National Medical Commission Revokes Approval for Medical College in Jammu and Kashmir

The National Medical Commission has revoked the approval for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Jammu and Kashmir to conduct its MBBS program for the 2025-2026 academic year. This decision follows numerous complaints regarding the institution's infrastructure and faculty. The commission has authorized local authorities to accommodate current students in other medical colleges. Protests had previously erupted over the admissions list, which predominantly included Muslim candidates, leading to demands for preferential treatment for Hindu students. The commission's findings indicate that continuing the institution would jeopardize the quality of medical education.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 7, 2026, 10:37 IST

Revocation of Approval for MBBS Course

On Tuesday, the National Medical Commission announced the withdrawal of its approval for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence located in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, to conduct its MBBS program for the academic year 2025-2026.

The commission, which oversees medical education, stated that to protect the interests of students already enrolled, the Union Territory authorities have been permitted to transfer these students to other medical institutions.

Protests erupted in December following the release of the first admissions list for the MBBS program, which was issued by the Jammu and Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance Examinations.

Out of the 50 students selected for the inaugural MBBS batch, 44 were Muslims from Kashmir, while six were Hindus from Jammu. Reports indicate that only three of the six Hindu candidates chose to enroll.

The protests were spearheaded by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, with participation from members of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Shiv Sena, Bajrang Dal, and other Hindutva organizations.

Demands from the protesters included the cancellation of the initial admission list and prioritization of Hindu students, citing that the institute was established through donations to the Vaishno Devi shrine.

However, regulations prohibit the consideration of religion in admissions, as the college does not qualify as a minority institution.

In a letter released on Tuesday, the National Medical Commission indicated that its Medical Assessment and Rating Board had called for applications in December 2024 for new medical colleges for the upcoming academic year.

Following a thorough review of documents and an on-site inspection, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence was initially granted permission to operate an MBBS program with 50 seats.

According to the commission's letter, the institution proceeded with admissions based on this approval. However, in recent weeks, the commission received numerous complaints alleging serious issues with the institution, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of clinical resources, insufficient qualified teaching staff, and a shortage of resident doctors.

In response to these complaints, the Medical Assessment and Rating Board conducted an unannounced inspection and discovered significant deficiencies. The commission stated that continuing the institution under these conditions would severely compromise the quality of medical education and negatively impact the academic interests of the students.