Not A NEET End:

Not A NEET End: Kingpin Doctor Held In Exam Racket, 18 Students Rescued Three Others In Net; Students Paid ₹20-30 Lakh For Seat, Were Kept In Delhi Hotels 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 05.05.2026

New Delhi : The crime branch has busted a syndicate that allegedly duped NEET aspirants and took Rs 20-30 lakh each from their guardians by promising guaranteed MBBS admissions. A doctor, the alleged kingpin, is among the four persons arrested in the case. The gang had charged the amount as donations for admission under management and other quotas, said police. According to DCP (crime) Sanjeev Kumar Yadav, the raids also resulted in the rescue of 18 students, including minors, who were trapped by the gang and lodged in different hotels in Delhi-NCR. Police started investigating the scam after receiving a lead from Surat police commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut about a mobile number linked to suspicious NEET brokering activities in Delhi. The exam was scheduled on May 3. “Given the proximity to the exam date, a technical surveillance operation was launched and the number was traced to Mahipalpur Extension, following which a team began an extensive search operation," Yadav said. 

Nearly 100 hotels in south-west Delhi’s Mahipalpur were checked before the trail led police to a hotel where four suspects from Gujarat were staying, including Vinod Bhai Bhikha Bhai Patel, identified as a key recruiter. Complainants present at the spot told police that the accused had already collected large sums, original classes X and XII certificates, and signed blank cheques as "collateral" in exchange for promised medical seats. Investigators learnt that several students had been taken away from their guardians to an undisclosed location on the pretext of being given "important" or leaked exam questions. Police used technical inputs to lay a trap near a hospital in Ghaziabad, where three students were rescued and Santosh Kumar Jaiswal was arrested. 

Further raids at a flat in Ghaziabad led to the rescue of 15 more students, some minors, who were to appear for NEET the next day. After counselling, all were allowed to sit for the examination. The other two accused, Sant Pratap Singh and Dr Akhlaq Alam, were apprehended from the flat. Police found that Jaiswal, a 50-year-old graduate from Bihar who ran a pathology lab, was involved in designing the fraud. Dr Alam (25), who completed his MBBS from Kyrgyzstan and is preparing for the screening test to practise in India, handled the academic facade by compiling a 149page set of "special questions" drawn from previous years’ papers and coaching material to make them appear authentic. Singh, a 59-year-old BTech graduate and property dealer with holdings in Ghaziabad and Pune, arranged logistics, including flats where students were housed and deals were finalised. Patel, a 52-year-old broker from Surat, sourced aspirants and their families, convincing them to pay. 

Police have seized the 149-page document, three signed blank cheques and other evidence. A case has been registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for cheating and conspiracy. The arrested accused are in custody and police are trying to identify other middlemen.

Aspirants find NEET moderately difficult, lengthy; physics paper tough

THE HINDU CHENNAI EDITION

Aspirants find NEET moderately difficult, lengthy; physics paper tough

1 of 2 Testing time: Students and parents outside the exam centre at New College on Sunday. R. Ragu

Meghna M.

CHENNAI  04.05.2026

Candidates were greeted with applause as they left the exam centres after writing the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) here on Sunday.

They said that while the exam was moderately difficult compared to last year, it was lengthy.

More than 1 lakh students had registered to write NEET in Tamil Nadu.

Unmindful of the scorching sun, candidates arrived at their centres by 11 a.m. to complete the verification of their documents and undergo frisking, before entering the exam hall by 1.30 p.m.

Harshitha S., who wrote the exam for the first time, said that while physics was tough, biology and chemistry were moderate.

Rakshitha D., who has been pursuing NEET coaching for the past two years, found physics tough. “If there were more NCERT-based questions, it would have been better,” she said.

Many repeaters

The exam also continued to see many NEET repeaters, several of whom said the matriculation education took away a year that was necessary to prepare for NEET.

