Annual Permission Equals Recognition
New Delhi: The Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) has clarified that once an MBBS batch is permitted or renewed annually, it will automatically be considered recognised, and the MBBS seats permitted will be treated as recognised seats. In light of this, the NMC has directed medical colleges not to submit separate proposals for recognition of MBBS seats.
Clarification Issued After Colleges Sought Recognition
The clarification was issued on January 7, 2026, after the UGMEB received multiple applications from medical colleges seeking formal recognition of their MBBS courses along with prescribed fees. Addressing the confusion, the NMC stated that the earlier system of separate recognition has been replaced under the Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education (MSME) Regulations, 2023.
Annual Renewal Framework Replaces Old Regime
According to the NMC, the MSME Regulations, 2023, establish a framework where annual renewal of seats itself constitutes recognition for the admitted batch in that academic year. The Commission explained that this regulatory change eliminates the need for a separate recognition process once annual permission or renewal is granted.
Statutory Backing Under MSME Regulations
The UGMEB referred to Clause 4(1) of Chapter II of the MSME Regulations, which mandates that medical colleges must submit an Annual Disclosure Report after establishment, in compliance with standards notified by the UGMEB and NMC. The NMC also noted that a similar clarification had already been issued by the Post Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) for postgraduate courses in August 2025.
Colleges Asked to Submit Annual Disclosure Only
In conclusion, the NMC reiterated that medical colleges running MBBS courses should not send proposals for recognition of MBBS seats. Instead, they are required to submit the Annual Disclosure Report along with the requisite online fee on the designated NMC portal whenever called upon. The Commission confirmed that colleges following this process will be considered accredited institutions, and the MBBS degrees awarded will remain valid for registration purposes.
