NMC releases PwBD assessment guidelines for PG medical admissions, sets discipline-specific framework
National Medical Commission
New Delhi: Taking cognisance of the need for a discipline-specific, competency-driven framework to assess PwBD candidates, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has released the "Guidelines on Assessment of Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) for Admission to the Post Graduate Medical Courses, 2026."
"The Guidelines shall come into force on the date of its publication by the National Medical Commission," the notification issued by NMC Secretary Dr. Raghav Langer mentioned.
In the recently released guidelines, NMC has specified its scope and application, statutory framework, purpose, along with ensuring equality and non-discrimination.
The Commission has also specified the general eligibility and documentation for admission under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category. Providing the details of the specialities requiring surgical skills and manipulations, and other specialities that do not require such skills, NMC has specified disability category, essential functional requirements, reasonable accommodation, and suitable benchmark disability. These details have been provided for Pre-clinical (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Biophysics), and Para-Clinical (Pharmacology, Pathology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology) branches as well.
NMC has also set the functions of the Medical Assessment Boards, its assessment criteria and principles for different types of disabilities, and the principles governing eligibility determination.
Further, the Guidelines include the details of the procedure for issuance of a certificate to the PwBD candidate and a review mechanism and appellate mechanism. Other details include institutional responsibilities, the grievance redressal mechanism, compliance, the power to issue clarifications, interpretation, the repeal and saving clause, and the overriding principle.
The guidelines also include a self-certification form, affidavit or declaration of hearing impairment, locomotor disability (upper limb and lower limb), affidavit for declaration by a person with mental illness, and affidavit for declaration by a person with visual disability and the mandatory affidavit for all candidates applying under the PwBD category.
♦ Eligibility Documentation and Disability Assessment:
√ General Eligibility and Documentation:
1. A candidate seeking admission to the Post Graduate Course under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category shall possess a benchmark disability of not less than forty per cent (40%), in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and the rules made thereunder.
2. Every such candidate shall possess a valid Unique Disability Identity (UDID) Card issued through the UDID Portal by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The UDID Card shall serve as the primary documentary evidence of the existence, nature and extent of the specified disability for the purposes of these Guidelines.
3. While the particulars recorded in the UDID Card, including the category, percentage and validity of the specified disability, shall ordinarily form the basis of consideration by the Medical Assessment Board, the Board shall independently determine the candidate's functional competency vis-à-vis specific Post Graduate Medical courses in accordance with these Guidelines. The determination of eligibility shall not be based solely upon the category or percentage of disability recorded in the UDID Card.
4. Every such candidate should have a duly established diagnosis (DSM-5/|CD-11) in accordance with the applicable recognised diagnostic and assessment framework;
5. Every such candidate's clinical condition should be stable and should not involve acute deterioration or frequent exacerbations which would materially interfere with participation in a postgraduate medical course;
6. Every such candidate should be able to demonstrate essential functional competencies required for the relevant postgraduate course, either independently or with reasonable accommodation;
7. Every such candidate should be able to participate regularly and consistently in academic, clinical and training activities and perform assigned responsibilities with reasonable support, where necessary;
8. Candidates with multiple disabilities or blood disorders shall be assessed on a case-to-case basis by the Medical Assessment Board.
9. The Functional capability with reasonable accommodation and patient safety shall be given paramount weight, and Disability percentage alone shall not confer eligibility.
10. Reasonable accommodation should be provided wherever feasible, without dilution of academic or clinical standards.
11. Final eligibility shall be determined by a Designated Medical Assessment Board.
12. They shall be discipline-specific and competency-driven frameworks for assessing PwBD candidates in Post Graduate Medical Courses, as per the table given below. However, for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Mental Illness; Specific Learning Disorder (SLD); Intellectual Disability (ID); Chronic Neurological Disorders, the criteria given at Clauses10.2 to 10.5 of these Guidelines shall also be taken into consideration.
A. Specialities Requiring Surgical Skills and Manipulations:
(Anesthesiology, General Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Otorhinolaryngology, Traumatology and Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine)
Note: Above disciplines require fine motor skills, endurance, depth perception, rapid decision making and stringent functional assessment, disability percentage alone is insufficient.
