The National Medical Commission (NMC) has released the draft Regulation 2026, introducing major changes to the rules for setting up new medical colleges.
The revised draft amends the regulations that came into force in June 2023 and will apply from the 2027-28 academic session.One of the biggest changes is the removal of the requirement to submit an Essentiality Certificate from the respective state government while applying to establish a new medical college.
Earlier, applicants had to submit both the state government’s Essentiality Certificate and the affiliated university’s consent for affiliation. Under the new draft, only the university affiliation requirement will continue, while the state certificate will no longer be mandatory.The NMC has reportedly removed this provision following complaints of delays and alleged financial irregularities in obtaining the Essentiality Certificate.
The draft also introduces stricter measures to ensure transparency. If any individual or agency attempts to influence or pressure the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) or the NMC for approval of a medical college, the application will be immediately rejected or the approval process will be halted.
The commission has also revised the rules regarding the corpus fund. Instead of submitting proof of the fund with the application, institutions will now have to provide an undertaking confirming that the required corpus fund has been created. Documentary evidence must be produced whenever sought by the assessment board, which will determine the required amount.
Additionally, applicants must submit a CA-certified solvency certificate for the previous financial year, issued within 60 days of the application date.The new regulations also make it clear that temporary arrangements for hostels or other infrastructure will no longer be accepted.
Institutions must have all essential infrastructure and facilities fully completed before submitting their application for a new medical college.