Medical colleges are cautioned by NMC not to require PG students to stay in hostels

Medical schools throughout the nation have received a strong warning from the National Medical Commission (NMC) stating that while they must offer suitable housing for postgraduate (PG) medical candidates, these students cannot be made to live in dorms. Medical facilities have also been forewarned by the Commission that noncompliance with the rule would result in financial fines, seat reductions, and admission suspensions. The NMC published the warning in an official notice, which is now accessible at nmc.org.in, the organization’s official website.

The NMC received complaints from medical students about institutions requiring them to reside in hostels, which prompted the move. The Commission also emphasized in its official release that the PGMER (Post Graduate Medical Education Regulation) 2000 does not include a provision mandating PG students to live in dormitories supplied by medical colleges.

“In accordance with the Post Graduate Medical Education Regulation (PGMER), 2023, Regulation 5.6, the institution should provide post-graduate students with suitable residential housing. The official announcement states, “However, staying in the hostel will not be required of the post-graduate students.” The NMC also explained that there was no such clause in the previous PG medical rules.

According to the NMC, the Commission has received many complaints from postgraduate students alleging that certain medical schools and institutions are demanding exorbitant fees for students to reside in their hostels and are pushing them to do so.

Medical universities that disregard these regulations risk financial fines and public criticism, according to the Commission. “Every Medical College and Institute is instructed to observe the aforementioned regulation; in the event that they do not, NMC may take enforcement action in accordance with Regulations 9.1 and 9.2 of the PGMER, 2023, which may involve financial penalties, seat reductions, admissions halts, and other measures,” the warning said.

The highest authority in the nation overseeing medical education is the National Medical Commission. Hostel accommodations for postgraduate medical students are optional, under NMC standards.

However, although institutions are expected to provide postgraduate students suitable residential alternatives, residing in the dormitory is not mandatory, according to Regulation 5.6 of the Post Graduate Medical Education Regulation (PGMER), 2023.