The proposal forms part of draft amendments to existing regulations governing the establishment and approval of medical institutions across India.

Zero-Tolerance Policy Against External Pressure

According to a recent gazette notification issued by the NMC, the Commission has adopted a firm stance against attempts to influence decision-making during the approval process for medical colleges.

The amendments revise Clause 31(h) under the Establishment of Medical Institutions, Assessment and Rating Regulations, 2023, which deals specifically with attempts to pressurise regulatory authorities.

At present, rules state that if any medical institution attempts to pressure the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) or the NMC through individuals or agencies, the processing of its application is immediately stopped. However, under the proposed amendment, penalties will become stricter.

The revised provision now allows authorities not only to halt application processing but also to reject the application entirely if such influence is detected.

What the Proposed Amendment Says

The draft clause clearly states that:

• Any attempt to pressurise the NMC or MARB through intermediaries or agencies will trigger immediate regulatory action.

• Applications submitted by the concerned medical institution may be halted during processing.

• Authorities will also gain powers to reject applications outright.

This provision applies to proposals related to:

• Establishment of new medical colleges

• Starting new medical courses

• Increase in seat capacity

• Renewal or continuation of approvals

• Recognition-related applications

The amendment is designed to prevent undue influence during inspections and approval procedures.

Stakeholder Consultation Before Final Notification

The Commission has clarified that the amendments are currently in draft form. Stakeholders, including medical colleges and institutions, have been invited to submit objections and suggestions before the rules are finalised.

Once approved, the revised framework will be notified as the “Establishment of New Medical Institutions, Assessment & Rating (Amendment) Regulations, 2026.” The new rules will come into effect after publication in the Official Gazette.

Why the NMC Is Tightening Regulations

The move signals a broader effort by the regulator to ensure accountability and fairness in India’s rapidly expanding medical education sector.

Approval processes for medical colleges involve detailed inspections covering infrastructure, faculty availability, hospital facilities, and patient load. Authorities believe external pressure or lobbying can compromise objective evaluation standards.

Recent regulatory actions by the NMC, including stricter scrutiny of applications and rejection of non-compliant proposals — reflect an increasing emphasis on quality assurance in medical education.

Role of MARB in Medical College Approvals

The Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB), functioning under the NMC framework, is responsible for:

• Assessing applications for new medical colleges

• Evaluating infrastructure and teaching standards

• Granting approvals or issuing disapproval notices

• Monitoring compliance with regulatory norms

The strengthened clause reinforces MARB’s autonomy and protects the approval process from external interference.

Impact on Medical Colleges and Applicants

Experts believe the proposed amendment will have several implications:

• Institutions must strictly follow procedural channels.

• Any attempt at lobbying or indirect pressure may lead to severe consequences.

• Regulatory transparency and accountability are expected to improve.

• Approval timelines may become more rule-driven and compliance-based.

Medical colleges planning expansion or new programmes will now need to ensure complete adherence to regulatory requirements without external intervention.Broader Push for Regulatory Reform

The amendment aligns with ongoing reforms by the NMC aimed at improving standards in medical education nationwide. The Commission has recently introduced multiple compliance measures, including stricter scrutiny of applications and financial sustainability requirements for institutions, to maintain educational quality.

Conclusion

The NMC’s proposed amendment marks a decisive step toward safeguarding the integrity of India’s medical college approval system. By empowering regulators to reject applications linked to undue influence, the Commission aims to promote transparency, fairness, and higher educational standards across the healthcare education ecosystem.

Medical institutions are expected to closely monitor the final notification and ensure full compliance with regulatory norms to avoid penalties or application rejection.