B. All Other Specialities (Except Pre and Para Clinical Branches)
(Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Family Medicine, General Medicine, Geriatrics, lmmuno Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Laboratory Medicine, Marine Medicine, Nuclear Medicine, Pediatrics, Palliative Medicine, Psychiatry, Radiation Oncology, Radio-diagnosis, Respiratory Medicine, Tropical Medicine, Community Medicine)
C. Pre-Clinical Branches
(Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Biophysics)
D. Para-Clinical Branches
(Pharmacology, Pathology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology)
13. Final Eligibility shall be ascertained only after physical verification and functional assessment by the Designated Medical Board at the time of counseling/admission.
√ Medical Assessment Board
1. Every Medical Assessment Board shall discharge its functions fairly, objectively, transparently and in accordance with the principles of natural justice, equity and the rule of law.
2. Every candidate appearing before the Medical Assessment Board shall be treated with dignity, respect and fairness throughout the assessment process.
3. The Medical Assessment Board shall ensure that no candidate is subjected to physical, environmental, communication or attitudinal barriers during the assessment process.
4. The Medical Assessment Board shall undertake the assessment of candidates in accordance with -
(a) The assessment methodology prescribed under the Notification dated 12th March,2O24 issued by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Divyangjan, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment;
(b) These Guidelines; and
(c) Any other applicable statutory provisions governing the assessment of Persons with Benchmark Disabilities.
5. Where the Medical Assessment Board considers it necessary for determining the functional competency of the candidate or the feasibility of providing reasonable accommodation, it may require the candidate to undergo such further clinical examination, functional evaluation or verification as it considers appropriate.
6. Every candidate shall submit a self-certified affidavit declaring his or her functional abilities in the format specified in Schedule-|, which shall be verified by the Medical Assessment Board during the course of assessment.
7. A candidate shall not be denied consideration under the PwBD category solely on account of a procedural defect or discrepancy in the UDID Card, provided that such defect which can be rectified and the specified disability is otherwise established in accordance with law.
√ Assessment Criteria and Principles
1. While assessing the eligibility of a candidate under these Guidelines, the Medical Assessment Board shall verify and evaluate, inter alia-
(a) The Unique Disability ldentity (UDID) Card issued by the competent authority under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment;
(b) The nature, extent and stability of the specified disability and the underlying medical condition;
(c) The candidate's functional abilities in relation to the essential competencies prescribed under the Competency Based Post Graduate Training Programme (CBPGT);
(d) The suitability and effectiveness of any assistive device, assistive technology or adaptive aid used by the candidate; (e) The feasibility of providing reasonable accommodation to facilitate acquisition of the prescribed competencies;
(f) The impact, if any, of the disability upon patient safety; and (S) Such other clinical, functional or educational factors as may be relevant for determining the candidate's eligibility under these Guidelines.
2. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Mental Illness - A candidate with Autism Spectrum Disorder may be considered eligible where the Medical Assessment Board is satisfied, on the basis of individualised functional assessment, that the candidate:
i. Possesses functional communication and comprehension adequate for the requirements of postgraduate medical education;
ii. ls able to understand and follow instructions;
iii. ls able to participate in structured academic and clinical activities;
iv. Demonstrates sufficient social and professional interaction for the requirements of the relevant course;
v. ls able to regulate behaviour in routine and reasonably foreseeable demanding or stressful situations;
vi. ls capable of functioning independently or with reasonable accommodation and appropriate support; and
vii. Does not present a demonstrable and unmitigable risk to patient safety, self or others
viii. Provided that the diagnosis, severity classification or percentage of disability shall not, by itself, constitute a ground for exclusion.
ix. However, exclusion may be considered where the Medical Assessment Board establishes that the candidate has:
a. Severe impairment in communication or comprehension, such that it precludes meaningful participation in the essential academic or clinical activities of the particular course, and impedes the acquisition of skills necessary for successful completion of the said course.
b. Severe behavioural dysregulation which prevents meaningful participation or creates a demonstrable and un-mitigable risk to sell patients or others; or
c. Inability to perform the essential competencies of the course despite reasonable accommodation and appropriate support.
3. Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) - A candidate with Specific Learning Disorder may be considered eligible where:
i. The identified deficits are principally confined to specific academic skills, including reading, writing or arithmetic, as applicable;
ii. The candidate demonstrates adequate intellectual and adaptive functioning relevant to the requirements of the course;
iii. The candidate is capable of understanding and giving instructions and acquiring the essential competencies prescribed for the relevant postgraduate course;
iv. The candidate can demonstrate the required competencies with reasonable accommodation, including additional time, accessible learning material, assistive technology or other appropriate tools;
v. Identified learning difficulty does not, even after reasonable accommodation, prevent the candidate from safely performing the essential academic or clinical functions of the course.
vi. However, exclusion may be considered where the Medical Assessment Board establishes that the candidate has:
a. The apparent learning difficulty is secondary to a global intellectual impairment or major psychiatric condition and is not appropriately classifiable as an isolated Specific Learning Disorder; or
b. Despite reasonable accommodation and assistive measures, the candidate remains unable to acquire or demonstrate an essential competency required for safe postgraduate medical training.
