Landmark Reforms: NMC’s Public Notice Reshapes Medical Admission Criteria

Previously, the erstwhile Medical Council of India regulated MBBS admissions and selections via the Regulations on Graduate Medical Education, 1997, and its subsequent amendments. These rules required students to complete two years of regular, continuous study in Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Biotechnology, and English during their 11th and 12th grades, which included practical sessions. This education had to be undertaken in regular schools rather than through open schooling or as private candidates. Additionally, students were barred from taking Biology, Biotechnology, or any other mandatory subject as an additional course after finishing Class 12.

These specific rules faced legal challenges and were ultimately struck down by the Hon’ble Delhi High Court through rulings dated 11.05.2018 in Anshul Aggrawal Vs. Union of India & Ors. and 17.08.2017 in Tanishq Gangwar & Ors. Vs. Union of India & Ors.

These judicial outcomes directly affected students aspiring to join Undergraduate or Primary Medical Programs at Foreign Medical Institutes, as governed by relevant statutory regulations such as the Eligibility Requirement for Taking Admission in an Undergraduate Medical Course in a Foreign Medical Institution Regulations, 2002, and the Screening Test Regulation, 2002.

Consequently, students were prohibited from taking the NEET-UG examination, and their requests for Eligibility Certificates were turned down.

Later, on 02.06.2023, the National Medical Commission established the Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023. Under Regulation 11(b), individuals who have completed their 10+2 or equivalent education with Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Biotechnology, and English are now qualified to take the NEET-UG test. Consequently, the former Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 1997, along with all associated amendments, have been repealed prospectively.

During its meeting on 14.06.2023, the National Medical Commission reviewed the New Education Policy, noting its flexible approach to subject selection in Class 12, and chose to alter its former stance. Students are now authorized to study the necessary subjects, including Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Biotechnology, and English, as additional subjects after completing Class 12, provided they study through boards recognized by the relevant government. These candidates are permitted to take the NEET-UG examination and qualify for an Eligibility Certificate.

This updated policy applies retrospectively to applicants whose Eligibility Certificate requests were previously denied for the reasons detailed in this notice. Nonetheless, regarding NEET-UG participation, candidates who qualify following the release of this public notice will be allowed to sit for the NEET-UG-2024 exam.

All court cases previously initiated by the MCI or NMC on this matter will be dismissed, and the updated policy outlined in this public notice will be presented in any active lawsuits brought by candidates against the MCI or NMC to achieve a prompt settlement.

This announcement is published with the sanction of the competent authority.