30% quota for MSc and PhD faculty restored by medical colleges in non-clinical subjects
The latest announcement clarifies that the 30% cap must be applied department-wise, not across the institution as a whole. For example, if a medical college's Pharmacology department has ten faculty posts, three of those may now be filled by MSc or PhD holders.Importantly, the NMC specified that this restored quota applies only to non-clinical departments, and not to para-clinical or clinical disciplines like Microbiology, Pathology, or Community Medicine.The notice further explains that these appointments will be governed by the Minimum Qualifications for Teachers in Medical Institutions Regulations, 2022, including required publications and experience. The regulatory body emphasised that eligibility alone does not guarantee selection — institutions must continue to follow merit-based selection processes and ensure compliance with teaching standards.The NMC's reversal comes after sustained pressure from associations of medical educators and MSc/PhD scholars, who had pointed out that excluding them would create a faculty shortage and compromise teaching quality in foundational sciences. Many institutions have also expressed difficulty filling positions in non-clinical subjects solely with MBBS and MD candidates.While the decision is being lauded by teaching faculty and educational bodies, the NMC has clarified that it reserves the right to review and revise this quota policy in the future, based on academic and institutional needs.The notice concludes by urging all medical colleges and concerned authorities to implement the revised norms with immediate effect, ensuring that the quality of medical education remains uncompromised while addressing manpower gaps in non-clinical departments.- Ends
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