES. Cracking MRCP is nothing short of excellence. Pass rates are normally around 50% because of its difficulty. It is a test of medical excellence that even brilliant doctors attempt multiple times before passing.

PLAB

The Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) examination in the UK is another high-stakes licensing examination for international medical graduates seeking registration. PLAB has a two-part format testing both knowledge and clinical skills. Practical competency is an important part of this test, with pass rates for non-UK-trained doctors typically 40–50%.

Disclaimer: This article is based on reports, publicly available data, and information sourced from the internet. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, exam formats, pass rates, and requirements may change over time. Readers are advised to verify details from the official websites of the respective examination authorities for the most up-to-date information.

NMC sets May 30 deadline for MBBS renewal process

NMC sets May 30 deadline for MBBS renewal process

Anuja.Jaiswal@timesofindia.com 15.05.2026

New Delhi : National Medical Commission has directed all medical colleges across the country to submit detailed annual disclosure reports by May 30 for renewal of MBBS seats for the 2026- 27 academic session, warning that no extension will be granted beyond the deadline. 

In a notice issued by the Under-Graduate Medical Education Board, the NMC said all existing medical colleges with approval to run MBBS courses must upload mandatory institutional data on the commission’s portal under the Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations, 2023. The disclosure process forms a key part of the annual renewal mechanism through which colleges receive permission to continue admitting undergraduate medical students.

The NMC has also made it mandatory for colleges to pay an online processing fee of ₹3.54 lakh, including GST, through the designated portal while applying for renewal of MBBS seats.

Doctors warn parents: Don’t sleep in peace when children snore

Doctors warn parents: Don’t sleep in peace when children snore

Kushagra.Dixit@timesofindia.com 11.05.2026

New Delhi : For many parents, a child’s snoring is little more than a bedtime quirk — an indication of deep sleep or exhaustion after a long day. Doctors, however, warn that persistent snoring, mouth breathing and restless sleep can be red flags for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a potentially serious condition that disrupts breathing during sleep and deprives the brain and body of oxygen. 

For 12-year-old Surya Pratap, loud snoring gradually turned into a health crisis that went unnoticed for nearly two years. While studying at a boarding school, he struggled to sleep through the night, breathed mostly through his mouth and showed falling energy levels. Even routine activities left him fatigued, and breathing through his nose was difficult unless he was physically active. “For two years, our family lived in a state of constant exhaustion,” said his father, Rajesh Kumar, adding,“Seeing him finally breathe normally and regain his energy has been an overwhelming relief.”

Doctors say OSA in children is often missed, even though it disrupts deep sleep essential for growth, learning and emotional regulation. Affected children may wake up tired, struggle to focus in class, become irritable or unusually hyperactive, or show declining academic performance—signs frequently mistaken for behavioural issues or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). “Because he could not breathe properly through his nose during sleep, he was unable to reach the deep restorative stages crucial for a growing child,” said Dr Rajesh Bhardwaj, consultant ENT specialist at MedFirst ENT Centre, who treated Surya. “The body enters a constant stress response,” he added. 

Doctors performed a combination of procedures, including adenoidectomy, septoplasty and turbinectomy, to restore airflow. “The surgery didn’t just stop the snoring; it allowed his normal 1development to resume,” Dr Bhardwaj said. Doctors reported immediate improvement. Health experts warn that untreated sleep apnoea can lead to stunted growth and weakened immunity. “Snoring and mouth breathing point to adenoid enlargement and need proper evaluation,” said Prof Anupam Sibalof Apollo Hospitals Group. Dr Neetu Jain of PSRI Hospital said early treatment was crucial. “Prolonged low oxygen levels can affect brain development, learning and overall growth,” she said. 

11/05/2026, 07:22 The Times of India ePaper: Times of India Newspaper Today, Download PDF Now https://epaper.indiatimes.com/timesepaper/publication-the-times-of-india,city-delhi.cms

Docs condemn NMC advisory NEET-UG 2026

Docs condemn NMC advisory NEET-UG 2026 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 03.05.2026

Hyderabad : The Healthcare Reforms Doctors Association (HRDA), Telangana, has strongly objected to a recent advisory issued by the National Medical Commission (NMC) directing medical colleges to confine students to their hostels on May 2 and May 3 in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 exam. In a letter to the NMC secretary, the association described the directive as inappropriate and demoralising, stating that it unfairly places medical students under suspicion by indirectly linking them to possible malpractice. According to HRDA, such blanket restrictions undermine the dignity of the medical student community. The association further asserted that medical students represent a disciplined group committed to health care service.

