16 October 2026: Candidates seeking postgraduate medical admission under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category have been advised to send their eligibility-related questions to the National Medical Commission (NMC), not the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC).
In an advisory dated 15 October 2026, MCC explains the difference between its own counselling work and NMC’s power to set disability-related eligibility standards. For candidates going through assessments and admission timelines, knowing who handles what can save time and avoid delays.
MCC and NMC: Who Handles What?
MCC says it cannot change or reinterpret NMC’s eligibility norms on its own. Counselling and allotment must follow the applicable rules and the directions of competent courts.
- MCC: registration, choice filling, seat allotment and other counselling-related issues.
- NMC: clarification of disability categories, eligibility criteria and course-related standards.
- Designated appellate authority: review of individual medical assessment decisions through the prescribed process.
Assessment Is Not Only About Disability Percentage
Under the NMC guidelines dated 16 September 2026, a benchmark disability of at least 40% is generally needed for PwBD reservation. However, the disability percentage alone should not decide whether a candidate is suitable for a postgraduate medical course.
The assessment must check whether the candidate can learn and show the essential skills of the course, including with reasonable accommodation and assistive technology. Depending on the person’s needs and the course, this may include adapted equipment, accessible learning material or other suitable help.
The guidelines also require a valid Unique Disability ID (UDID) card. At the same time, a procedural error that can be corrected should not automatically shut out a candidate whose disability is otherwise established under the law.
Three Possible Assessment Outcomes
The guidelines describe three possible outcomes:
- Eligible
- Eligible with Reasonable Accommodation
- Ineligible, with the reasons recorded in writing
A decision of ineligibility must come with reasons. It should not be based only on the type of disability, the percentage or general assumptions.
Eligibility for reservation and suitability for a particular course are related, but they are separate questions. Meeting one requirement does not automatically settle the other.
Appeals Must Follow the Formal Route
If you want to challenge a medical assessment, you must follow the notified appeal process before the authority set up by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Asking NMC for general clarification is not a substitute for a formal appeal.
The appellate authority may consider a reassessment or a specialist opinion where needed. Its decision is final for counselling and admission purposes, subject to orders of competent courts.
Board Dates: Check the Latest Position
According to the counselling update, the Primary Assessment Board is available until 15 October and the Appellate Board until 18 October 2026.
These are the dates the boards are available. They are not necessarily the last dates for filing an appeal. Please check the latest MCC notices at once for any extension, filing requirements and how to submit.
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Keep your UDID card, assessment report and supporting records ready.
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Confirm how and where to submit your appeal.
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Keep proof of filing with you.