Why in the News
The National Medical Commission (NMC) issued revised guidelines on 27 July 2026 for admitting persons with disabilities to MBBS courses, replacing certificate-based disqualification with a functional assessment of whether a candidate can acquire the competencies needed to practise medicine. The change follows repeated legal challenges, including before the Supreme Court, to the earlier guidelines’ blanket exclusions.
Key Highlights
- Shift to Functional Assessment
- MBBS eligibility will now be based on an applicant’s functional ability rather than the disability certificate alone.
- Assessment will determine whether the candidate can acquire the competencies required to practise medicine.
- Designated medical boards will conduct individual functional assessments.
- Recognition of Reasonable Accommodation
- Disability itself is not a ground for disqualification.
- The guidelines recognise that: Assistive technology. Institutional support. Accessible infrastructure can enable candidates to successfully complete medical education.
Why Were the Earlier Guidelines Challenged?
- Earlier guidelines relied on fixed disability categories and thresholds.
- Candidates could be declared ineligible solely because of the nature or extent of disability.
- Petitioners argued that such blanket exclusions violated the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.
- The Supreme Court observed that systemic discrimination against persons with benchmark disabilities should be eliminated.
Significance
- Promotes inclusive medical education.
- Aligns with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.
- Shifts from a disability-based to a competency-based admission framework.
Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016
- Replaced the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995.
- Expanded recognised disabilities from 7 to 21.
- Provides 4% reservation in government jobs and 5% reservation in higher educational institutions for persons with benchmark disabilities.
- Administered by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
National Medical Commission (NMC)
- Established under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019.
- Replaced the Medical Council of India (MCI).
- Regulates medical education and medical professionals in India.
[2026] Which of the following statements with regard to the persons with disabilities in India is/are correct?
1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, an Act passed by the Parliament of India in 2018, mandates reservation in education and employment, places a legal duty on Governments to ensure accessibility and non-discrimination.
2. The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan focuses on achieving universal accessibility for Persons with Disabilities across three key domains – built infrastructure, transport systems and information and communication technology.
3. The National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC) is a public sector organization set up by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs as a not-for-profit company to promote entrepreneurship among Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
Select the answer using the code given below:
[A] 1 and 2
[B] 2 only
[C] 1 and 3
[D] 1 only