NMC nod to cardiology diploma after years of wait

NMC nod to cardiology diploma after years of wait

30.04.2026

New Delhi : In a move that resolves a long-standing regulatory impasse, National Medical Commission (NMC) has granted recognition to Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Cardiology (PGDCC), effectively validating the degrees of around 1,700 doctors who completed the course between 2006 and 2013. 

The programme, run by IGNOU, was effectively shut down after 2013 following its non-recognition by erstwhile Medical Council of India. The decision, announced by Indian Association of Clinical Cardiologists on Tuesday, is also being seen as a step towards addressing shortage of cardiology specialists in underserved regions. The decision comes against the backdrop of cardiovascular disease accounting for nearly 28% of deaths in India, even as access to specialists remains skewed towards cities. 

Nearly 65–70% of the country’s population lives outside major cities, but over 80% of cardiologists are based in urban centres, leaving large regions dependent on general physicians and delayed referrals. India has fewer than 5,000–6,000 cardiologists for over 1.4 billion people—roughly one per 2–3 lakh—which is far below global norms. “India is facing a widening and underreported shortage of cardiology specialists,” said Dr Rakesh Gupta of Indian Academy of Echocardiography. TNN

NMC removes cap on MBBS seats, eases population norm

NMC removes cap on MBBS seats, eases population norm 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 30.04.2026

New Delhi : In a significant policy shift, National Medical Commission (NMC) has removed key restrictions on expansion of MBBS seats, opening the door for a substantial increase in undergraduate medical seats across the country. In a gazette notification issued on April 27, NMC amended its 2023 regulations governing new medical colleges and expansion of existing courses. The amendment deletes a clause that capped total number of MBBS seats at 150 per college for those seeking expansion from 2024–25 academic year. 

Colleges seeking to increase intake will no longer be bound by this upper limit. The commission has also removed the requirement that states maintain a ratio of 100 MBBS seats per 10 lakh population. 

In another change, NMC has revised norms related to the distance between a medical college and its teaching hospital. Instead of a traveltime cap of 30 minutes, the rules now prescribe a maximum distance of 10 km. For northeastern and Himalayan states, the limit has been relaxed to 15 km. 

The amendments have been notified under NMC Act, 2019, and apply to both Undergraduate Medical Education Board’s seat expansion guidelines and Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023. The move is expected to benefit both govt and private medical colleges looking to scale up capacity, particularly in states where demand for seats continues to outstrip supply, while placing the onus on regulators to maintain quality and infrastructure standards. 

Commission’s nod to cardiology diploma after years of wait 

New Delhi : In a move that resolves a long-standing regulatory impasse, National Medical Commission has granted recognition to Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Cardiology (PGDCC), effectively validating the degrees of around 1,700 doctors who completed the course between 2006 and 2013. The programme, run by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), was effectively shut down after 2013 following its non-recognition by erstwhile Medical Council of India. The decision, announced by Indian Association of Clinical Cardiologists on Tuesday, is also being seen as a step towards addressing shortage of cardiology specialists in underserved regions. The move comes against the backdrop of cardiovascular disease accounting for nearly 28% of deaths in India, even as access to specialists remains skewed towards cities. TNN

Seat expansion: NMC removes population rule for new medical colleges

Seat expansion: NMC removes population rule for new medical colleges

TNN | Apr 29, 2026, 06.08 AM IST

Ahmedabad: The National Medical Commission (NMC) recently introduced significant changes in its policy for approving new medical colleges, aiming to increase the number of MBBS seats across the country. One of the key decisions is removing the earlier cap that allowed institutions to apply for up to 150 seats. Under the revised norms, colleges with adequate infrastructure and faculty can now apply for higher intake capacities, such as 200 or even 250 seats.

