NMC: No ‘routine’ queries on teacher eligibility; PGMEB to consider ‘exceptional cases’ for Rs 25,000 fee

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has directed medical colleges, universities, and appointing authorities not to send routine queries on the eligibility of teaching applicants under the Medical Institutions (Qualifications of Faculty) Regulations, 2025 (MIQF-2025). Instead, institutions have been asked to determine the eligibility of applicants themselves, in accordance with the regulations. Applicants seeking clarification in exceptional cases will have to pay a processing fee of Rs 25,000 for each application submitted to the board.

In a public notice issued by the Post Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB), the commission clarified that it will entertain only exceptional cases involving ambiguity or issues requiring interpretation of the faculty appointment regulations . The PGMEB “shall hereafter not issue eligibility certificates or clarifications in routine cases where the eligibility can be determined directly from the provisions of MIQFR 2025 and other applicable regulations”, says the NMC’s notice.

According to the notice, the PGMEB has been receiving requests from individual faculty members, medical colleges, medical institutions, universities, NBEMS-accredited hospitals, and other stakeholders seeking eligibility certificates or clarifications for appointments and promotions to teaching positions.

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The commission said such routine requests should not be referred to the board. Instead, colleges, universities, and appointing authorities are expected to assess the eligibility of applicants in accordance with the regulations.

NMC: Refer only ‘exceptional’ cases

However, cases involving genuine ambiguity or requiring interpretation of laws and regulations may be referred to the PGMEB for consideration. The public notice also lays down the procedure and conditions for submitting such requests.

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The NMC has advised all medical colleges, medical institutions, universities, NBEMS-accredited hospitals, and other stakeholders to comply with the instructions issued in the public notice and follow the prescribed procedure while seeking eligibility clarifications.