Writing the exam for the second time, Rekha (name changed) was worried about her performance. “I feel disheartened that I took a year off to prepare for the exam, and I am not happy with my performance. I studied for nearly 16 hours a day. Biology was very lengthy. It did not go as expected,” she said.

Varsha R., who wrote the exam for the third time, said the exam was moderately difficult compared to last year’s.

“It takes us nearly a year to understand NCERT and its syllabus. Pursuing matriculation did leave us at a slight disadvantage. While scholarship for government school students have helped in the form of 7.5% reservation, we are not given adequate coaching to pursue our dreams,” she said.

NMC lifts MBBS seat cap, relaxes medical college expansion norms

NMC lifts MBBS seat cap, relaxes medical college expansion norms 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 04.05.2026

The NMC has amended key provisions of its UG medical education regulations, removing longstandingcaps on MBBS seats and easing infrastructure norms.The amendmentnotification revises provisions under the UG-MSR 2023 and the Graduate Medical Education Regulations, signallinga move towards greater institutionalflexibilityandcapacity building. Among the most consequentialchanges is the deletion of provisional capping MBBS intake at 150 seats per college, effective from the 2024-25 academic session. By removing this ceiling, the NMC has opened the door for medical colleges to expand intake beyond earlier limits, subject to meeting regulatory standards. NMC has removed population linked restriction that required states and Union Territories to maintain a ratio of 100 MBBS seats per 10 lakh population. This marks a departure from a planning framework that tied seat expansion to demographic benchmarks, potentially enabling fasterscaling in states with adequate infrastructure.NMC has revised norms governing the proximity between medical colleges and their associated teaching hospitals. Instead of a traveltime-based cap of 30 minutes, the new guidelines specify a maximum distance of 10 km between the two facilities.For institutions inthe Northeastern and Himalayan regions, this limit has been relaxed to 15 km to acknowledge geographical constraints. The changes are expected to have wide ranging implications.

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 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.

NMC removes population rule for new medical colleges

NMC removes population rule for new medical colleges 

SEAT EXPANSION 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK  29.04.2026

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. NMC also revised the distance criteria between the hospital and the medical college.

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.

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.

Parliamentary panel suggests 6 attempts to clear MBBS 1st professional exams, 10 years to complete course

Parliamentary panel suggests 6 attempts to clear MBBS 1st professional exams, 10 years to complete course 

Written By : Barsha Misra

Published On 9 Apr 2026 2:00 PM  |  Updated On 9 Apr 2026 6:57 PM

MBBS Examination

New Delhi: Pointing 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, a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health has 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.

These recommendations were presented before the Parliament by the Department-related Parliamentary Committee on Health and Family Welfare in its 172nd report.

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.

Also Read: Altogether 4 Attempts to Clear MBBS 1st prof Exams: NMC GMER 2023

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.

Recommendations by Parliamentary Health Panel:

Recently, while addressing the rules regarding the permissible number of attempts to clear the first year professional MBBS exam, the Parliamentary Health Panel has suggested increasing the number of permissible attempts from four to six.

"The Committee has been apprised of that under the present regulations of the National Medical Commission, MBBS students are currently permitted a maximum of four attempts to clear the First Professional Examination. Considering the academic intensity of foundational subjects such as anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry, this restriction can be overly stringent for many students adjusting to the demanding nature of medical education. The Committee, therefore, suggested that the permissible limit be increased to six attempts, while ensuring that students complete the entire MBBS course within a maximum period of ten years from the date of admission," the Committee has recommended.

"This balanced approach will maintain academic standards while providing a more humane and student-friendly framework, preventing capable students from being forced to discontinue medical education due to early academic setbacks," it further mentioned in the report.