In another major shift, the NMC did away with the population-based restriction that permitted a 100-seat medical college only in areas with a population of at least 10 lakh. With this condition removed, institutions can now set up medical colleges regardless of the region's population size. This move is expected to benefit states such as Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, which are keen to expand their medical education infrastructure.

The commission also revised the distance criteria between the hospital and the medical college. Earlier, the rule required that the hospital be reachable within 30 minutes of travel. Now, the updated guidelines specify a maximum distance of 10 kilometres in general areas and up to 15 kilometres in hilly and northeastern regions.

According to sources, these changes will likely lead to a substantial increase in the number of medical seats, as approvals will now depend more on institutional capacity and facilities rather than population ratios.

However, the timing of these changes has raised concerns. More than 100 institutions have already submitted applications based on the previous guidelines. This has created uncertainty over whether approvals will be granted under the old rules or the revised ones, as the NMC has not yet issued a clarification on this matter.

How to prevent future unemployment of doctors? Here are parliamentary panel's recommendations

How to prevent future unemployment of doctors? Here are parliamentary panel's recommendations 

Written By : Barsha MisraP ublished On 20 Apr 2026 2:00 PM | Updated On 20 Apr 2026 2:00 PM

New Delhi: In its 172nd report, a Department-related Parliamentary Committee on Health and Family Welfare has recommended measures to prevent future unemployment of doctors.

The panel has recommended that, along with the rapid expansion of MBBS and postgraduate medical seats under the oversight of the National Medical Commission (NMC), the Department must also ensure robust quality assurance mechanisms to safeguard training standards.

According to the panel, in parallel to setting up new medical colleges, expanding the medical seats, and recognising DNB qualifications, the Department must also strengthen faculty development, clinical exposure, and skill-based training modules across institutes.

Other recommendations by the Parliamentary Committee include periodic accreditation, competency-based assessment, and structured career planning.

Regarding the Government's strategy to ensure quality training and avoid future unemployment or under-skilled surgical specialists, the panel noted that as India rapidly increases MBBS and PG seats under the oversight of the National Medical Commission, the Government of India is systematically expanding medical education to keep pace.

Over the past 11 years, the Government of India has made gains in making quality medical education more accessible. There are now 23 publicly funded and leading All India Institute of Medical Sciences institutes, including the first-ever AIIMS in the northeastern area in Assam. 

There are 2,086 medical colleges, including 818 allopathy, 323 dental and 942 AYUSH institutions. Medical education seats for the MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) increased by 151% (from 51,348 to 128976), and postgraduate seats grew by 173% (from 31,185 to 85020). DNB qualification has been recognized for appointment as teaching faculty to take care of shortage of faculty, noted the panel.

To prevent future unemployment of doctors, the panel recommended, "The Committee strongly recommends that the Department must ensure that the rapid expansion of MBBS and PG seats under the oversight of the National Medical Commission is matched with robust quality assurance mechanisms to safeguard training standards and prevent future unemployment or under-skilled specialists. In parallel to the establishment of new medical colleges, seat expansion, and recognition of DNB qualifications, the Committee urges the Department to strengthen faculty development, clinical exposure, and skill-based training modules across institutions."

"Further, the Committee recommends instituting periodic accreditation, competency-based assessments, and structured career planning to align medical education output with national health system needs. By balancing expansion with quality and workforce planning, the Department can ensure that the growing pool of medical graduates and specialists are well-trained, employable, and capable of delivering high-quality healthcare services nationwide," it added.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health has recommended ensuring uniformity in faculty-student and patient-student ratios across all medical institutes, irrespective of ownership.

The committee opined that such uniformity across the medical institutes would help promote equitable clinical exposure, adequate academic mentorship, and consistent training opportunities for the postgraduate medical students across the country.

NMC mandates MBBS fees only for 4.5 years, not full course duration, to ensure fairness

NMC mandates MBBS fees only for 4.5 years, not full course duration, to ensure fairness 

Certain medical colleges are not just charging fees for the full 5.5 years but are failing to pay stipends during the internship

 Rajlakshmi.Ghosh@timesofindia.com EDUCATION TIMES DELHI

20.04.2026

To make medical education affordable and transparent, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a notice instructing all medical colleges to charge MBBS fees strictly for the prescribed academic duration of 4.5 years, and not for the entire 5 or 5.5 years of the programme. 