4. Intellectual Disability (ID)
A candidate with Intellectual Disability may be considered eligible where the Medical Assessment Board, upon individualised functional assessment, is satisfied that the ca nd idate:
i. is able to understand and follow instructions relevant to the course;
ii. ls able to communicate needs, difficulties and safety concerns;
iii. Demonstrates adequate adaptive functioning for the requirements of the course;
iv. ls capable of performing relevant tasks independently or with reasonable support
v. ls capable of acquiring and demonstrating the essential competencies prescribed for the relevant postgraduate course; and
vi. Does not present a demonstrable risk to self or patients or others which cannot be mitigated.
vii. Howevet exclusion may be considered where the Medical Assessment Board establishes that the candidate has:
a. Significant deficits in adaptive functioning which prevent the candidate from performing essential academic or clinical responsibilities;
b. lnability to understand and follow essential instructions despite reasonable accommodation and support;
c. lnability to perform essential tasks with the degree of consistency and independence required for postgraduate medical training; or
d. Demonstrable risk to self or patients or others which cannot be miti8ated.
5. Chronic Neurological Disorders
A candidate with a chronic neurological disorder may be considered eligible where:
i. The condition is clinically stable and adequately controlled;
ii. There are no frequent exacerbations or relapses which materially interfere with regular participation;
iii. The candidate's motor, cognitive, behavioural or communication abilities are compatible with participation in the relevant postgraduate course;
iv. The candidate is capable of consistent participation in academic and clinical activities;
v. Any limitations arising from the condition can be reasonably accommodated or cannot be mitigated; and
vi. The condition does not create a demonstrable risk to self or patients or others which can not be mitigated.
vii. However, exclusion may be considered where the Medical Assessment Board establishes that the candidate has:
a. Uncontrolled seizure disorder or other recurrent unpredictable episodes materially affecting safe participation;
b. Frequent relapses or exacerbations which prevent consistent participation in the course;
c. A progressive neurodegenerative condition resulting in inability to perform essential competencies;
d. Severe motor, cognitive, behavioural or communication impairment which prevents consistent participation despite reasonable accommodation; or
e. Demonstrable risk to self or patients or others which cannot be mitigated.
6. Principles Governing Determination of Eligibility
The determination of eligibility by the Medical Assessment Board shall be guided by the following principles-
(a) Functional Competency
The primary consideration shall be whether the candidate possesses, or can reasonably acquire with appropriate support and reasonable accommodation, the essential competencies prescribed under the Competency Based Post Graduate Training Programme (CBPGT).
(b) Individualized Assessment
Every assessment shall be individualized, objective, and evidence-based and for the course to be pursued. No candidate shall be declared eligible or ineligible solely on account of the category or percentage of disability.
(c) Scientific Assessment
Assessment shall be based upon objective medical findings, scientific evidence, functional evaluation, contemporary rehabilitation principles and evidence-based medical practice. The Medical Assessment Board shall avoid reliance upon outdated medical opinions, stereotypes or unsupported assumptions relating to disability. Where advances in rehabilitation medicine, assistive technology or adaptive devices substantially improve the functional abilities of the candidate, due consideration shall be given to such advancements while determining eligibility.
(d) Reasonable Accommodation
Prior to declaring a candidate ineligible, the Medical Assessment Board shall examine whether reasonable accommodation, assistive technology, adaptive devices or appropriate infrastructural support would enable the candidate to successfully pursue and complete the Post Graduate Medical Courses without compromising the acquisition of the prescribed competencies.
Provision of reasonable accommodation shall not be construed as dilution of academic standards but shall constitute a measure to ensure substantive equality of opportunity for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities.
Reasonable accommodation may include, inter alia-
(i) Assistive devices;
(ii) Adaptive equipment;
(iii) Digital accessibility;
(iv) Accessible teaching and learning material;
(v) Communication support;
(vi) Ergonomic modifications;
(vii) Examination accommodations consistent with academic standards; and
(viii) Accessible clinical learning environments.
