KUHS issues revised norms for non-clinical faculty, examiner eligibility in affiliated dental colleges

The Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS) has released a new order outlining the qualifications and teaching experience required for non-clinical faculty members teaching medical subjects in affiliated dental colleges. The order was issued by the university's academic cell on June 19, 2026.

The university noted that dental colleges had been following the regulations framed by the former Medical Council of India (MCI) for appointing non-clinical teaching staff. Following the introduction of the National Medical Commission's (NMC) Teachers Eligibility Qualifications in Medical Institutions Regulations, 2022, the Board of Studies in Dental Sciences recommended updating the existing norms to align them with the new NMC guidelines.

The proposal was later approved by the Faculty of Dental Sciences, the Academic Council and the Governing Council, after which the revised provisions were implemented.

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Qualifications as per NMC regulations

The order cites the Minimum Qualifications for Teachers in Medical Institutions Regulations, 1998, which allow non-medical teachers to be appointed in the departments of Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology and Microbiology, subject to a maximum of 30 per cent of the sanctioned posts in each department.

It also specifies the academic qualifications required for such appointments. In addition, the order points out that under the NMC's 2022 regulations, candidates with relevant M.Sc. and PhD degrees can be appointed as Assistant Professors in the departments of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry.

Rules for appointment of examiners

The university has referred to the Competency Based Medical Education Regulations, 2023, which require examiners to have at least four years of teaching experience as an Assistant Professor after obtaining a postgraduate degree following MBBS from a recognised medical college.

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Based on these provisions, the order states that non-medical candidates are not eligible to serve as examiners for MBBS examinations and, therefore, cannot be appointed as examiners for BDS examinations either.

Instructions for dental colleges

KUHS has directed all affiliated self-financing dental colleges to follow the eligibility criteria and experience requirements laid down in the NMC's Teachers Eligibility Qualifications in Medical Institutions Regulations, 2022, and the Competency Based Medical Education Regulations, 2023, while appointing faculty members for medical subjects.