The directive comes in the wake of complaints that several institutions were collecting fees for the full course duration, including the internship period, even though it does not involve formal academic teaching period for the full duration. The Commission has reaffirmed that the MBBS programme comprises 4.5 years (54 months) of academic study, followed by a one-year compulsory rotating medical internship (CRMI). Since the internship does not involve classroom-based teaching, charging fees for this period violates prescribed norms. 

The NMC further noted that such practices create unnecessary financial burden on the students and do not align with the framework laid out under the NMC Act, 2019 and the Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) Guidelines, 2024. Empowering Students Speaking to Education Times , an NMC official says, “Medical colleges are permitted to charge tuition fees only for 4.5 years, which corresponds to the duration of the academic programme. The subsequent one-year internship is a period of clinical training, during which students work in hospitals and are not to be charged tuition fees. Majority of the institutions adhere to this norm. However, the NMC has received complaints that a few colleges are collecting fees for the entire  5.5-year duration, which is not permissible. 

This concern has prompted the issuance of a public notice.” Highlighting that such practices are not witnessed in government medical colleges, he adds that there were also complaints that certain colleges are not just charging fees for the full 5.5 years but are additionally failing to pay stipends during the internship period. “In cases where noncompliance is established, the NMC will take strict disciplinary action, including the imposition of substantial financial penalties and other regulatory measures as deemed appropriate. The public notice is expected to bring much-needed clarity on the issue and reinforce adherence to existing regulations,” he says.

 Importantly, there has always been a legal basis for students to challenge the collection of excess fees. “This notice serves to reiterate those provisions and to better inform and empower students,” the NMC official adds. Since students are supposed to receive stipends as interns, it should be treated more like an onthe-job training than structured classroom teaching. “Unlike the 4.5 years of formal instruction, the internship year is primarily hands-on, bedside learning without a defined teaching framework. 

Given that students contribute to patient care, and in the light of related court proceedings, it was deemed both ethically and practically inappropriate to levy fees for this period. Consequently, separating the internship from the feebearing academic years is a justified and positive move,” says a health ministry official on condition of anonymity. Government colleges typically charge a modest annual fee of Rs 20,000–30,000 per annum, which is unlikely to pose a significant financial burden on students. “But with private colleges charging fees of around Rs 1 crore for the entire course–though this may vary across states, quota and universities–the challenges get compounded. 

Post the notice, students would no longer have to pay the additional amount in their internship year. For violations, if any, the NMC has the power to reduce the number of seats which will affect the monetary capability of the colleges engaging in this exploitative activity. Alternatively, the NMC can penalise the colleges with Rs 1 crore fine, as it did recently to seven medical colleges that were not paying stipends,” adds the official. 

A recurring concern is that the stipend paid during internship is only a fraction of the fees charged, effectively making students pay to work. “These complaints have been reported across multiple states, with notable frequen-cy in tier-II and tier-III areas,” says Dr Aviral Mathur, consultant, Sir Gangaram Hospital, organising secretary FORDA and past FORDA president.

 Regulatory Control 

Enforcement of the NMC directive, Dr Mathur says, will likely rely on  inspections and recognition of renewals. “Regulatory control through accreditation is the main lever. Colleges, especially newer ones, will need to demonstrate strict compliance, failing which they risk adverse action, including potential derecognition,” he says. 

The directive is expected to provide relief by eliminating a year of unjustified tuition, thereby reducing financial burden, loans, and EMIs. “This is particularly relevant at a stage when students are balancing clinical training with preparation for PG entrance exams. The extent of relief will depend on how uniformly institutions implement the directive,” Dr Mathur says, emphasising that the impact on overall affordability will however be limited.

 While the notice may standardise one aspect of fee practices, the broader issue includes multiple additional charges throughout UG and PG training. “There is also a foreseeable risk that institutions may offset this loss by increasing charges during the 4.5 year academic period, which requires regulatory oversight,” he says. 

Regulations governing fee structures exist to ensure uniformity, transparency, and fairness. “While most institutions comply, a few attempt to circumvent the system. The present notice is intended to deter such practices and uphold the integrity of medical education,” the NMC official adds.