(e) Patient Safety
Patient safety shall remain a very important consideration while determining eligibility. However, any conclusion relating to patient safety shall be based upon objective clinical and functional evidence and shall not rest upon generalized assumptions, stereotypes or preconceived notions rega rd ing disability.
7. The Board shall assess whether the candidate can understand, retain and follow instructions appropriate to the academic and clinical responsibilities of the relevant postgraduate course. Where additional time, communication support or assistive technology is proposed, the Board shall assess whether such accommodation enables satisfactory performance without compromising the essential competency or patient safety. 10.8. The Board shall assess whether the candidate can communicate needs, difficulties, relevant information and safety concerns to supervisors, colleagues, patients and other members of the healthcare team. A communication difference shall not, by itself, be treated as an inability to communicate for the purposes of these Guidelines.
8. The Board shall assess whether the candidate can communicate needs, difficulties, relevant information and safety concerns to supervisors, colleagues, patients and other members of the healthcare team. A communication difference shall not, by itself, be treated as an inability to communicate for the purposes of these Guidelines.
9. The Board shall assess whether the candidate can perform expected academic and clinical responsibilities independently and consistently, with reasonable support where appropriate. Relevant factors may include maintaining schedules, attending required activities, completing assigned tasks, following prescribed routines and seeking assistance appropriately when required. The need for reasonable support shall not, by itself, constitute a ground for ineligibility.
10. The Board shall assess acute deterioration, frequency and severity of exacerbations or relapses, duration and predictability of episodes, treatment-related limitations and any foreseeable interruption to training.
♦ Procedure for issuance of Certificate to the PwBD Candidate and Review Mechanism:
√ Procedure for issuance of Certificate to the PwBD Candidate
1. Upon completion of the functional assessment, the Medical Assessment Board shall determine whether the candidate is Eligible; Eligible with Reasonable Accommodation, or ineligible for admission to the Post Graduate Medical courses under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category in accordance with these Guidelines.
2. The determination of eligibility shall be based on-
(a) The candidate's demonstrated functional competency in relation to the essential competencies prescribed under the Competency Based Post Graduate Training Programme (c8PGr); (b) The feasibility of providing reasonable accommodation, assistive technology or other support measures, wherever appropriate; (c) The ability of the candidate to successfully complete the Post Graduate Medical Courses and acquire the prescribed competencies; and (d) Considerations relating to patient safety, supported by objective medical and functional evidence.
3. No candidate shall be declared ineligible solely on the basis of-
(a) The diagnosis or category of disability; (b) The percentage of benchmark disability recorded in the UDID Card or Disability Certificate; or (c) Generalized assumptions or stereotypes associated with any disability.
4. A candidate shall be declared ineligible only where the Medical Assessment Board, after due consideration of reasonable accommodation and assistive technology, records, by a reasoned and speaking order, that the candidate is unable to acquire the essential competencies prescribed under the Competency Based Post Graduate Training Programme (CBPGT) or that the disability would pose a demonstrable and unacceptable risk to patient safety which cannot be mitigated through reasonable accommodation.
5. Every determination of the Medical Assessment Board shall be recorded in writing and shall clearly specify-
(a) The nature and extent of the disability;
(b) The findings of the functional competency assessment
(c) The reasonable accommodation, if any, considered or recommended;
(d) The reasons supporting the determination of eligibility or ineligibility; and
(e) The final recommendation of the Board.
6. The Medical Assessment Board shall issue an Eligibility Certificate, in the format specified in Schedule-ll, certifying whether the candidate is-
(i) Eligible;
(ii) Eligible with Reasonable Accommodation, specifying the accom modation(s) recommended; or
(iii) ineligible, together with the reasons recorded in accordance with clause 11.4.
7. The Eligibility Certificate shall record the material findings of the functional assessment, including the essential competency assessed, functional limitation identified, accommodation considered or provided, and the basis for the Board's conclusion.
8. Where the candidate is declared eligible with reasonable accommodation, the Eligibility Certificate shall specify the accommodation recommended and, where appropriate, the functional domain to which such accommodation relates.
9. No finding of ineligibility shall be based solely upon the diagnosis, disability category, percentage of benchmark disability or generalized assumption concerning a particular disability.
