NMC Withdraws Medical Education Rules 2023, ADR Filing Still Mandatory

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has withdrawn the Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations, 2023 (MSMER 2023), with immediate effect. The decision changes the regulatory framework governing medical education standards in India and clarifies how medical colleges must fulfil their reporting obligations following the withdrawal.

The notification, dated October 14, 2026, was issued under Sections 10, 24, 25 and 57 of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019. Although the 2023 regulations have been withdrawn, the NMC has clarified that medical institutions must continue submitting Annual Disclosure Reports (ADRs) under the applicable legal provisions.

The development is important for medical colleges, medical institutions and administrators tracking NMC regulations, institutional compliance and pending regulatory proceedings. The withdrawal should not be interpreted as a blanket cancellation of earlier approvals or an exemption from existing statutory responsibilities.

Why Did NMC Withdraw the Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations 2023?

The NMC notification de-notifies the Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations, 2023, which were notified on September 19, 2023, and published in the Gazette of India on September 21, 2023.

However, the notification does not specify a separate reason for withdrawing the regulations. Therefore, the decision should be understood on the basis of the provisions stated in the official notification rather than an assumed policy rationale.

The 2023 regulations formed part of the framework for maintaining standards in medical education. Their withdrawal means that medical institutions must consider the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, and the other statutory and regulatory provisions applicable to them when determining their current compliance requirements.

The notification also addresses the status of earlier regulatory decisions, obligations and pending matters to clarify the transition from the withdrawn framework.

Is Annual Disclosure Report Filing Still Mandatory After NMC Withdraws the 2023 Rules?

Yes. Annual Disclosure Report filing remains mandatory for medical institutions under the applicable provisions of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019.

The NMC has specifically clarified that the requirement to furnish an Annual Disclosure Report will continue to operate in accordance with Sections 24(i) and 25(h) of the Act and the regulations applicable from time to time.

This is one of the most important aspects of the latest NMC medical education notification. The withdrawal of MSMER 2023 does not mean that medical colleges can stop submitting their annual disclosures.

Medical institutions should continue to follow the applicable reporting requirements and check the relevant NMC instructions for the procedures and obligations currently in force. Colleges should not treat the withdrawal as an automatic exemption from statutory disclosure requirements.

What Happens to Existing NMC Approvals and Renewals?

The notification clarifies that the withdrawal will not automatically invalidate approvals, renewals, orders, decisions or directions issued under the 2023 regulations before their withdrawal.

Actions already taken or purportedly taken under the earlier framework are also covered by the notification's saving provisions. Rights and privileges acquired before the withdrawal, along with obligations and liabilities incurred under the earlier regulations, are not automatically extinguished.

This distinction is important for medical colleges that have received approvals or renewals under the previous framework. The withdrawal of the regulations, by itself, does not mean that all earlier regulatory decisions cease to have effect.

Institutions should examine the notification and any relevant subsequent directions to determine how the provisions apply to their particular circumstances.

How Will Pending NMC Applications, Appeals and Inquiries Be Handled?

The NMC notification also addresses applications, proceedings, appeals, inquiries and other matters that were pending immediately before the de-notification.

Such matters may continue to be dealt with under the 2023 regulations, where applicable and subject to the terms of the notification. This provision helps establish how certain cases initiated under the earlier regulatory framework will be treated after its withdrawal.

For matters arising on or after the de-notification, the notification specifies that the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, and the statutory or regulatory provisions in force at the relevant time will apply.

Medical colleges with pending applications, appeals or inquiries should therefore avoid assuming that every case will automatically be transferred to an entirely new procedure. The applicable treatment depends on the nature of the matter and the transitional provisions in the notification.

What Medical Colleges Should Do After the NMC Notification

Medical institutions should review the latest NMC notification and identify the requirements that continue to apply to them. In particular, colleges should continue meeting their Annual Disclosure Report obligations and maintain the records needed to demonstrate regulatory compliance.

Institutions with existing approvals, renewals, pending applications or proceedings should assess their position in light of the notification's saving and transitional provisions. Where the effect on an individual case is unclear, the relevant legal provisions and applicable NMC directions should be consulted.

The key distinction is that the NMC has withdrawn a specific set of 2023 regulations, but it has not removed the statutory requirement for annual disclosures. Medical colleges must continue complying with the applicable legal framework.

NMC Medical Education Regulations 2023: Key Details at a Glance

The National Medical Commission has de-notified the Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations, 2023, with immediate effect. The notification is dated October 14, 2026.

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.

The Annual Disclosure Report requirement continues under Sections 24(i) and 25(h) of the Act and the applicable regulations. Earlier approvals, renewals and specified decisions are not automatically invalidated by the withdrawal. Pending proceedings will be dealt with according to the notification's transitional provisions, while matters arising after de-notification will be governed by the applicable law and regulations in force at the relevant time.

The notification does not state a separate reason for the withdrawal. Medical institutions should refer to the applicable legal framework to determine their obligations.