NMC Withdraws Medical Education Standards Regulations 2023
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has de-notified the Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations, 2023 (MSMER-2023), with immediate effect from publication of its notification in the Official Gazette. The notification is dated October 14, 2026, and was published in the Gazette on October 17. Medical colleges must still submit Annual Disclosure Reports (ADRs), while actions and proceedings already underway are addressed by the notification’s transitional provisions.
What the NMC notification says
MSMER-2023 was originally notified on September 19, 2023, and published in the Gazette on September 21, 2023. Its withdrawal removes that particular regulatory framework. The change does not mean that all medical education laws or NMC oversight have ended: the notification says matters arising after de-notification will be governed by the NMC Act, 2019, and other statutory and regulatory provisions in force at the relevant time.
| Issue | Position after de-notification |
|---|---|
| MSMER-2023 | De-notified with effect from publication in the Official Gazette. |
| Annual Disclosure Reports | Submission remains required under Sections 24(i) and 25(h) of the NMC Act, 2019, and applicable regulations. |
| Earlier actions and decisions | Actions, approvals, renewals, orders, rights and liabilities from before de-notification are not automatically undone. |
| Pending cases | Applications, appeals, inquiries and other pending matters will continue under the notification’s saving clause, insofar as applicable. |
| Matters arising later | They will be handled under the NMC Act and the relevant provisions then in force. |
What medical colleges should do
- Continue ADR compliance: The notification expressly retains the requirement to furnish Annual Disclosure Reports.
- Review ongoing cases: Institutions with pending applications, proceedings, appeals or inquiries should check how the saving clause applies to their matter.
- Keep existing records: The withdrawal does not, by itself, cancel earlier approvals, orders, actions, rights or liabilities.
- Track current rules: For new matters, colleges should consult the NMC Act and the regulations in force, and follow further official notices.
NMC regulation timeline
- September 19, 2023: NMC notified MSMER-2023.
- September 21, 2023: The regulations were published in the Official Gazette.
- October 14, 2026: NMC issued the de-notification notification.
- October 17, 2026: Gazette publication brought the de-notification into effect.
What students and applicants should know
The notification concerns the standards regulations and related regulatory processes; it does not announce a change to NEET eligibility, counselling schedules or a specific college’s admission status. Students should continue to rely on official NMC, counselling and institution notices for admission requirements. Colleges, meanwhile, should not treat the withdrawal as ending their statutory disclosure duties or other obligations under applicable law.
