New Delhi, May 18
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has released a draft framework for the accreditation and rating of all medical colleges under its regulation, marking a significant move to promote transparency, quality, and accountability in India’s medical education system.The proposed assessment will be conducted by an independent third-party agency, with the draft currently open for public comments and suggestions from stakeholders.
11 Criteria, 78 Parameters in Focus
Developed by the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) of the NMC, the draft framework outlines 11 broad criteria encompassing 78 evaluation parameters. This is a reduction from the earlier 2023 draft, which featured 92 parameters.Notably, the stipends for interns and residents and the proportion of full-time professors—both of which were part of the previous draft prepared in collaboration with the Quality Council of India (QCI)—have been excluded from the latest version.
The MoU between the NMC and QCI, signed in 2023, laid the groundwork for a standardized rating process. However, the current iteration reflects a shift, streamlining the focus areas and removing some of the earlier inclusions.
Changes to Research Assessment Criteria
Under the 'Research Output and Impact' category, the revised draft omits the specific mention of publications in high quartile journals. Instead, it broadens the approach to include:- Number of research papers in indexed journals
- Citations and impact factors
- Number and type of funded projects (ongoing/completed)
- Patents filed or granted
Call for Feedback and Participation
Describing this initiative as India’s first structured attempt to rate medical colleges, NMC Chairman Dr. B N Gangadhar said the goal is to establish accountability and encourage adherence to high educational standards.“This is the first time that medical colleges will be assessed based on the set parameters and rated,” Dr. Gangadhar stated. “What has been placed in the public domain is only a draft document and we are open to suggestions from stakeholders for including more criterion.”
Role of MARB in the Accreditation Process
The Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB), which currently oversees permissions for new medical colleges, seat increases for MBBS, postgraduate, and super-specialty courses, as well as renewals for existing institutions, will play a central role in overseeing this accreditation mechanism.The draft marks a pivotal shift in how medical institutions in India are evaluated and ranked, aligning with broader efforts to enhance the quality of medical education and research in the country.
