The National Medical Commission (NMC) has introduced revised guidelines for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) participating in NEET UG 2026 counselling. The new rules require medical boards to conduct individualised functional assessments instead of relying solely on disability percentages and provide candidates with the right to appeal if they are declared ineligible.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued revised guidelines for the assessment of Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) during the NEET UG 2026 counselling process. The updated framework aims to make the admission process more inclusive by focusing on a candidate's functional abilities rather than assessing eligibility solely on the basis of disability percentage.

The revised guidelines have been introduced following judicial directions to ensure a fair and transparent evaluation process for PwBD candidates seeking admission to undergraduate medical courses.

Functional Assessment to Replace Percentage-Based Evaluation

Under the revised framework, designated medical boards will conduct individualised functional assessments to evaluate whether a candidate can successfully pursue the MBBS course with appropriate support and reasonable accommodation.

Instead of depending only on the percentage of disability, the assessment will consider the candidate's functional capabilities and suitability for medical education.

Candidates Can Appeal if Declared Ineligible

One of the major changes introduced by the NMC is the provision for an appeal mechanism.Candidates who are declared ineligible by the designated medical board will now have the opportunity to challenge the decision through the prescribed appeal process, ensuring greater transparency and fairness during counselling.

Revised Guidelines Aim to Ensure Inclusive Medical Admissions

The new rules are expected to improve access to medical education for eligible PwBD candidates while ensuring that disability assessments are conducted on an individual basis rather than through a uniform percentage-based approach.

Candidates applying under the PwBD category should carefully review the revised guidelines before participating in the NEET UG 2026 counselling process and ensure that all required disability-related documents are available during verification.

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