Earlier this year, the Rajasthan Chapter of the United Doctors Front (UDF) urged the State Medical Education Department to grant one additional Mercy attempt to the MBBS students from the 2021 batch to clear their First Professional Exam, considering the academic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The association highlighted that the students of Batch 2021 went through extraordinary and adverse circumstances, which were different from normal academic sessions. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the association stated regular classes were disrupted, there were technical difficulties in online teaching, and many families faced health-related crises during the year 2020–21. These circumstances directly affected the academic preparation and performance of students, as a result of which many students could not pass the First Professional Year.

MBBS intern stipend disparity row: Govt says issue falls under NMC, no further action

MBBS intern stipend disparity row: Govt says issue falls under NMC, no further action 

Written By : Adity SahaPublished On 

14 Apr 2026 2:30 PM | Updated On 14 Apr 2026 2:30 PM

New Delhi: Amid the long-standing demand to amend the Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) Regulations, 2021, to ensure a uniform stipend for MBBS interns across the country, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has now stated that it will not take any further action, saying the matter falls entirely within the domain of the National Medical Commission (NMC).

The information in this regard was shared in response to a Right to Information (RTI) application filed by Kerala-based ophthalmologist and RTI activist Dr KV Babu, who sought clarity on whether the NMC and its Under-Graduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) plan to amend the CRMI Regulations to remove disparity in stipend paid to interns across institutions.

On February 22, 2026, Dr Babu submitted RTI applications to the UGMEB and the Medical Education Policy (MEP) section of the Ministry, seeking action on stipend parity.

While the Under-Graduate Medical Education Board reiterated its earlier position that any amendment to the CRMI Regulations, 2021 would require consideration through the statutory process and consultation with all concerned authorities, the Medical Education Policy (MEP) section of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in its RTI reply, clearly outlined its stand on the issue.

In its response dated April 2, 2026, the Ministry stated, "The National Medical Commission (NMC) is the apex statutory body constituted under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, for regulating medical education and profession in the country. All matters relating to framing, amendment, and implementation of medical education regulations fall within the domain of NMC. Therefore, in view of the above, no further action is required to be taken by the MEP Section in the matter, as the subject falls within the domain of the National Medical Commission (NMC)."

Stipend disparity:

The issue was first raised by Dr Babu in June 2022, when he wrote to the Ministry alleging that his suggestions on stipend parity were ignored while finalising the CRMI Regulations, 2021. Despite this, he continued to send multiple reminders.

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that the doctor requested that the centre withdraw the Gazette Notification dated November 18, 2021, which notified the Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) Regulations, 2021. He stated that his earlier comments submitted on July 24, 2021, regarding stipend parity were not incorporated before the regulations were finalised. He requested the Government to re-gazette the regulations.

In his representation, he specifically sought an amendment to Clause 6.3 relating to the stipend, which includes - "All the candidates pursuing compulsory rotating internship at the institution from which the MBBS course was completed, shall be paid stipend on par with the stipend being paid to the interns of the State Govt. Medical Institution / Central Government Medical Institution in the State / Union Territory where the institution is located."

While the government medical colleges pay interns between Rs 20,000 and Rs 30,000, private colleges either pay half of that or none at all. Data from NMC in 2025 showed that 60 of 555 medical colleges were not paying stipends, and many were paying nominal stipends of less than Rs 5,000 per month.

The Supreme Court in its order dated October 28, 2025, pulled up the NMC for delaying action on stipend-related issues. The Court observed that the Commission was “dragging its feet” and directed it to take appropriate steps, while also asking the Ministry to ensure compliance.

Following this, the doctor again approached the Ministry in November 2025. On this, the MEP section wrote to the NMC in November and December 2025, asking it to examine the issue of stipend provisions for undergraduate interns under CRMI Regulations, 2021, keeping in view similar provisions in PGMER Regulations, 2023.

However, in its reply dated February 18, 2026, the Under-Graduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) under NMC noted that any amendment to the existing rule would require a statutory process.

