New NMC rules expand faculty eligibility: 220-bed hospitals recognised teaching units; centre eyes 75,000 medical seats in 5 years

Doctors working in government hospitals, even if not part of teaching institutions, can now be appointed as faculty in medical colleges under the new rules by the National Medical Council (NMC).

Non-teaching consultants with 10 years of experience can become associate professors, while those with at least two years can be appointed as assistant professors without completing senior residency. They must complete a basic biomedical research course within two years of joining. Government hospitals with over 220 beds can now be treated as teaching hospitals. This changes the earlier rule that applied only to 330-bed hospitals being converted into medical colleges. The new regulations, issued by the Post Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) under NMC, aim to address faculty shortages and support the expansion of MBBS and MD/MS seats across the country. The Centre plans to add 75,000 medical seats in the next five years, but lack of qualified faculty has been a barrier. Postgraduate courses can now start with two faculty members and two seats, instead of three faculty and a senior resident.

Bed requirements per unit have also been relaxed. Senior consultants with three years of teaching experience in NBEMS-recognised government institutions can be made professors. Diploma holders with six years of experience in NBEMS-run departments can become assistant professors. Up to five years spent in roles at the NMC, medical councils, or related government bodies will count as teaching experience. The age limit for senior residents in pre- and para-clinical subjects is now 50 years. Tutor or demonstrator experience after PG will also count toward assistant professor eligibility.