The National Medical Commission (NMC) has notified new Guidelines on Assessment of Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) for admission to the MBBS course. The Guidelines have been issued by the Undergraduate Medical Education Board under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019 and the Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023.
What Has Changed
Earlier, PwBD candidates were largely assessed on the basis of the disability percentage shown on their UDID Card. Under the new framework, this will no longer be the only factor. Designated Medical Assessment Boards will now check whether a candidate can actually perform the functional competencies needed for the MBBS course, taking into account assistive devices, reasonable accommodation and advances in rehabilitation science.
Key Points for Candidates
- A benchmark disability of at least 40% is still required to claim PwBD category reservation.
- The certificate given after assessment will now be called an “Eligibility Certificate” instead of a “Disability Certificate.”
- The number of designated assessment centres has been increased from 16 to 61 across India.
- Candidates must submit a self-certified affidavit about their functional abilities, along with a valid Permanent UDID Card, at the time of assessment.
- No candidate can be declared ineligible only because of their diagnosis, disability category, or the percentage shown on the UDID Card.
- A candidate can be declared ineligible only if the Assessment Board records specific written reasons showing that essential medical skills cannot be gained even with reasonable accommodation.
- Based on the assessment, candidates will be marked as Eligible, Eligible with Reasonable Accommodation, or Ineligible.
- Candidates who disagree with the Board’s decision can file an appeal before an Appellate Authority set up by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
Why This Matters
For NEET UG aspirants applying under the PwBD quota, this means admission will depend on an individual assessment of what a candidate can actually do, rather than the disability percentage alone. Candidates are advised to keep their UDID Card updated and be prepared for a functional evaluation at one of the 61 designated centres during NEET UG 2026 counselling.