It stated, "As per the CRMI Regulation 2021 it is stated that, the existing regulation already provides for the payment of stipend to interns. However, the actual implementation, including the rate of stipend, is undertaken by the respective States/UTs in accordance with their financial capacity and budgetary provisions. The regulation has been notifled after deliberations with concerned authoritles, experts and competent authorities assigned at the time of formulation of the regulation, The above regulation being statutory notifled after due approval and consultation with MoHFW and the same is laid in the parliament. In view of the above, any amendment to the CRMI Regulations, 2021 , if required would need consideration in accordance with the statritory process and after due consultation with all concerned concerned authorities."

The issue of 19 posts being vacant at NMC, out of the 54 sanctioned strength, was also highlighted in the Parliament.

In response, he again wrote to both the Ministry and NMC on February 22, 2026, requesting an amendment of the regulations. He later filed RTI applications with both authorities. While the UGMEB reportedly reiterated its earlier response, the Ministry declined to intervene, stating the matter is under NMC’s jurisdiction.

"The National Medical Commission (NMC) is the apex statutory body constituted under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, for regulating medical education and profession in the country. All matters relating to framing, amendment, and implementation of medical education regulations fall within the domain of NMC. Therefore, in view of the above, no further action is required to be taken by the MEP Section in the matter, as the subject falls within the domain of the National Medical Commission (NMC)," mentioned the government's response to the RTI.

Dr Babu further alleged inconsistency in the Ministry’s approach, stating that while MEP section of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been reluctant to direct the Under-Graduate Medical Education Board on amending the CRMI Regulations for stipend parity, it had promptly intervened in May 2022 on another matter. He pointed out that, based on a representation dated May 3, 2022, the Ministry had directed the National Medical Commission to convene a joint meeting under Section 50 of the NMC Act by May 31, 2022, regarding suggestions for the “Swasth Bharat” roadmap.

Commenting on the matter, Dr Babu told Medical Dialogues, "The issue of stipend parity has been pending with the NMC & GOI for almost five years. Though following the SC order of 28th October 2025, the Govt took a proactive decision to amend CRMI regulations in line with PGME regulations, the nominated, almost vacant, UGMEB is not inclined to amend the regulations for stipend parity even after harsh criticism from the SC & communications from the Govt."

He further said, "It should be noted that, though GOI have the authority to direct the NMC/UGMEB to amend the regulations for stipend parity, they are absolving the responsibility, though they had no hesitation in directing the NMC to act on issues which suits them earlier. It should be presumed that the GOI & the nominated vacant UGMEB are hand in glove in denying stipend parity to the interns."

Medical pay ‘mismatch’: College stipends much less than NMC claims, says outfit

Medical pay ‘mismatch’: College stipends much less than NMC claims, says outfit

The gap between the NMC’s reported stipends and actual payments, CAMP members and others say, reveals a disconnect between regulation and reality, raising concerns over data integrity, oversight and inaction

G.S. Mudur Published 14.04.26, 05:42 AM

Representational imageFile image

A body representing medical students and parents has challenged the accuracy of stipend data published by the National Medical Commission (NMC), saying the figures reported for some colleges do not match actual payments to interns and postgraduate residents.

The Combined Association of Medicos and Parents (CAMP) has sought an explanation from the NMC — India’s apex medical regulatory authority — citing examples from private medical colleges in Kerala whose actual stipends are much lower than those cited by the NMC.

The gap between the NMC’s reported stipends and actual payments, CAMP members and others say, reveals a disconnect between regulation and reality, raising concerns over data integrity, oversight and inaction.

The association has urged the NMC to investigate whether the discrepancies stem from clerical errors, incorrect data submitted by colleges or a possible deliberate attempt to mislead ongoing stipend-related cases before the Supreme Court.

“The inflated stipend amounts create an impression that all is well when it is actually not,” Rajesh Aravind, CAMP’s general secretary, told The Telegraph.

Some 150 medical students from Kerala and CAMP members have filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking appropriate stipends.

