0
0
New Delhi, July 22, 2025
In a significant move toward inclusivity in medical education, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has announced fresh interim guidelines for admitting Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) to MBBS courses for the 2025–2026 academic year. This follows recent Supreme Court directions and places the candidate’s functional abilities at the forefront, rather than relying solely on percentage-based disability criteria.
Key Features of the Interim Guidelines
-
Mandatory UDID Card: Candidates must present a valid Unique Disability ID (UDID) card issued by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) using the official UDID portal. This card is now a compulsory document for those seeking admission under the PwBD category.
-
Self-Certified Affidavit: Applicants must also provide a self-certified affidavit in the prescribed format, validated by one of 16 designated medical boards.
-
Functional Assessment Over Percentages: The arithmetic threshold for disability percentage is no longer the primary criterion. Instead, assessment will prioritize the functional ability of candidates to meet MBBS course requirements.
-
Standardized Evaluation: Medical boards are empowered to use standardized tests and tools to evaluate a candidate’s self-declared competencies.
-
Holistic Decision-Making: Boards may consider alternative functional abilities when specific competencies are lacking, taking a broad view of a candidate’s overall capacity to pursue medical education.
Legal and Policy Context
These interim guidelines align with:
-
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016
-
Supreme Court directives in the Om Rathod vs. Union of India case
-
Recent MoSJE notifications emphasizing inclusive education and reasonable accommodation
The guidelines reiterate the necessity for non-discrimination, accessible infrastructure, institutional sensitization, and robust grievance redress mechanisms at all medical colleges. Institutions must appoint a Nodal Officer or Disability Cell to address specific needs and concerns.
Implementation for the 2025–2026 Academic Year
-
Admissions Flow:
-
Candidates submit NEET-UG scores, UDID card, and self-certified affidavit.
-
Verification is conducted by designated medical boards based on functional ability.
-
Admissions are finalized by the counseling authority, followed by institutional provision of reasonable accommodations.
-
-
Format Variety: The guidelines specify formats for different disabilities, including hearing, visual, locomotor, and neurodevelopmental impairments.
-
Future Framework: While these are interim measures, NMC has announced that more comprehensive, consultative, and specialty-specific guidelines will be put in place after further stakeholder deliberation.
Commitment to Inclusive Education
The NMC emphasized the importance of dignity, non-discrimination, and equal opportunity, envisioning a system where every capable candidate is empowered to pursue medicine regardless of disability—so long as essential functional competencies can be demonstrated1.
Disclaimer
This news report is based on information available as of July 22, 2025, from the National Medical Commission’s interim guidelines and related Supreme Court directives. For the most current requirements and official procedures, candidates should consult the NMC website and designated authorities. This article is intended for informational purposes and does not substitute for official legal or medical advice.
