MBBS: NMC directs medical colleges to implement interim guidelines for PwBD candidates, details

In the communication addressed to the Principals/Heads of all medical colleges/institutes, NMC mentioned that for queries or clarifications, concerned officers from the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities may be contacted. The directory of contact number is available at the link mentioned in the notice

Earlier this year, complying with the Supreme Court's directions, the National Medical Commission (NMC) notified these interim guidelines outlining the assessment method for admitting PwBD candidates to the MBBS course in the Academic Year 2025-2026.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that emphasizing the need for an inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities in medical education, the Supreme Court had previously issued directions to the Apex Medical Commission to formulate new disability guidelines for MBBS admissions.

Consequently, in compliance with the top court bench's directions in the case of Om Rathod vs. Union of India and related rulings, NMC established an expert committee to reassess the 2019 Disability Guidelines, which the Medical Council of India originally issued on 13 May, 2019.

Referring to this, NMC in the notice dated 16.09.2025 mentioned, "In view of significant number of pending Court Cases and directions made by the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India in 'Om Rathod & Others versus Union of India & Others', complaints filed before Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, and the representations received from individuals under Persons with Disabilities Category, the National Medical Commission (NMC) constituted an Expert Committee to review Appendix H-1 of the Disability Guidelines, 2019, earlier issued by the erstwhile Medical Council of India (MCI) on 13 th May, 2019, with the objective to align the guidelines with the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, and notification issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) on 12 th March, 2024."

"Based on the Expert Committee’s deliberations and recommendations, the National Medical Commission has issued interim Guidelines for PwBD candidates seeking admission in MBBS course for the academic year 2025- 26. These guidelines are aligned with the RPwD Act, 2016 and related notifications," it further added.

As per the Interim Guidelines (effective for admissions in MBBS course for Academic Year 2025-26), all PwBD applicants are required to submit:

• A Valid UDID Card issued by a Designated Medical Authority under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• Self-Certified Affidavit in the format provided under Schedule - I.
• The candidate will have to approach the Designated Medical Board for verification of their Self-Certified Affidavit.

Previously, the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) of NMC had clarified that the Designated Medical Boards are responsible for verifying candidate's self-certified affidavits and evaluating their functional abilities. Detailed assessment procedures for these boards are set forth in the Interim Guidelines.

To view the latest NMC notice, click on the link below:

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/nmc-interim-guidelines-for-pwbd-candidates-seeking-admission-in-mbbs-course-for-the-academic-year-2025-26-302156.pdf

Also Read: MBBS: NMC's new PwD guidelines prioritise functional ability over disability percentage, Check details