NMC issues NEET disability guidelines two weeks after results, activists question timing

The National Medical Commission (NMC) on Monday night released interim guidelines to assess the eligibility of NEET candidates with disability for MBBS admissions, nearly two weeks after the results of the medical entrance test were announced. The move has drawn criticism from disability rights activists who question the timing and lack of stakeholder consultation.

The guidelines direct all medical colleges under the NMC's aegis to set up 'Enabling Units' to provide reasonable accommodations for students with disability to complete coursework. They specify three outcomes: eligible, eligible with reasonable accommodations, or ineligible. The release comes amid ongoing hearings in the Supreme Court in the Anmol Vs Union of India case, where the regulator is rushing to comply with court directions.

Dr Satendra Singh, a disability rights activist and a doctor living with disability, noted that this is the second time such guidelines have been issued at the last moment without the usual 30-day stakeholder consultation period. "Activists have questioned the timing of the move – coming almost two weeks after the results for the medical entrance test was announced," he said.

Key changes from last year's interim guidelines include several significant updates. First, the term 'disability certificate' has been changed to 'eligibility certificate', which certifies the candidate's eligibility or otherwise for admission to the MBBS course. Second, the number of assessment centres has been increased from 16 to 61, with further expansion possible. Dr Singh noted that for years, candidates with disability had to travel to different states for assessment, and that no other aspirant needs to travel for the admission process.

Third, the guidelines now explicitly mention 'reasonable accommodation'. The Medical Assessment Board must examine whether reasonable accommodation, assistive technology, adaptive devices, or appropriate infrastructural support would enable the candidate to successfully pursue and complete the MBBS course before declaring a candidate ineligible. Fourth, if a candidate is found ineligible, the board must record in writing the nature and extent of disability, findings of functional competency assessment, reasonable accommodations considered, reasons for determining eligibility or ineligibility, and the final recommendation. Dr Singh said this prevents arbitrary disqualification.

Fifth, an appellate mechanism has been established under the Directorate General of Health Services. Any aspirant wishing to challenge the findings of the board can approach the appellate authority, which must pass a reasoned and speaking order. Previously, students had to go from one assessment board to another to get a favourable decision.

However, the guidelines do not include a requirement for a doctor with disability on assessment boards, as recommended by the Supreme Court. Additionally, the NMC has not yet released similar assessment guidelines for post-graduate medical courses. The counselling dates for this year are pending announcement.