NMC issues interim guidelines for PwBD candidates; drops disability percentage criteria

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued interim guidelines for MBBS admissions of persons with benchmark disabilities (PwBD), shifting the focus from percentage-based disability criteria to functional abilities. The new rules, applicable only for the 2025-26 academic session, introduce a self-declaration process that adds a fresh layer to the admission procedure for PwBD candidates.

Under the revised framework, candidates will now have to submit a self-certified affidavit detailing the tasks they can and cannot perform, in addition to producing their Unique Disability ID (UDID) card and undergoing an evaluation by medical boards.

The self-certified affidavit, a newly introduced requirement, will ask students to specify their ability to carry out essential tasks—such as communication, mobility, writing, comprehension of medical terms, and vision-related functions.

The guidelines state that “The previously mandated arithmetic threshold shall be no longer applicable. Instead, emphasis will be placed on assessing a candidate's functional ability to meet the academic and clinical demands of the MBBS course.”

For students with hearing, visual, or locomotor disabilities, the affidavit includes a set of detailed questions. For instance, those with hand-related disabilities will have to indicate whether they can lift objects, feed themselves, write using a pen or pencil, and perform routine grooming tasks.

Candidates with lower limb impairments will be asked if they can walk on plain surfaces, climb stairs, and stand bearing weight. Students with visual impairment or mental health conditions will also be assessed on their ability to process verbal instructions, interact socially, and comprehend key medical concepts.

Medical boards to verify self-declared competencies

Sixteen designated medical boards across the country will be responsible for assessing candidates. These boards will verify whether the self-declared competencies align with what is required to pursue the course.

If a candidate is unable to demonstrate certain essential competencies, the board may consider whether the deficit can be reasonably compensated through alternative functional abilities. Assessments will rely on standardised tests and tools and all board decisions will be issued as reasoned, speaking orders.

“If the candidate while self-declaring the essential competencies mentions one or more competencies in negative or is not able to demonstrate one or more of the listed essential competencies, the board shall see if he/she is able to compensate such deficits, by other alternative functionalities; and may take a holistic view regarding his capability to pursue MBBS course,” the official document further sates.

NEET UG Counselling 2025: Registration begins tomorrow

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) will conduct National Eligibility cum Entrance Test - Undergraduate (NEET UG) 2025 counselling from tomorrow, July 21. The counselling is being held for admission to Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) and Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) courses.

Admissions will be conducted by the counselling authorities, taking into account the NEET 2025 scores, candidates' choice of institutions, and the outcomes of medical board verification. Medical colleges offering the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme have also been instructed to comply with the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act.