The NExT dilemma weighs patient safety against system readiness

The NExT dilemma weighs patient safety against system readiness

 Divyansh.Kumar@timesofindia.com 20.04.2026

TIMES OF INDIA EDUCATION TIMES BENGALURU

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has postponed the National Exit Test (NExT) for 2028-29, which has once again intensified the debate over the risks to the healthcare system when medical graduates enter practice without clearing a uniform competency test. 

After deferring its execution for five years in 2019, the NMC has again extended the dates of NExT implementation to ensure the system is adequately prepared for a nationwide rollout. NMC officials tell Education Times that NExT has been deferred as it is being redesigned. 

“NExT will help the NMC to bring standardised clinical training across the country by replacing final MBBS exams, NEET-PG and FMGE. The modalities are being worked out for the implementation, either immediately or phase-wise. The feedback from students, resident doctors, and faculty about having a common exam is good, but apprehensions exist about the final format,” said the source. 

To understand why this transition is critical, a MoHFW official explains that NExT is designed to serve a triple purpose: replacing the final-year university exams, substituting the NEET-PG entrance, and acting as a mandatory licentiate exam. “There are two lines of thought under discussion regarding the medical license. The first option is to separate the exam from the licensing process, where a student could pass the exam, obtain their degree, and pursue nonclinical careers without practising medicine. 

The second, more robust option links the license directly to the exam, you must pass it to practice. Ideally, it should be a unified, mandatory system for everyone,” the official says. The introduction of NExT will also lead to the scrapping of the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE). “Whether it is an Indian medical graduate or those who studied in medical colleges in Russia, China, Iran or Philippines, everyone will ha-ve equal opportunity to take same exam,” the official adds. 

Currently, final-year MBBS exams are conducted independently by universities. NExT will replace this fragmented system, putting an en d to uneven university evaluations and addressing  the widespread issue of extortion in private institutions. “Because universities and colleges conduct their own practical exams, we receive complaints of private colleges demanding money from students, threatening to fail them in practicals,” the official says, adding, 

“A single, centralised exam will ensure absolute transparency. It will act as an automated quality control mechanism. Right now, we monitor ‘entry’ quality through NEET UG but lack a standardised way to check the quality of students ‘exiting’ the s ystem. A college that consistently produces students who pass NExT, proves it has good faculty.” Dr Rohan Krishnan, patron, FAIMA, says, “A high-stakes national exam cannot be fairly imposed on a country where clinical exposure and infrastructure vary across colleges.” FAIMA suggests initially using NExT as a formative assessment with no impact on licensure, follo-wed by full integration only after a nationwide audit of infrastructure and faculty. Kadwin Pillai, managing director, Trans world Educare, terms the rescheduling of NExT as a ‘pragmatic recalibration’ of India’s medical assessment strategy. 

“Rather than a simple delay, this period serves as an important buffer to move the system away from rote learning toward genuine clinical competence, ” Pillai says.

India needs socially responsible doctors, says NMC chairman

India needs socially responsible doctors, says NMC chairman

Abhijat Chandrakant Sheth, Chairman, National Medical Commission, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, presents a degree certificate to a student at SRIHER on Friday. M. SRINATH

The Hindu Bureau

CHENNAI. 18.04.2026

India’s healthcare system faces both immense challenges and extraordinary opportunities. From bridging rural healthcare gaps to addressing emerging diseases, the nation needs doctors who are not only competent but also compassionate and socially responsible, said Abhijat Chandrakant Sheth, Chairman, National Medical Commission, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi, here on Friday.

Delivering the address at the 41st convocation of Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Dr. Sheth told graduating doctors that they may choose diverse paths, but regardless of what they choose, they must remember that their work contributes to the well-being of society.

“Many of you will serve in settings where resources are limited but the need [for healthcare] is great. In such circumstances, your dedication, empathy, and integrity will matter far more than technology,” he said.

Dr. Sheth reflected on the “three pillars” that must guide every doctor’s career — compassionate patient care, continuous upgradation of skills, and unwavering ethical values.

“Never forget that behind every case sheet is a human being, with a story, a family, and hopes for recovery. Technology will continue to transform healthcare, but empathy will always remain the timeless essence of good medical practice,” he said.

