New Delhi: The National Medical Commission’s (NMC) Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) is required to take a decision on applications seeking permission to start new postgraduate (PG) medical courses or increase existing PG medical seats within a stipulated period of six months, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has clarified.
The clarification was provided by Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel in a written response in the Rajya Sabha regarding the timeline followed by the NMC for processing applications related to new PG courses and enhancement of PG medical seats.
MARB Must Decide Applications Within Six Months
As per the provisions of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, MARB is responsible for assessing applications submitted by medical institutions for starting new PG medical courses or increasing seats in existing PG programmes.
The Ministry clarified that MARB is required to approve or reject such applications within six months from the date of receipt of the scheme or application.
The defined timeline is intended to provide greater clarity and predictability to medical institutions seeking regulatory approval for expanding postgraduate medical education.
Institutions Given Opportunity to Rectify Deficiencies
Before rejecting an application, the regulatory framework provides the concerned medical institution with an opportunity to rectify defects or deficiencies identified during the assessment process.
This provision allows institutions to address shortcomings in their applications or infrastructure-related requirements before a final decision is taken by MARB.
Appeal Against MARB Rejection
If MARB rejects an application, the concerned applicant has the right to appeal against the decision before the NMC Commission. Such an appeal must be filed within 15 days from the date of MARB's rejection.
The appeal mechanism provides medical institutions with an opportunity to seek reconsideration of a decision at the Commission level.
Appeal Possible if No Decision is Taken Within Six Months
The regulatory framework also provides a remedy in cases where MARB does not take a decision within the prescribed six-month period.
If no decision is communicated within six months, the applicant can approach the NMC Commission by filing an appeal within 15 days after the expiry of the six-month period.
This ensures that institutions are not left without a regulatory remedy in case an application remains undecided beyond the statutory timeline.
NMC Commission Has 45 Days to Decide Appeal
Once an appeal is filed before the NMC Commission, the Commission is required to consider and decide the matter within 45 days.
The provision establishes a further time-bound mechanism for reviewing decisions or delays at the MARB level.
Further Appeal Before Central Government
If the NMC Commission rejects the scheme or fails to take a decision within the prescribed period, the applicant has another avenue of appeal.
The applicant can approach the Central Government within 30 days in accordance with the applicable provisions.
What This Means for PG Medical Education
The clarification is significant for medical colleges and institutions planning to expand their postgraduate programmes.
With MARB required to act within a six-month statutory timeframe and subsequent appeal mechanisms available, institutions have a defined regulatory pathway for applications concerning:
Starting new PG medical courses
Increasing seats in existing PG courses
Rectifying deficiencies identified during assessment
Appealing against MARB decisions
Seeking relief in cases of delayed decisions
The framework is aimed at ensuring that applications related to postgraduate medical education are processed through a time-bound regulatory mechanism, while also providing institutions with opportunities to address deficiencies and challenge adverse decisions.
Key Timelines at a Glance
| Regulatory Stage | Prescribed Timeline |
|---|---|
| MARB decision on application | Within 6 months |
| Appeal against MARB rejection | Within 15 days |
| Appeal if MARB fails to decide within 6 months | Within 15 days after expiry |
| NMC Commission decision on appeal | Within 45 days |
| Further appeal to Central Government | Within 30 days |
The Ministry's clarification reinforces that the NMC framework contains specific timelines for processing applications related to new PG medical courses and seat increases, along with multiple levels of appeal for institutions seeking reconsideration of decisions.
