NMC Withdraws Medical Education Standards Regulations 2023 With Immediate Effect: What Medical Colleges Need to Know

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has withdrawn the Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations, 2023 (MSMER-2023), with immediate effect. The decision was announced through a Gazette notification dated October 14, 2026, and published in the Official Gazette. The move changes the regulatory framework for medical institutions, but it does not remove their statutory obligation to submit Annual Disclosure Reports (ADRs).

The regulations were originally notified on September 19, 2023, and published in the Gazette of India on September 21, 2023. The withdrawal was issued under Sections 10, 24, 25 and 57 of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, read with Section 21 of the General Clauses Act, 1897.

Why Has the NMC Withdrawn the 2023 Regulations?

The NMC notification formally de-notifies the Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations, 2023. However, the notification does not specify a separate reason for withdrawing the regulations. Medical colleges and other stakeholders should therefore avoid assuming that the decision automatically introduces a particular replacement policy or changes every existing medical education requirement.

The NMC remains the statutory body responsible for regulating medical education and the medical profession in India. Institutions must continue to follow the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, and the applicable statutory and regulatory provisions in force.

Annual Disclosure Reports Remain Mandatory

One of the most important points for medical colleges is that the Annual Disclosure Report requirement continues despite the withdrawal of MSMER-2023. The notification specifically states that ADR submissions will remain governed by Sections 24(i) and 25(h) of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, along with the regulations applicable from time to time.

Consequently, medical institutions should not interpret the withdrawal as permission to stop filing annual disclosures. Colleges should continue monitoring NMC notifications and comply with the reporting requirements that apply to them.

What Happens to Existing Approvals and Pending Cases?

The notification includes transitional and saving provisions to protect actions and decisions made before the regulations were withdrawn. These provisions clarify how earlier regulatory matters will be treated.

• Existing approvals: Approvals, renewals, orders, decisions and directions issued before the de-notification are not automatically invalidated.
• Earlier rights and obligations: Rights, privileges, obligations and liabilities acquired or incurred under the regulations before withdrawal remain protected under the notification.
• Pending proceedings: Applications, appeals, inquiries and other matters pending immediately before de-notification will continue to be handled under the 2023 regulations where applicable and subject to the notification's terms.
• New matters: Matters arising on or after de-notification will be governed by the NMC Act, 2019, and the statutory and regulatory provisions in force at the relevant time.

What Should Medical Colleges Do Next?

Medical colleges should review the Gazette notification, continue submitting required Annual Disclosure Reports and check which regulatory provisions apply to their current operations. Institutions with pending applications, inspections, approvals or appeals should examine the transitional provisions carefully rather than assuming that every matter will be treated identically.

Students and prospective MBBS or postgraduate medical applicants should also distinguish this regulatory update from an admission announcement. The withdrawal of MSMER-2023 does not, by itself, announce a change in NEET eligibility, counselling dates, seat allocation or admission deadlines.

Conclusion

The NMC's withdrawal of the Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations, 2023, is an important regulatory development for medical institutions. However, the notification preserves specified earlier decisions and pending matters, while the Annual Disclosure Report requirement remains in force. Medical colleges should follow official NMC updates and the applicable legal framework for further instructions.