In a major policy shift, the National Medical Council (NMC) has cleared the way for doctors serving in government hospitals—even those not linked to teaching institutions—to be eligible for faculty positions in medical colleges.According to a media report, under the new NMC rules, non-teaching consultants with 10 years of experience can now be directly appointed as associate professors in medical colleges. Those with at least two years of experience are eligible to become assistant professors—even without completing senior residency. However, all newly appointed faculty must complete a basic course in biomedical research within two years of joining.Government hospitals with over 220 beds can now be treated as teaching hospitals. This changes the earlier rule that applied only to 330-bed hospitals being converted into medical colleges.The new regulations, issued by the Post Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) under NMC, aim to address faculty shortages and support the expansion of MBBS and MD/MS seats across the country. The Centre plans to add 75,000 medical seats in the next five years, but lack of qualified faculty has been a barrier.Postgraduate courses can now start with two faculty members and two seats, instead of three faculty and a senior resident.Bed requirements per unit have also been relaxed.Senior consultants with at least three years of teaching experience in NBEMS-recognised government institutions can now be promoted to professor-level posts, as per the latest NMC guidelines. Diploma holders with six years of experience in NBEMS-run departments are also eligible to become assistant professors.In a notable change, up to five years spent working with the NMC, medical councils, or related government bodies will now be counted as teaching experience. Additionally, the upper age limit for senior residents in pre- and para-clinical subjects has been raised to 50 years. Experience as a tutor or demonstrator after postgraduation will also be considered for assistant professor eligibility.