10. Speaking Order in Cases of Exclusion - Where a candidate is determined to be ineligible under these Guidelines, the Medical Assessment Board shall issue a reasoned and speaking order setting out:
i. The specific functional limitation identified;
ii. The essential competency affected
iii. The objective medical/functiona I evidence supporting the conclusion;
iv. The reasonable accommodation and support considered
v. The reasons why such accommodation or support is insufficient; and
vi. The specific basis for concluding that the candidate cannot safely acquire or demonstrate the essential com
√ Appellate Mechanism
1. Any candidate aggrieved by the findings or decision of the Medical Assessment Board may prefer an appeal before the Appellate Authority constituted by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, within such time and in such manner as may be notified by the Medical Counseling Committee (MCC) from time to time.
2. The Appellate Authority shall independently examine the appeal and may, where considered necessary, call for the records of the Medical Assessment Board, direct a fresh medical assessment by an appropriate expert or specialist, seek additional medical opinion, or undertake such further examination as it deems fit in accordance with these Guidelines.
3. The Appellate Authority shall pass a reasoned and speaking order, clearly recording the basis for affirming, modifying, or setting aside the findings of the Medical Assessment Board.
4. The decision of the Appellate Authority shall be final for the purposes of counselling and admission under these Guidelines, subject to any order or direction of a court of competent jurisdiction.
√ Institutional Responsibilities
1. Every Medical College, Medical Counseling Committee, State Counseling Authority and Medical Assessment Board shall ensure that the provisions of these Guidelines are implemented in letter and spirit.
2. Every institution shall take appropriate measures to ensure that no PWBD candidate is denied admission or subjected to discrimination solely on the ground of disability, except in accordance with these Guidelines and the applicable statutory provisions.
3. Every institution shall endeavor to provide reasonable accommodation, barrier-free access and accessible learning environments in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and the applicable standards notified by the Government of India.
4. Medical Colleges are encouraged to undertake periodic sensitization and capacity-building programs for faculty members, administrative staff and students to promote an inclusive academic environment and eliminate physical, communication and attitudinal barriers.
5. Every Medical College shall designate a Nodal Officer or establish an appropriate institutional mechanism in the nature of an enabling unit to serve as a single point of contact to address the PwBD candidates seeking clinical accommodations and further to facilitate implementation of these Guidelines and to address various other issues concerning PwBD candidates. These measures reflect the institutional responsibilities emphasized under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
√ Grievance Redressal Mechanism
1. Every Medical College and Counseling Authority shall maintain an effective, accessible and time-bound grievance redressal mechanism for addressing complaints relating to disability assessment, denial of reasonable accommodation or any act of discrimination against PwBD ca nd id ates.
2. Every grievance shall be dealt with fairly, expeditiously and in accordance with the applicable provisions of law.
√ Compliance
1. Every admission to the Post Graduate Medical Courses under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities category shall be governed by these Guidelines.
2. Every authority concerned with the admission process shall strictly comply with these Guidelines.
3. No Medical Assessment Board shall declare a candidate ineligible without recording reasons in writing based upon functional assessment, scientific evidence and the principles contained in these Guidelines.
4. Every recommendation of the Medical Assessment Board shall be made by a reasoned and speaking order.
√ Power to lssue Clarifications
The National Medical Commission may issue such clarifications, advisories, standard operating procedures or procedural instructions, consistent with these Guidelines and the National Medical Commission Act, 2079, as may be necessary for their effective and uniform implementation.
√ lnterpretation
lf any question arises regarding the interpretation or implementation of these Guidelines, the matter shall be referred to the National Medical Commission whose decision thereon shall be final, subject to the provisions of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and any judgment or direction of a competent Court.
√ Repeal and Saving Clause
1. These Guidelines shall supersede all previous guidelines, advisories and instructions issued by the National Medical Commission or the erstwhile Medical Council of India relating to the assessment of Persons with Benchmark Disabilities for admission to the Post Graduate Medical Courses, to the extent they are inconsistent with these Guidelines.
2. Notwithstanding such supersession, any action taken, assessment conducted or decision made under the earlier guidelines shall be deemed to have been validly taken or made insofar as it is not inconsistent with these Guidelines.
√ Overriding Principle
While implementing these Guidelines, every authority shall ensure that the assessment of a candidate is based upon functional competency, objective medical evidence and the possibility of reasonable accommodation. No candidate shall be denied consideration or declared ineligible solely on the basis of diagnosis, disability category, or generalized assumptions regarding disability. The paramount considerations shall be equality of opportunity, maintenance of academic standards and patient safety, to be harmoniously applied in accordance with the National Medical commission Act, 2019 and the Regulations and Guidelines framed thereunder and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
To view the guidelines, click on the link below:
https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/2026/09/17/nmc-disability-guidelines-475925.pdf
