NMC Tightens Norms for MBBS Seat Renewal
As per the new directions, colleges can no longer submit a consolidated list of faculty members.
Kurnool: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued stringent guidelines to government and private medical colleges, making the submission of Annual Disclosure Reports (ADR) mandatory for the renewal of MBBS seats for the academic year 2026–27.
As per the new directions, colleges can no longer submit a consolidated list of faculty members. Earlier, principals used to forward a single document listing faculty department-wise. Now, each doctor must submit an individual disclosure document along with a self-affidavit, either through the principal or independently.
An NMC under secretary emphasised the significance of the move, saying, “The ADR is very crucial. Earlier, institutions used to submit a single document mentioning faculty strength. Now, individual submissions are mandated to prevent the creation of fake or ‘ghost’ faculty.”
The commission has also made it mandatory for every faculty member to register through a face recognition system. Once authenticated, the details are directly recorded in the NMC database. However, allegations have surfaced that some institutions are attempting to manipulate the system using proxy or fake registrations.
Former vice-chancellor of NTR Health University, Dr K. Babji, said the new system marks a shift from past practices. “The days when faculty would attend classes once in three or four days are gone. Face recognition has become central now,” he said, adding with a hint of sarcasm, “If some colleges are still managing to manipulate even this system, it only reflects their ‘skill’.”
In addition to faculty disclosures, the NMC has directed colleges to furnish detailed information on infrastructure, including the number of operation theatres, availability of CT scan and MRI facilities, and other essential equipment. The aim is to ensure that institutions have adequate staff and infrastructure to support the sanctioned MBBS seats.
A government doctor from Vijayawada observed, “If these norms are implemented strictly, many private medical colleges may struggle to sustain even 100 MBBS seats.”
Traditionally, the NMC conducted annual physical inspections of medical colleges. However, the commission is now increasingly relying on digital systems and submitted reports for verification. “The focus has clearly shifted towards digital monitoring rather than routine inspections,” said a professor from Kurnool Medical College.