The guidelines have been issued by the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) under the provisions of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019 and the Graduate Medical Education Regulations (GMER), 2023. The revised norms are expected to play a crucial role during NEET UG 2026 counselling and subsequent MBBS admissions across India.

Major Shift: Ability Takes Priority Over Disability Percentage

Under the earlier admission process, PwBD candidates were largely evaluated based on the disability percentage mentioned in their Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card. While the disability percentage remains relevant for reservation eligibility, it will no longer be the sole determinant of whether a candidate can pursue an MBBS course.

Instead, Designated Medical Assessment Boards will conduct an individualized evaluation to determine whether an applicant possesses the functional competencies required to successfully undertake medical education. During this assessment, the Boards will consider:

• Functional abilities of the candidate.

• Availability of assistive technologies.

• Reasonable accommodations.

• Advances in rehabilitation science.

• Whether essential medical competencies can be achieved with appropriate support.

This individualized assessment is intended to provide a fairer and more inclusive admission process for students with benchmark disabilities.

Benchmark Disability Requirement Continues

The NMC has clarified that candidates must still have a benchmark disability of at least 40% to avail reservation benefits under the PwBD category.

However, possessing a disability certificate alone will not determine eligibility for the MBBS programme. Functional capability will now be assessed separately through the designated evaluation process.

'Eligibility Certificate' Replaces 'Disability Certificate'

One of the important changes introduced under the revised guidelines is the renaming of the certificate issued after assessment.

Instead of issuing a Disability Certificate, the Assessment Board will now provide an Eligibility Certificate, reflecting whether the candidate is capable of pursuing the MBBS programme after functional evaluation.

This change emphasizes competence and eligibility rather than disability alone.

Assessment Centres Expanded from 16 to 61

To improve accessibility for candidates across the country, the NMC has significantly expanded the network of designated assessment centres.

The number of authorised Medical Assessment Boards has increased from 16 centres to 61 centres nationwide, enabling PwBD candidates to undergo assessments closer to their place of residence and reducing travel-related difficulties.

Documents Required During Assessment

Candidates appearing before the Designated Medical Assessment Board will be required to submit:

• A valid Permanent UDID Card.

• A self-certified affidavit describing their functional abilities and current condition.

• Any other documents prescribed by the competent authority.

The affidavit will assist the Assessment Board in evaluating the candidate's actual functional abilities rather than relying solely on disability classification.

No Automatic Rejection Based on Diagnosis

The NMC has made it clear that no applicant can be declared ineligible merely because of:

• The type of disability.

• The disability category.

• The percentage of disability mentioned on the UDID Card.

• A medical diagnosis alone.

Instead, every case must undergo an individual assessment based on the candidate's ability to acquire the essential competencies required for the MBBS course.

When Can a Candidate Be Declared Ineligible?

According to the revised guidelines, a candidate may be declared Ineligible only if the Designated Medical Assessment Board records specific written reasonsestablishing that the essential competencies of the MBBS curriculum cannot be achieved even after providing reasonable accommodation or assistive technologies.

This provision is intended to ensure transparency, fairness and accountability in the assessment process.

Three Possible Assessment Outcomes

Following evaluation, candidates will be placed into one of the following categories:

Eligible:Candidate can pursue the MBBS programme without additional accommodations.

Eligible with Reasonable Accommodation: Candidate is capable of completing the programme with suitable assistive devices or institutional support.

Ineligible:Candidate is unable to achieve essential competencies despite all reasonable accommodations and assistive measures.

Appeal Mechanism Introduced

Candidates dissatisfied with the decision of the Designated Medical Assessment Board will now have the right to file an appeal.

The appeal can be submitted before an Appellate Authority constituted by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), providing an additional layer of review and ensuring greater procedural fairness.

Inclusive Medical Education

The revised framework reflects the NMC's commitment to implementing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, while ensuring that medical education remains both inclusive and competency-based.

Rather than excluding candidates based on disability labels, the Commission aims to evaluate whether an individual can safely and effectively perform the essential functions expected of a medical graduate with appropriate institutional support.

Implications for NEET UG 2026 Aspirants

For candidates applying under the PwBD quota during NEET UG 2026 counselling, the revised guidelines introduce several important changes:

• Admission decisions will be based on functional competency assessments rather than disability percentage alone.

• Candidates must possess a valid Permanent UDID Card.

• Submission of a self-certified affidavit has become mandatory.

• Assessments will be conducted at one of the 61 designated centres across India.

• Candidates have the right to appeal if they disagree with the Board's decision.

• Institutions will also be required to provide reasonable accommodation wherever applicable.

A Major Reform Towards Equal Opportunity

The newly notified PwBD Guidelines represent one of the most significant reforms in recent years for disability-inclusive medical education in India. By replacing a disability-centric evaluation system with an ability-based assessment model, the National Medical Commission seeks to ensure that deserving candidates receive a fair opportunity to pursue medicine while maintaining the academic and professional standards required of future doctors.

The reforms are expected to make the MBBS admission process more transparent, equitable and aligned with modern principles of accessibility and inclusion.