NMC Stops Routine Eligibility Certificates for Medical Teaching Posts, Shifts Responsibility to Institutions

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has announced that it will no longer process routine requests for eligibility certificates or clarifications for faculty positions in medical colleges. The decision, issued by the Post Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB), shifts the responsibility of determining eligibility to the appointing authority—the medical institution, university, or other competent body.

According to a public notice, the NMC will only consider cases involving ambiguity or difficulty in interpreting the regulations. Routine cases, where eligibility can be directly determined using the Medical Institutions (Qualifications of Faculty) Regulations, 2025 (MIQFR), will no longer be entertained by the commission. The MIQFR has been in effect since June 30, 2025, and lays down detailed qualifications, experience, and publication requirements for teaching positions.

For cases requiring interpretation, references must be forwarded through the dean, director, principal, or registrar of the concerned institution. Each such reference must be accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee of ₹25,000 plus 18% GST. The notice clarifies that references submitted directly by individuals will not be accepted, and no fee refund will be given in such cases.

The NMC stated that the move is aimed at promoting institutional accountability, reducing repetitive processing of routine requests, and easing the administrative burden on the PGMEB arising from grievances, RTI applications, and litigation.

A grievance redressal mechanism has been provided for applicants whose institutions fail to forward their case within 60 days. In such instances, the applicant may submit a representation directly to the PGMEB with supporting documents, including proof of the institution’s failure and payment of ₹25,000 plus GST. The institution will then have to refund the fee it collected earlier.

Additionally, applicants dissatisfied with a decision made by their institution can seek a review by the NMC within 30 days of the decision, on payment of the same fee and submission of relevant documents.

The notice, issued this week, applies with immediate effect. The PGMEB will decide whether a case is routine or requires interpretation, and its decision will be final.