Hyderabad – The National Medical Commission (NMC) is planning major changes in how medical colleges across India are rated and accredited. For the first time, it wants to involve an independent third-party agency to evaluate medical institutions. Before finalizing the new system, the NMC is asking for feedback from the public and stakeholders.
The commission has released a draft framework that includes 11 key criteria and 78 specific parameters to assess medical colleges. These guidelines are now available for public review, and suggestions can be submitted online within 21 days of the announcement.
The NMC’s new plan focuses on how well medical colleges follow its Competency-Based Curriculum. Colleges will need to show how they connect theory, practicals, and clinical training for students. The goal is to ensure students gain real-world skills across pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects.
To receive a good rating, colleges must provide documents like teaching schedules, student logbooks, elective learning goals, and activity lists. Ratings will also depend on how many faculty members can back up their work with proper documentation.
Another important area is faculty development. Colleges will need to show proof of faculty attending programs like the Revised Basic Course Workshop (rBCW) in Medical Education Technology (MET).
The NMC is also assigning value to national and international partnerships. Colleges that have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with other institutions in the past two years may receive higher scores.
A key focus is the quality of clinical training. The commission will check Outpatient Department (OPD) attendance to assess whether students are getting enough patient exposure. The number of minor surgeries, lab investigations, daily emergency admissions, and community postings at Primary Health Centers (PHCs) will also be evaluated.
This new framework aims to raise the standard of medical education in India by thoroughly reviewing the teaching environment, student training, faculty involvement, and clinical exposure.
Stakeholders are encouraged to share their thoughts and suggestions via the online form linked in the notification.
