Minister of state for health Anupriya Patel (ANI photo) NEW DELHI: Nearly one-third of posts in the National Medical Commission (NMC), the country’s apex medical education regulator, are lying vacant, the Centre informed the Rajya Sabha on February 10, 2026.Replying to a question by Shri Vivek K. Tankha, minister of state for health Anupriya Patel said the sanctioned strength of the NMC and its four autonomous boards is 54, of which 19 posts are vacant. At present, only 35 positions are filled across the Commission and its boards.Within the Commission itself, out of 33 sanctioned posts — comprising the Chairman, ex-officio members and part-time members — 28 are in position. The Secretary’s post is filled. However, vacancies are more visible across the autonomous boards responsible for regulating undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, medical assessment and accreditation, and ethics and medical registration.Parliamentary data indicate that some boards are functioning with only a limited number of members in place, with several President and whole-time member posts unfilled. These boards play a crucial role in approving medical colleges, monitoring standards of training and enforcing professional ethics.Addressing concerns about functioning amid vacancies, the Commission informed the government that “appropriate institutional mechanisms” are in place to ensure continued discharge of statutory responsibilities under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019.The ministry added that filling up vacancies is a continuous process and action is taken as per provisions of the Act, including issuing advertisements from time to time to fill vacant posts.The disclosure comes at a time when India is expanding its medical education capacity, increasing the number of colleges and seats, making full staffing at the regulatory level critical to maintaining standards and oversight.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘GST After Death?’ Sitharaman Takes Dig at TMC During Budget ReplyRespect One, Call Another Traitor? Sitharaman Exposes Rahul’s Double StandardsBaloch Leader Akhtar Mengal Stuns Pakistan, Says Balochistan’s ‘Separation Is The Only Option Now”Modi Sold Bharat Mata’: Rahul Blasts Centre Over India-US Trade Deal, Govt hits back’India A Priority, No Second Class Citizen’: Jamaat Chief’s Big Statement Before Key Bangladesh VoteBangladesh Elections 2026: Key Players and Why India, China & Pakistan Are WatchingEntertainment Value Or Evidence? Hardeep Puri Blasts Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Buffoonery’ On Epstein FilesMuhammad Yunus Assures Smooth Handover Ahead Of Bangladesh’s First Elections After Hasina Exit”If You Had Taken My Advice” Jagdambika Pal Responds To Rahul Gandhi’s Ex-Congress Jab“Will Move Privilege Notice Against Rahul Gandhi”: BJP Slams Rahul Over ‘Baseless Allegations’123Photostories5 fire safety measures every residential building must have5 heartfelt romance dramas on Peacock that are a must-watch ahead of Valentine’s DayKerala Assembly polls 2026: PM Modi kick starts BJP’s campaign with launch of several development projects260 million Indians consume tobacco, 14–16% drink alcohol: The preventable crisis behind over 1.3 million deaths in the country6 successful conservation stories from India, and why they are such great news6 desi Indian pulses (dal) with GI tag and how they are consumedChinese New Year travel guide: 5 cities to experience the magicInside MS Dhoni’s lavish garage: 5 stunning cars that define his style10 traditional local dishes from Hyderabad that are a must-tryArchana Puran Singh and Parmeet Sethi open up about their parenthood journey; son Aaryamann says, “I have had the worst depression, won’t wish it on anyone”123Hot PicksMumbai Mayor SelectionGold Silver PricesParliament Budget SessionBharat BandhIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingEngland vs West Indies Live ScoreScott NiedermayerBengaluru Techie MurderMM NaravaneKhwaja AsifBengaluru Businessman Bank Account HackedKiren RijijuHind Al OwaisBOB Assistant Admit CardWhen JEE Main Result Out
NEW DELHI: Nearly one-third of posts in the National Medical Commission (NMC), the country’s apex medical education regulator, are lying vacant, the Centre informed the Rajya Sabha on February 10, 2026.Replying to a question by Shri Vivek K. Tankha, minister of state for health Anupriya Patel said the sanctioned strength of the NMC and its four autonomous boards is 54, of which 19 posts are vacant. At present, only 35 positions are filled across the Commission and its boards.Within the Commission itself, out of 33 sanctioned posts — comprising the Chairman, ex-officio members and part-time members — 28 are in position. The Secretary’s post is filled. However, vacancies are more visible across the autonomous boards responsible for regulating undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, medical assessment and accreditation, and ethics and medical registration.Parliamentary data indicate that some boards are functioning with only a limited number of members in place, with several President and whole-time member posts unfilled. These boards play a crucial role in approving medical colleges, monitoring standards of training and enforcing professional ethics.Addressing concerns about functioning amid vacancies, the Commission informed the government that “appropriate institutional mechanisms” are in place to ensure continued discharge of statutory responsibilities under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019.The ministry added that filling up vacancies is a continuous process and action is taken as per provisions of the Act, including issuing advertisements from time to time to fill vacant posts.The disclosure comes at a time when India is expanding its medical education capacity, increasing the number of colleges and seats, making full staffing at the regulatory level critical to maintaining standards and oversight.
