The National Medical Commission (NMC) has withdrawn the Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations, 2023, stating that the move will simplify regulatory procedures without weakening medical education standards or oversight.
The regulations were de-notified on October 14, 2026, to eliminate overlapping processes and align regulatory responsibilities with the National Medical Commission Act, 2019. The commission clarified that medical colleges will continue to face mandatory disclosure requirements, institutional assessments, inspections and regulatory action for violations.
NMC Removes Overlapping Regulatory Responsibilities
Under the NMC Act, the Undergraduate Medical Education Board and the Postgraduate Medical Education Board are responsible for prescribing academic standards, minimum requirements and educational norms.
The Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB), meanwhile, has the authority under Section 26 of the Act to assess and inspect medical institutions, verify compliance and take action against institutions that fail to meet prescribed requirements.
According to the commission, the withdrawn regulations introduced a parallel mechanism for institutional evaluation, annual renewal and enforcement through the undergraduate and postgraduate education boards. Following judicial observations and a review of the legal framework, the NMC decided to remove this duplication.
Annual Disclosure Reports Remain Mandatory
The NMC has clarified that medical colleges must continue submitting Annual Disclosure Reports covering faculty strength, infrastructure, clinical facilities, patient load and other prescribed parameters.
These disclosures will remain subject to scrutiny and verification through MARB's assessment and inspection mechanisms. The commission also confirmed that existing requirements concerning faculty, infrastructure, clinical material, teaching facilities, attendance and academic standards remain unchanged.
MARB can continue conducting institutional assessments and inspections, including unannounced inspections where necessary. Institutions found deficient may face regulatory action under the applicable laws and regulations.
Past Violations Will Still Attract Action
The withdrawal does not invalidate actions already taken, liabilities incurred or proceedings initiated under the 2023 regulations. The NMC said medical colleges would not receive immunity for past violations or exemptions from future regulatory action.
The primary procedural change is the removal of the additional annual renewal requirement introduced under the withdrawn regulations. Other disclosure, assessment and compliance obligations will continue.
NMC Says Simplification Does Not Mean Relaxation
The commission reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards of medical education while making regulation more transparent and efficient. It stressed that removing duplicate procedures should not be interpreted as reducing regulatory scrutiny.
Medical colleges must therefore continue meeting prescribed standards and cooperating with inspections and verification processes.
For official information and regulatory updates, visit the National Medical Commission.
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