NMC Clarifies MBBS Seat Recognition Process, Says Annual Renewal Will Be Treated as Recognition

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a fresh notification clarifying that medical colleges should not submit separate proposals for recognition of MBBS seats, as annual permission or renewal of seats will itself be treated as valid recognition.

The advisory follows the receipt of multiple applications by the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB), where several medical institutions sought formal recognition for their MBBS courses with a specified annual intake. NMC stated that such proposals are no longer required under the current regulatory framework.

In its official communication, the commission said, “All medical colleges and institutions teaching MBBS are advised not to send proposals for recognition of MBBS seats.” However, it added that colleges must continue to submit the Annual Disclosure Report (ADR) along with the prescribed online fee for their MBBS courses on the designated NMC portal whenever called upon.

The notification further explained that once MBBS seats are permitted or renewed annually, the batch will automatically be treated as recognised. The seats approved under this process will be considered valid for registration of the degree awarded to students. Institutions running such programmes will also be regarded as accredited medical colleges for the respective course.

NMC also pointed out that this change is in line with the Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations, 2023, which replaced the earlier system of separate recognition. Under the new regime, annual renewal of seats is deemed to be equivalent to annual recognition of the admitted batch for the relevant academic year.

This clarification aims to simplify compliance procedures for medical colleges and reduce regulatory confusion, while ensuring that quality standards are maintained through regular disclosures and renewals.