New Delhi: The Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued the 2024 “Guidelines for Assessment of Medical Colleges and Institutions” and invited applications for the establishment of new medical colleges, introduction of MBBS courses, and expansion of undergraduate (UG) seats for the academic year 2025–2026.
The guidelines outline procedures for applying for MBBS and postgraduate (PG) medical courses, assessment methodologies, application evaluations, and measures to prevent the use of fake patients. Stakeholders must review these guidelines before submitting applications. According to the notification, the application portal will remain open from December 5, 2024, to January 4, 2025.
Key Highlights of the MARB Guidelines
- Scope of MARB Functions:
MARB oversees permissions for establishing new medical institutions, starting PG courses, or increasing UG and PG seats as per the NMC Act, 2019. The implementation is guided by the “Establishment of Medical Institutions, Assessment & Rating Regulations, 2023.” - Application Process:
Applications must be submitted online with supporting documents, including essentiality certificates, consent of affiliation, bank guarantees, and compliance with Minimum Standard Requirements (MSR) guidelines. - Assessment and Inspection:
- Evaluations include document reviews, Aadhaar-based attendance, video feed verification, and on-site or virtual inspections.
- Institutions are required to maintain faculty attendance and meet patient and bed occupancy standards year-round.
- Fake Patient Monitoring:
Strict measures are in place to identify fake patients, such as:- Admission of patients with insignificant ailments treatable in outpatient settings.
- Lack of diagnostic evidence like tests or treatment records.
- Admissions through health camps with multiple patients from the same family.
Violations will attract penalties under Chapter 5 of the 2023 Assessment & Rating Regulations.
- Infrastructure and Faculty Requirements:
Institutions must demonstrate adequate infrastructure, equipment, faculty strength, and clinical material as specified by MSR guidelines. No relaxations will be permitted unless deemed necessary under special circumstances. - Code of Conduct for Assessors:
Assessors must adhere to a code of conduct, including signing off on reports before departing the institution.
Application Guidelines
- For UG Courses:
Applications for new UG medical colleges or seat increases must comply with NMC regulations and include detailed plans for infrastructure, equipment, faculty, financial capacity, and clinical resources. - For PG Courses:
Institutions seeking to start or expand PG programs must meet similar criteria and submit additional documentation regarding academic capabilities and clinical facilities.
Timeline and Submission
- The portal for applications will open on December 5, 2024, and close on January 4, 2025.
- All submissions must be online; no hard copies will be accepted.
For more details, applicants are advised to consult the official MARB guidelines and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements before applying.
