NEET UG 2026 MBBS Admissions: NMC Issues New PwBD Guidelines, Introduces Eligibility Certificate

NMC has introduced new PwBD MBBS admission guidelines, replacing Disability Certificate with an Eligibility Certificate and adopting a competency-based assessment with reasonable accommodations.

NMC Issues New PwBD Guidelines

NEET MBBS Admission 2026: National Medical Commission has introduced new guidelines for assessment of Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) willing to get admission to MBBS course from 2026. The revised rules focus on assessing a candidate's ability to complete medical education with necessary support, instead of judging eligibility only based on type or percentage of disability.

Disability Certificate Renamed as Eligibility Certificate

NMC has announced replacement of existing 'Disability Certificate' with 'Eligibility Certificate' for MBBS admissions. As per Commission, this new certificate will determine whether a candidate is eligible for admission based on a functional assessment rather than simply confirming the presence or extent of disability. This means the focus will now be on whether a student can complete MBBS course with reasonable support and accommodations.

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Medical Assessment Boards Increased from 16 to 61

NMC has also expanded number of designated assessment boards across the country. The existing 16 medical boards will now be known as Medical Assessment Boards (MABs). Their number has increased to 61, making disability assessment more accessible for candidates across India.

Disability Alone Will Not Make a Candidate Ineligible

The revised guidelines clearly state that having a disability will not automatically disqualify a student from pursuing MBBS. They will be assessed on whether they can get required medical competencies after being provided with reasonable accommodation, assistive technology, and accessible learning environments. No candidate can be declared ineligible solely because of their disability category or diagnosis.

Clinical Accommodations Introduced for First Time

For first time, NMC has introduced concept of clinical accommodations. These include reasonable modifications that will help medical students with benchmark disabilities participate in clinical training and patient care without affecting academic standards or patient safety. Eligibility Certificate will now also mention clinical accommodations required by candidate.

Every Medical College to Set Up an Enabling Unit

Under new guidelines, every NMC-recognised medical college must establish an Enabling Unit. This will act as a single support centre for students with benchmark disabilities by:

• Providing academic and clinical support

• Facilitating reasonable accommodations

• Ensuring a barrier-free learning environment

• Coordinating disability-related assistance within college

• Appeal Mechanism Introduced

Candidates who are not satisfied with decision of a Medical Assessment Board will now have option to file an appeal. This can be submitted before Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) under Union Health Ministry.

NMC said revised framework has been prepared in accordance with Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and Constitution of India.

The Commission stated that new competency-based assessment system will ensure equal opportunities for persons with benchmark disabilities while maintaining standards of medical education, professional competence and patient safety.

The guidelines emphasise that disability alone should never be treated as a reason to deny admission, and eligibility must be decided through an objective assessment of a candidate's functional abilities along with the reasonable accommodations they may require.