The petitioners are among thousands of MBBS interns and postgraduate residents across the country who are not receiving stipulated stipends, according to CAMP members and a lawyer representing the petitioners.

The stipend issue comes against the backdrop of a sharp expansion in medical education, with MBBS seats rising from about 52,000 in 2014 to 128,000 and postgraduate seats from about 31,000 to 85,000, expanding the pool of interns and residents.

Interns and postgraduate residents from Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan have filed similar petitions, their lawyer Tanvi Dubey said.

CAMP, in a letter sent to the NMC last week, cited three medical colleges whose stipend figures published by the NMC are higher than actual payments to students.

The stipend data published by the NMC show that one college pays ₹27,300, the amount stipulated by the Kerala government. CAMP says students at the college receive only ₹10,000.

The data show another college paying ₹25,000 while CAMP says students receive ₹7,000.

A third college pays ₹17,275, according to the data, but CAMP claims students get only ₹8,000.

The discrepancies persist despite the NMC initiating a nationwide survey in April 2023 to assess stipends paid to interns and residents amid concerns over underpayment.

The NMC notified rules in November 2021 mandating that all interns be paid stipends fixed by the relevant state or institutional authorities.

An email query sent twice by this newspaper to the NMC seeking a response to the concerns raised by CAMP has evoked no response.

The NMC, replying to an RTI query from ophthalmologist K.V. Babu in Kerala, had said that it issues guidelines and regulations but implementation rests “solely at the discretion” of state authorities.

But Babu said the NMC’s regulations empower it to penalise non-compliant institutions, including withholding or withdrawing accreditation for up to five years.

“We’re seeing inaction on the part of the NMC,” Babu told this newspaper.

 “The regulators are helping some private medical colleges save money by not acting against underpayment of stipends,” he said.

U-turn on same stipend for all medical undergrads

U-turn on same stipend for all medical undergrads

Earlier, the Union health ministry had twice written to the National Medical Commission (NMC) on “examining” the issue of pay parity. And NMC had accepted that there is no stipend parity.

Image used for representational purpose.File photo | Express

Kavita Bajeli-Datt

Updated on:

12 Apr 2026, 7:23 am

NEW DELHI: The centre appears to be backtracking from its earlier stand on bringing pay parity for all undergraduate medical interns, whether they are studying in government or private medical colleges.

Earlier, the Union Health Ministry had twice written to the National Medical Commission (NMC) on “examining” the issue of pay parity. The NMC, on its part, had also accepted that there is no stipend parity.

The next step was for the NMC to amend the key provision of the Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship Regulations, 2021 (CRMI Regulations 2021), which states that “all interns shall be paid stipend as fixed by the appropriate authority applicable to the institution/University or State.”

This provision contrasts with the Post-Graduate Medical Education Regulation-2023, which makes no distinction between interns working in government or private medical colleges.

However, within months, the ministry has taken a U-turn, even though the Supreme Court had slammed the medical regulatory body, saying that it is “dragging its feet without any serious concern” on non-payment of stipend to interns and had urged it to “wake up from its slumber and take appropriate steps” in its October 28 order.

After showing keenness over the issue, in its RTI reply, the Medical Education Policy Section (MEP) under the Union Health Ministry said, “The National Medical Commission (NMC) is the apex statutory body constituted under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, for regulating medical education and profession in the country. All matters relating to framing, amendment, and implementation of medical education regulations fall within the domain of NMC.”

“Therefore, in view of the above, no further action is required to be taken by the MEP Section in the matter, as the subject falls within the domain of the National Medical Commission (NMC)," said the April 2 response to Kerala-based RTI activist, Dr KV Babu when he reminded the ministry on the action NMC has taken to its directions on pay parity.

Speaking with this paper, Dr Babu, who has been pursuing the twin issue of non-payment of stipends to interns and pay parity, said, “The issue of stipend parity has been pending with the NMC and government for almost five years.”