He added that the field of medicine was evolving at an unprecedented pace. “What you learn today may be refined or replaced by new evidence tomorrow. Advances in genomics, artificial intelligence, minimally invasive procedures, and precision medicine are continuously redefining healthcare,” he said.

He urged the graduating doctors to commit themselves to continuous professional development, to attend conferences, engage in research, embrace innovation, and constantly refine their clinical skills.

On the regulatory framework in the country, he said the responsibility for maintaining professional standards rests with the State Medical Councils, where they will register as practitioners. He said the regulations were not mere formalities; they safeguard patients, uphold professional integrity, and ensure uniform standards of care.

SRIHER’s Pro-Chancellor R.V. Sengutuvan and Vice-Chancellor Uma Sekar were present.

Consider service period of regularised PG doctors for super-specialty admissions’: Madras HC

Consider service period of regularised PG doctors for super-specialty admissions’: Madras HC

Justice M Dhandapani issued the direction on a petition by Dr G Arulvel, who was appointed as assistant surgeon on a temporary basis in 2021.

Madras High Court.

Express News Service

Updated on:

15 Apr 2026, 8:46 am

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has directed the Selection Committee of the state health department to consider the applications of those post-graduate doctors, who were appointed in regular posts on temporary basis and subsequently regularised, for admission to super-specialty courses in medicine under the in-service quota by considering their entire service period as qualifying service.

Justice M Dhandapani issued the direction on a petition by Dr G Arulvel, who was appointed as assistant surgeon on a temporary basis in 2021 in the regular sanctioned post and was regularised on March 6, 2026, after clearing the special qualifying examination for regularisation.

The petitioner approached the court seeking the issuance of directions to consider his application for the super-specialty course for the 2025-26 academic year as in-service candidate in the Round-II counselling.

“There shall be a direction to the respondents to consider the application of the petitioner and the other similarly placed persons for admission to super-specialty courses for 2025-26 as in-service candidates by considering the period of service rendered by them in the temporary post, which is borne out of the cadre in the time scale of pay, as qualifying service for the purpose of fulfilment of the conditions laid down under clause 7 and 8 of the prospectus,” the judge in a recent order said.

The judge also directed the authorities to receive the applications from all the eligible temporary assistant surgeons who have been under temporary appointment on a post borne out of cadre, and process their application for selection to the super-specialty courses which are yet to be filled under the in-service quota and admit them on the basis of their inter se merit in the relevant courses for 2025-26.

Deemed univs to rake in Rs 2,000 cr thanks to lowering of 2025 NEET PG cut-offs

Deemed univs to rake in Rs 2,000 cr thanks to lowering of 2025 NEET PG cut-offs

Rema NagarajanTNN

Apr 14, 2026, 23:47 IST

Candidates who became eligible after the qualifying cutoff of NEET PG 2025 was lowered took seats worth almost Rs 2,000 crore in 48 medical colleges that are deemed universities. This is an indication of just how important lowering of cutoff was for these private colleges. 

The government slashed the cutoff just before the third round of counselling saying that this would help fill up 18,000 seats lying vacant after the first two rounds especially in pre-clinical and para-clinical specialties. The data for the results of centralised counselling is available only for all-India quota seats and for all postgraduate seats in deemed university private medical colleges. The all-India quota is made up of 50% PG seats in about 300 government colleges. The remaining 50% is filled through counselling that happens at the state level, for which consolidated data is not available. 

TOI analysed the data from allotment of seats in round 3 and the stray round of the centralised counselling, looking at only fresh allotments in the third round and all allotments in the stray round. Candidates are not allowed to change or upgrade their preference after allotment in round 3 and leaving an allotted seat would mean being barred from further participation in counselling and forfeiture of the security deposit (Rs 25,000 for all-India quota seat and Rs 2 lakh for a deemed university seat). Joining a seat and then resigning could attract a seat-leaving penalty also. The analysis showed that the annual tuition fees of the clinical seats filled in the third round by those with lowered cut off in deemed universities amounted to roughly Rs 550 crore. There are two category of seats in these colleges -- management seats and NRI seats. Since PG courses are for three years, that would amount to about Rs 1,650 crore revenue lost if the seat went empty. 

