As the new academic year approaches, confusion ensues for over one lakh aspiring undergraduate medical students. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has abruptly withdrawn the recently released Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023, which covered various aspects of MBBS admissions. These guidelines, which encompassed competency-based medical education, research facility recruitment, student admissions for disabled candidates, and information submission formats, have now been rescinded without any clear explanation.

The sudden withdrawal of the guidelines within a short span of 15 days has left many important matters unresolved. The NMC officials have remained silent on the issue, while Rohan Krishnan, the national chairman of the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), pointed out that the NMC seems overwhelmed with its workload, leading to this state of confusion. He criticized the Commission's failure to provide accreditation to deserving colleges and timely guidelines for medical curriculum, expressing concern over the trend of issuing and retracting circulars.

The latest NMC circular simply states the withdrawal of the previous guidelines, leaving students and parents in search of clarity. They are particularly anxious about the fate of the earlier order mandating MBBS admissions to be completed by August 30 and the announcement of the National Exit Test (NExT) exam to replace NEET-PG, scheduled for December and January.

In addition to the circular's withdrawal, the NMC has also released other communications soliciting feedback from stakeholders on topics such as competency-based medical education curriculum regulation, minimum standards for establishing new medical colleges, increasing MBBS seats, and maintaining educational standards.

The frequent changes in NMC's policies have added to the stress and uncertainty faced by students and parents, leaving them yearning for clear and consistent information during the crucial counseling, admission, and commencement of the academic year.