Jamia Hamdard-HIMSR dispute leaves MBBS students in limbo over exams, faculty, seats
Doctor
New Delhi: Highlighting the troubles faced by the students at Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (HIMSR) and HAHC Hospital due to the ongoing conflict between the medical college and the University, the Students' Association and the student community of the institute have appealed for a solution.
The students have pointed out that HIMSR is facing challenges due to the ongoing legal and administrative dispute between the founding family members. Even though the students are not stakeholders in this dispute, they are reportedly bearing its consequences.
Sudden Postponement of Exams:
According to the students, as a result of the feud between the medical college and Jamia Hamdard University, the examinations are getting postponed or altered without prior notice, sometimes only hours before they are scheduled. The students claimed that they faced psychological trauma due to such sudden, late-night announcements of cancellations within hostels.
Results Delayed, Admission Denied:
Apart from this, the results are allegedly also getting delayed, directly impacting postgraduate admissions, employment opportunities, and career progression.
In 2025, the MBBS admission to the institute was also denied and 150 MBBS seats were withdrawn despite the institute meeting all the National Medical Commission's standards. Referring to this, the students expressed their concerns over a similar possibility in 2026 as well, which, according to them, would further destabilise the institution.
Faculty Leaving Institute:
Another issue that the students raised is how experienced faculty members are allegedly leaving the institute, affecting both education quality and hospital functioning. Due to this prolonged instability, students, who are already under the rigorous demands of medical training, are suffering from immense mental stress.
Saying how HIMSR has long been regarded as one of the leading private medical colleges in Delhi, the students highlighted how the institute consistently maintained high academic and clinical standards, complied with all NMC requirements, and attracted students from across the country who aspired to become competent, ethical doctors.
They added that while previously many students chose HIMSR with trust, hope, and the belief that they were entering a secure, respected medical institution, that trust is rapidly eroding today.
According to the students, if the situation continues unchecked, the consequences of a "private dispute" could be irreversible, including the potential shutdown or long-term decline of HIMSR, permanently damaging the futures of currently enrolled students. It could result in severe reputational harm to students whose degrees may be unfairly stigmatized due to administrative failures beyond their control.
HAHC Hospital may collapse, depriving nearby communities including residents of Sangam Vihar and surrounding areas of affordable and accessible healthcare. Most importantly, it will result in the loss of a trusted medical institute that once served both education and public health with integrity, said the students.
Background:
Medical Dialogues had earlier reported on the ongoing conflict between HIMSR and Jamia Hamdard University. Last year, the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) released the tentative list of medical colleges and the MBBS seat matrix for NEET 2025 counselling after the National Medical Commission (NMC) provided the tentative seat matrix for the First Round of MBBS seats.
However, what was shocking was that in the tentative seat matrix (MBBS) for the academic year 2025-2026, zero (0) seats were allotted to nine institutes. The list also included Delhi-based Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (HIMSR).
After this, HIMSR issued a clarification mentioning that the issue was linked to an ongoing contentious issue between Jamia Hamdard and HIMSR, which is currently sub-judice. Further, the college had also urged students, parents, and well-wishers to remain calm and avoid speculation.
Consequently, HES issued a rebuttal after news reports claimed MBBS and PG seats were scrapped at the institute and CAG had flagged financial irregularities. In the recent notice, HES mentioned that the rebuttal was issued in the interest of public accountability, institutional transparency, and legal clarity.
The matter concerns a 2019 Family Settlement Deed, which divided the institutions among various groups within the Hamdard family. As a result of this dispute, arbitration proceedings were initiated, and on August 12, 2025, Jamia Hamdard was directed by the arbitrator to provide all possible assistance to HIMSR regarding MBBS admissions, within the ambit of the law.
However, later the affiliation was withdrawn by Jamia Hamdard, citing objections from the statutory bodies such as the UGC and the National Medical Commission (NMC). Jamia Hamdard itself was not a party to the arbitration agreement.
Recently, the Executing Court in its order dated December 8, 2025 held that the withdrawal of the consent letter had frustrated the arbitration process. This violated the enforceable arbitration orders. Based on this, Jamia Hamdard was directed to issue the consent letter. However, this order was challenged by the University in the High Court.
The HC Division bench concluded that the order passed by the arbitrator was limited only to "cooperation within the scope of the law", and not an injunction or specific performance order for the issuance of affiliation. Therefore, the bench concluded that Order 21, Rule 32, CPC, was not applicable.
With these observations, the Delhi HC bench allowed the plea in favour of Jamia Hamdard University and set aside the single judge order passed on December 8, 2025. Accordingly, the University was relieved of the direction to grant affiliation for 150 MBBS seats to HIMSR.
