Bridging the Regulatory Gap: NCISM Mandates Local Registration for AYUSH Educators Across India

NEW DELHI — In a move designed to strengthen the oversight of traditional medicine and ensure educational accountability, the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) has issued a new directive requiring all faculty members in Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa (AYUSH) colleges to register with the state boards where they are currently employed. Announced in late March 2026, this policy targets the long-standing practice of “cross-state teaching,” where educators hold licenses in one state but teach or practice in another without local authorization. By enforcing state-level registration, the Ministry of AYUSH aims to standardize qualifications and enhance the quality of care provided by the next generation of traditional medicine practitioners.

Tightening the Reins on Traditional Education

The directive, issued by the NCISM’s Ethics and Registration Board, addresses a critical loophole in the AYUSH sector. Previously, many educators operated under the umbrella of a central registration or a license from their home state, even when working in different regions. Under the new mandate, faculty must now obtain either temporary or permanent registration from the specific State Board Council of their place of employment.

This shift mirrors the rigorous licensing standards found in allopathic (modern) medicine, where local oversight is considered essential for professional accountability. According to the NCISM, while permanent registration remains the gold standard for those seeking government positions, the introduction of a “temporary registration” category allows for faculty mobility without bypassing local laws. However, there is a catch: while a temporary registration is active, the teacher’s original permanent registration in their home state will be placed in a suspended status until the matter is resolved or they return to their primary jurisdiction.

The Growing Footprint of AYUSH

The significance of this regulation cannot be understated given the massive scale of traditional medicine in India. As of 2024, the AYUSH sector has expanded to include:

• 700+ Medical Colleges

• 3,885 Dedicated Hospitals

• 755,780 Registered Practitioners

• 62,000 Hospital Beds nationwide

As the Indian government continues to integrate AYUSH into primary healthcare through initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, the demand for high-quality education has surged. However, rapid growth has brought challenges. Recent audits by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and other bodies have revealed that some institutions struggle with severe faculty shortages, sometimes operating at just 50% of their required teaching capacity. By requiring local registration, the NCISM intends to ensure that the teachers filling these roles are vetted, qualified, and legally authorized to be in the classroom.

Expert Voices: Accountability vs. Administration

The move has received strong support from professional bodies. Dr. Rakesh Pandey, President of the Ayush Teachers’ Association, emphasizes that the directive is a necessary step toward ethical practice.

“Occasionally, doctors are observed engaging in regular practice in states other than the one where they are registered, a practice that cannot be deemed appropriate,” Dr. Pandey stated. “To ensure strict compliance, the Commission has issued directives to the medical teachers and has now extended these directives to the respective State Board Councils as well.”

While the mood among leadership is positive, some educational experts point to potential “growing pains.” The primary concern involves the administrative capacity of State Boards. If a State Board is slow to process an inter-state transfer or a temporary registration, it could delay the hiring of essential faculty in regions already suffering from staff shortages.

What This Means for Public Health and Patients

For the average citizen, this regulatory “paperwork” has real-world implications for safety and quality of care.

1. Verified Expertise: When an Ayurveda or Unani professor is locally registered, it ensures they meet the specific standards and ethical guidelines of that state.

2. Safety in Integration: As AYUSH practitioners are increasingly co-located in primary health centers alongside modern medical doctors, having standardized, well-vetted educators ensures that the advice patients receive is evidence-based and safe.

3. Educational Integrity: Students—the future doctors of the AYUSH system—will be trained by faculty whose credentials have been double-checked by local authorities, reducing the risk of “ghost faculty” who appear on college rolls but do not provide consistent instruction.

Analogous to how a driver’s license ensures a baseline of safety on the road, these registrations act as a “license to teach,” protecting the intellectual and physical health of the community.

Challenges and the Path Ahead

Despite the clear benefits for uniformity, the policy faces hurdles. Critics argue that a fragmented state-by-state registration system is counter-intuitive in a digital age. Many proponents of AYUSH reform have called for a “One Nation, One Registration” model—a centralized national register that would allow seamless mobility for doctors and teachers across India without the need for redundant state-level filings.

Furthermore, the “suspension” of permanent registration during a temporary stint elsewhere has caused some anxiety among educators. There is a fear that if the process of “reactivating” a permanent license is cumbersome, it might discourage talented teachers from taking short-term positions in underserved rural areas.

Conclusion

The NCISM’s mandate is a bold step toward professionalizing the AYUSH sector. By prioritizing state-level accountability, the Commission is moving away from the “wild west” era of unregulated inter-state teaching and toward a more structured, transparent future. For a healthcare system that serves millions—balancing ancient wisdom like Ayurveda’s dosha (elemental) balances with modern regulatory scrutiny—consistency is the most vital ingredient for public trust.

As these rules take effect, the focus will shift to the State Boards. Their ability to process registrations efficiently will determine whether this policy becomes a bridge to better education or a barrier of red tape.

References

Primary Sources & Studies:

• NCISM Ethics and Registration Board Directive: “Mandatory State Registration for Faculty.” (March 2026). NCISM Official Portal.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.