“Though following the SC order, the government took a proactive decision to amend CRMI regulations in line with PGME regulations, the nominated, almost vacant, UGMEB is not inclined to amend the regulations for stipend parity even after harsh criticism from the SC and the communications from the government.”

“It should be noted that though the government have the authority to direct the NMC/UGMEB to amend the regulations for stipend parity, they are absolving the responsibility, though they had no hesitation in directing the NMC to act on issues that suited them earlier,” he said.

“It should be presumed that the government and the nominated vacant UGMEB are hand in glove in denying stipend parity to the hapless interns," Dr Babu added.

Interestingly, the NMC’s Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB), which determines undergraduate medical education standards, is without a president. The issue of 19 posts being vacant at NMC, out of the 54 sanctioned strength, was also highlighted in the Parliament.

In its February 18 response to the ministry’s reminders, NMC had said that “any amendment to the CRMI Regulations, 2021, if required, would need consideration in accordance with the statutory process and after due consultation with all concerned authorities.”

However, the NMC continued to sit on the issue, and the ministry also took a U-turn on the matter, which has been agitating medical students and also taken up by various associations, such as FAIMA and FORDA

Headache that disappears on lying down? Don’t brush it off, say docs

Headache that disappears on lying down? Don’t brush it off, say docs

 Jahnavi@timesofindia.com 13.04.2026

Bengaluru : For nearly 10 years, a man in his late 30s from Chennai lived with relentless headaches, repeatedly misdiagnosed as migraines. The pain had a peculiar pattern — it disappeared when he lay down and worsened when he stood up — a classic red flag that went unnoticed for over a decade. 

It was only after he was hospitalised that doctors finally ordered detailed imaging. An MRI and dynamic myelogram revealed the real cause: a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. By then, the condition had become chronic, requiring surgery. Following treatment, his longstanding pain finally disappeared. Doctors say his story is far from unique. Such misdiagnoses are common among patients with CSF leaks, a rare but debilitating condition often mistaken for migraines or sinusitis. 

Dr Sharath Kumar GG, consultant in radiology and interventional neuroradiology at Manipal Hospital, Kanakapura Road, who treated the patient, explained: “The brain and spinal cord float in a fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which provides support and buoyancy — similar to how a ball floats in water. This fluid is contained within a tough, protective covering called the dura. In some cases, the dura develops a hole, causing CSF to leak out. When the loss of fluid exceeds the body’s ability to produce it, the brain loses its cushioning and begins to sink.” Though considered rare — affecting 5 to 10 people per lakh population — experts say the condition is significantly underdiagnosed. 

“In a city like Bengaluru, we may see around 500 cases a year, but most go undiagnosed because of a lack of awareness,” Dr Kumar added. One of the biggest challenges is that the symptoms closely resemble more common conditions. Dr Rakshith Srinivasa, consultant in neurosurgery at Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, said, “Clinically, the presentation can be confusing. Many of these patients are treated for migraine for a long time. Patients may already have a pre-existing migraine. On top of that, they develop this condition. 

When the headache worsens, it can trigger a migraine, making it more difficult to differentiate and diagnose,” said . He stressed the importance of recognising a key symptom pattern: “A high level of suspicion is very important for diagnosis. If a patient presents with a headache that worsens on standing and improves on lying down, we should suspect spontaneous intracranial hypotension.” “To diagnose this condition, we need to ask specific questions about when the headache worsens or improves, as patients often only describe its positional nature when prompted. 

A history of postural headache is followed by an MRI scan, which typically shows characteristic findings such as brain sagging due to fluid loss. However, many cases are missed because imaging is incomplete or not done at the right time — often only the brain is scanned, even though the leak is usually in the spine,” Dr Kumar explained.

