NEET PG 2026: Doctor Seeks Revision of PwBD Guidelines, Calls for Functional Competency-Based Assessment

A representation has been submitted to the National Medical Commission (NMC), seeking urgent revision of the 2026 guidelines for assessing Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) seeking admission to postgraduate medical courses. The representation argues that certain provisions rely too heavily on impairment-related criteria instead of assessing whether doctors can demonstrate the essential competencies required for their chosen speciality with reasonable accommodation.

The representation was jointly submitted by Dr. Satendra Singh, founder of Doctors with Disabilities: Agents of Change, and social justice organisation iProbono India. It acknowledges several positive provisions in the guidelines but raises concerns about eligibility criteria, assessment procedures, stakeholder consultation and the role of doctors with disabilities in assessment boards.

Why Is a Revision of the PwBD Guidelines Being Sought?

The representation argues that doctors who have completed MBBS have already demonstrated the competencies required to qualify as medical professionals. Therefore, the assessment for postgraduate admission should focus on whether they can undertake further training and meet speciality-specific requirements with reasonable accommodation.

It raises concerns that some provisions could restrict candidates' access to particular specialities based on generalised assumptions about disability rather than an individual assessment of functional ability.

The representation has asked the NMC to clarify the guidelines and align the assessment process with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, and relevant Supreme Court judgments.

Key Concerns Raised in the Representation

1. Functional Competency Instead of Impairment-Based Assessment

The representation argues that assessment should focus on a candidate's ability to acquire and demonstrate the competencies required for a speciality, with reasonable accommodation where necessary.

It has also requested changes to tables under Clause 8.12 that classify certain disability categories as “Not suitable,” “Generally, not suitable” or “No.” The representation proposes replacing these classifications with speciality-specific functional requirements and individualised assessments.

2. Subjective Eligibility Criteria

Concerns have been raised about terms used in the guidelines, including “physical stamina,” “structured learning,” “sufficient social and professional interaction” and “adequate intellectual and adaptive functioning.”

The representation argues that such expressions may be interpreted inconsistently and should be clarified to ensure fair, objective assessments. It also seeks reconsideration of criteria relating to visual impairment, speech and other disability-specific requirements.

3. Representation of Doctors with Disabilities on Assessment Boards

Another key demand is the inclusion of at least one doctor or healthcare professional with a disability on every Medical Assessment Board and Appellate Authority.

The representation argues that the guidelines and accompanying information brochure do not explicitly mandate such representation. It has asked the NMC to amend the relevant provisions to make inclusion compulsory.

4. Concerns About Assessment Certificates and Procedures

The representation has also identified issues with the documentation and assessment process, including:

• Eligibility certificates that may not adequately record the reasons for declaring a candidate ineligible.
• Self-certification forms and affidavits that rely on yes-or-no responses without adequately considering reasonable accommodation.
• Provisions that may require assessment boards to predict whether a candidate will successfully complete a course.
• Drafting inconsistencies and references that allegedly require correction.

It recommends recording the relevant functional limitation, affected competency, evidence considered and accommodations evaluated before making an eligibility decision.

Demand for Stakeholder Consultation

The representation states that the final NEET PG 2026 PwBD guidelines were issued without publishing a draft for public comments. It argues that doctors with disabilities and their representative organisations should have been consulted before finalisation.

It has requested the NMC to publish a revised draft and conduct meaningful consultations with stakeholders before finalising changes.

What Has Been Requested From the NMC?

The representation seeks the following actions:

1. Revise the 2026 PG medical PwBD assessment guidelines, including relevant provisions under Clause 8.12 and Schedules I and II.
2. Issue an interim clarification or corrigendum before NEET PG 2026 counselling begins.
3. Ensure individualised, functional competency-based assessments that consider reasonable accommodation.
4. Include doctors or healthcare professionals with disabilities on Medical Assessment Boards and Appellate Authorities.
5. Train assessment board members on disability rights and non-discriminatory assessment practices.
6. Conduct stakeholder consultation before finalising revised guidelines.

Important: These are requests made in the representation. They should not be interpreted as changes already approved by the NMC.

Impact on NEET PG 2026 Aspirants

The issue is particularly relevant to candidates with benchmark disabilities who are preparing for postgraduate medical counselling. Assessment procedures can affect eligibility decisions and the specialities available to individual candidates.

The representation argues that a functional competency-based approach would help ensure that decisions consider essential speciality requirements, reasonable accommodation and individual abilities rather than relying solely on disability categories or generalised assumptions.

Candidates should continue to follow official NMC and MCC notifications for applicable assessment procedures, eligibility requirements and counselling updates.

Conclusion

A representation has urged the NMC to revise its NEET PG 2026 PwBD assessment guidelines, with a stronger emphasis on individual functional competency, reasonable accommodation and transparent decision-making. It has also called for the inclusion of doctors with disabilities on assessment boards and meaningful stakeholder consultation.

The NMC's response will be important for candidates with benchmark disabilities seeking postgraduate medical admission. Until any formal revision or clarification is issued, applicants should refer to the applicable official guidelines and counselling instructions.