Tuition fees are highest for clinical specialties, especially for so-called high-demand ones like radiology, dermatology, obstetrics and gynaecology and general medicine. In these, the annual fees could be as high as Rs 70 lakh to Rs 1 crore or more. In the stray vacancy round, these colleges filled clinical specialty seats worth Rs 115 crore annually, or Rs 345 crore over the whole course. In the all-India quota, none of the candidates who became eligible due to lowered cutoff got admission to clinical specialties, except those who came through the disability quota. 

In comparison, 970 candidates who became eligible through lowering of the cutoff got clinical specialties in the deemed university colleges in the third and stray rounds. While the outrage over the reduction in cutoff was all about the reserved category getting its cutoff slashed to zero percentile, the allotment data from the two rounds shows that about 38% of over 1,200 all-India seats bagged by those with reduced cutoff were from the general category compared to 24% of OBCs, 25% SC and 14% ST. In the deemed university colleges, of the 1,770 seats bagged by those made eligible by lowering of the cut off, over two-thirds (1,224) were from the general category, while just 4.2% (75) and 0.2% (4) were from the SC and ST categories respectively. 

The skew is even sharper in clinical seats in deemed university colleges, which have the highest tuition fees. Of the 973 clinical seats allotted in the last two rounds that went to those made eligible by the lowered cutoff, 78% (759) were bagged by general category candidates, 19% by OBCs, 2.7% by SCs and 0.3% by STs. In comparison, of the 160 plus clinical seats from the all-India quota, 42% went to the general category, 40% to OBCs, 17% to SCs and 2% to STs. Clearly, more general category candidates benefitted from the lowered cutoff than those from the reserved categories.

Google launches AI powered NEET practice tests on Gemini

Google launches AI powered NEET practice tests on Gemini 

Written By : MD Bureau Published On 14 Apr 2026 4:30 PM  |  Updated On 14 Apr 2026 4:30 PM

New Delhi: In a move set to reshape exam preparation for medical aspirants,

 Google has introduced full-length NEET UG practice tests on its AI platform, Gemini.

The feature aims to simulate real exam conditions while offering personalised, AI-driven feedback to help students refine their preparation strategies.

The rollout marks a significant expansion of Google’s AI-led education tools in India, with the platform enabling users to take structured mock tests, receive instant performance insights, and generate customised study plans. Designed to bridge gaps in self-assessment and accessibility, the initiative targets lakhs of NEET aspirants seeking more adaptive and data-driven learning support.

According to recent IANS report, Tech giant Google has expanded its AI-powered learning tools by introducing full-length practice tests for NEET UG on its Gemini platform, aiming to support medical aspirants with exam-like preparation.

The new feature builds on the company’s earlier rollout of mock tests for competitive exams and is designed to provide students with a more structured and realistic preparation experience.

Also Read:AIIMS notifies 2779 vacancies for NORCET 10 The practice tests are based on rigorously vetted content from several education platforms.

Moreover, students or users can access the feature by prompting Gemini with a request to ‘Take a NEET mock test’.

The tests are currently available in English and are accessible to users with Google accounts as well as Workspace subscribers, the company noted.

The platform also offers instant feedback after test completion, highlighting strengths and areas that require improvement.

Students can further ask the AI assistant to explain answers and generate customised study plans based on their performance, helping them identify knowledge gaps and improve outcomes, the tech firm said, quotes IANS

The expansion into NEET preparation follows Google’s earlier announcement of AI-driven tools for students and educators in India.

These include full-length practice tests for engineering entrance exams like JEE Main, as well as AI-powered features that allow users to create study guides, quizzes and learning material through its search-based AI tools.

In addition to student-focussed features, the company had introduced AI capabilities for educators, enabling them to draft assignments, summarise student performance and provide personalised feedback.

Integrated audio, video and screen recording tools also allow teachers and students to interact more effectively within digital classrooms.

Google has also said that it is responsible for AI deployment, introducing tools to help users identify AI-generated content and ensure transparency in digital learning environments.

It further stated that these initiatives are aimed at enhancing personalised learning and improving accessibility for students preparing for competitive exams.