NMC declares unrecognised dept teaching invalid for medical professionals

NMC declares unrecognised dept teaching invalid for medical professionals

Ravinder Saini

Tribune News Service

Rohtak, Updated At : 12:28 PM Apr 11, 2026 IST

Photo for representation. iStock

Now, any teaching experience certificate issued on the basis of service rendered in an unrecognised department/unit would be treated as “invalid” for determining eligibility, appointment, promotion, or academic recognition.

In a significant move aimed at maintaining standards in medical education, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued an advisory directing all health universities, state governments, and medical colleges not to count postgraduate teaching or training experience obtained from unrecognised departments.

The commission has also declared that teaching experience certificates issued on such a basis will be treated as invalid. A communiqué in this respect has been circulated to Vice-Chancellors of health universities, Directors General of Health Services of states and Union Territories, and heads of all medical colleges offering postgraduate courses, seeking strict compliance.

“The NMC has observed, in certain instances, that teaching experience certificates and postgraduate training experience are being claimed by the faculty or certified by universities/institutions on the basis of departments or units that are not recognised or permitted by the commission for conducting postgraduate medical education,” reads the communiqué.

The NMC clarified that such practices violate existing regulations governing postgraduate medical education. It has also placed the responsibility on universities and institutions to verify the recognition status of departments before issuing teaching experience certificates. Medical colleges and affiliating universities have been directed to ensure that no certificates are issued for experience gained in unapproved departments. The NMC reiterated that teaching experience for faculty appointments or recognition as postgraduate teachers must be obtained only from recognised medical colleges and duly approved departments.

These departments must have approved infrastructure, adequate faculty strength, and permitted postgraduate seats as per NMC records and regulations, including the Postgraduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023, and the Medical Institutions (Qualifications of Faculty) Regulations, 2025. The advisory further stated that postgraduate training or teaching experience obtained from unrecognised departments will not be counted for eligibility to appear in postgraduate examinations, recognition as a postgraduate teacher or guide, appointment or promotion to faculty posts, or determination of teaching experience for academic and administrative purposes.

Additionally, the commission made it clear that any teaching experience certificates issued on the basis of service rendered in unrecognised departments or units will be considered invalid for appointments, promotions, or academic recognition. “The move aims to curb irregularities in faculty appointments and ensure quality medical education across the country,” said an official at the University of Health Sciences, Rohtak.

NEET PG: Rajasthan HC relief to doctor denied admission over permanent registration certificate Written By : Barsha Misra

NEET PG: Rajasthan HC relief to doctor denied admission over permanent registration certificate Written By : Barsha Misra

Published On 4 Apr 2026 3:17 PM  |  Updated On 4 Apr 2026 3:17 PM

Rajasthan High Court  06.04.2026

Jodhpur: The Rajasthan High Court provided relief to a NEET PG 2025 candidate who was earlier denied postgraduate medical admission due to the lack of a Permanent Registration Certificate.

Referring to Rule 8(3) of the Post Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2000, the HC bench comprising Dr. Justice Nupur Bhati clarified that as per these regulations, candidates are given a period of one month after admission for obtaining permanent registration and when the law provides a period of one month, the State Government cannot impose a more stringent condition through the information booklet.

The bench clarified that administrative instructions or information bulletins cannot weaken or repeal any statutory rule and directed the college to grant her admission.

As per the latest media report by Live Law, the concerned petitioner in this case obtained a temporary registration from the Chhattisgarh Medical Council after completing MBBS and was performing the necessary service for permanent registration. However, during this time, the petitioner appeared in the National Eligibility-Entrance Test Postgraduate (NEET-PG) 2025 examination and was allotted a medical college.

When the petitioner reported to the college, admission was denied on the grounds that the petitioner did not have a permanent registration certificate.

While considering the matter, the bench cited Rule 8(3) of the Post Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2000 and observed, "This provision has been made with the objective that meritorious students who are in the registration process at that time should not face unnecessary hardship."

In this regard, the bench clarified that when the law itself provides a periof of one month, the State Government impose a more stringent condition through the information booklet.

