Medical Faculty Regulations 2025
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has introduced the Medical Institutions (Qualifications of Faculty) Regulations, 2025. This move follows the Central government’s plan to add 75,000 new medical seats over five years. The regulations aim to widen faculty eligibility and support the growth of undergraduate and postgraduate medical seats across India.
Expanded Eligibility for Teaching Institutions
Non-teaching government hospitals with over 220 beds can now be designated as teaching institutions. This change increases the number of centres that can offer medical education, especially in underserved regions.
Flexible Faculty Appointment Criteria
Specialists with 10 years’ experience may be appointed as Associate Professors. Those with two years’ experience can become Assistant Professors without completing senior residency, if they have done the Basic Course in Biomedical Research within two years. This shifts focus from rigid service norms to competency and academic merit.
Inclusion of M.Sc./Ph.D. Faculty in More Departments
Faculty with M.Sc. or Ph.D. qualifications can now be appointed in Microbiology and Pharmacology, in addition to Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry. This broadens teaching resources in preclinical and paraclinical departments.
Revised Age Limits and Super-Specialty Faculty Use
The upper age limit for senior residents in preclinical and paraclinical subjects is raised to 50 years. Faculty with super-specialty qualifications working in broad specialty departments may be designated in their super-specialty fields. This allows better utilisation of existing experts.
Recognition of Senior Consultants and Diploma Holders
Senior consultants with three years of teaching experience in government medical institutions recognised by the National Board of Examinations and Medical Sciences (NBEMS) can be appointed as Professors. Diploma holders with six years’ experience in government medical institutions running NBEMS-recognised teaching programmes are eligible for Assistant Professor posts.
Internal Cadre Mobility and Faculty Redistribution
Faculty can move between departments according to their qualifications. This flexibility helps fill gaps and optimise faculty distribution across specialties.
Reactions from Medical Community
Some doctors express concern that easing faculty eligibility may lower teaching standards and affect patient care quality. Conversely, the National M.Sc. Medical Teachers’ Association (NMMTA) welcomes the restoration of a 30% appointment limit for M.Sc./Ph.D. teachers in non-clinical subjects. This corrects prior guidelines that limited opportunities for non-medical teachers and worsened faculty shortages.
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