Terming this move of the State as arbitrary and against the law, the bench said that it was wrong to deny admission only based on lack of certificate. Accordingly, the bench issued directions to the State Government to grant immediate admission to the petitioner.

NMC allows inclusion of seats for counselling without formal nods

 NMC allows inclusion of seats for counselling without formal nods 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 01.04.2026

New Delhi : In a move that could ease anxiety for thousands of medical aspirants, National Medical Commission (NMC) has allowed newly approved super-specialty postgraduate seats to be included in counselling process without waiting for final approval letters. For students, this means faster counselling, fewer delays and greater clarity on available seats. The regulator has said that seats cleared by its First Appeal Committee will be treated as valid for the ongoing counselling process, removing a key procedural hurdle that often slows down admissions. 

The decision comes at a crucial stage of the admission cycle, when delays in approvals typically hold up seat allocation and leave candidates uncertain about their options. Under the latest directive, counselling authorities can now include these seats on the basis of the approved list, instead of waiting for formal Letters of Permission (LoPs) from institutions. The order follows appeals filed by medical colleges against earlier seat allocations, which were reviewed and cleared by First Appeal Committee under provisions of the NMC Act. 

The seats cover high-demand super-specialties such as cardiology, neurology, nephrology, urology and gastroenterology, across medical colleges in several states. NMC has directed all state authorities and counselling bodies, including Medical Counselling Committee, to update their seat matrix and proceed with admissions, ensuring that the counselling process continues without procedural hold-ups

MBBS limbo: BRD medical college 3 Students stuck for upto 20 years as NMC's 9-year cap clashes with MCI-era admissions

MEDICAL DIALOGUE

MBBS limbo: BRD medical college 3 Students stuck for upto 20 years as NMC's 9-year cap clashes with MCI-era admissions 

Written By : Adity SahaPublished On 27 Mar 2026 5:48 PM  |

 Updated On 27 Mar 2026 5:48 PM

Gorakhpur: While the National Medical Commission (NMC) rules now mandate that MBBS students must complete the course within 9 years from the date of admission, three students of BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur, admitted during the erstwhile Medical Council of India (MCI) era have remained stuck in the course for over 20 years after failing in certain subjects.

Recently, the college released the results of one student following a High Court order, while two others are still awaiting their results.

The three students belong to the 1998, 2009 and 2010 batches and had enrolled in the MBBS course at BRD Medical College. However, due to failure to clear certain subjects in examinations, long delays in pending examinations, result declaration and regulatory hurdles, their academic progress remained stalled for over two decades.

According to the National Medical Commission Regulations, a student who joins the MBBS course must complete and pass the entire degree within 9 years from the date of admission. Apart from this, the commission also specified that the students shall not be allowed more than four attempts for the first year.

However, the admission of these three students falls under the erstwhile Medical Council of India (MCI) time, which was replaced by NMC in 2020 and did not strictly limit or specify the duration of the course. Because of this regulatory transition, the students are in academic limbo.

Until recently, one of the students approached the High Court seeking the release of his pending result, as per India Today media report. Acting on the court’s direction, the college declared the result, but the student failed again in two subjects. He has now been allowed to appear in supplementary examinations.

Meanwhile, the results of the other two students are still pending. According to college authorities, discussions are ongoing with the university, and official communication is underway to resolve the matter and declare the results.

Officials indicated that once the results of the remaining two students are released, they will either be declared to pass or allowed to appear in supplementary examinations, which could finally determine whether they can complete the course after years of uncertainty.

Speaking to India Today, BRD Medical College Principal Ramkumar Jaiswal said the institution is bound by the new regulations of the National Medical Commission (NMC).

Medical Dialogues had also reported that the BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur, approached the National Medical Commission (NMC) seeking clear directions in an unusual case of an MBBS student who had remained in the first year for over 11 years after failing the exam in 2015.