NMC Pulls MBBS Approval of Vaishno Devi Medical College
- Sakshi Mishra
- Feb 4
- 3 min read
Reasi/Jammu & Kashmir, January 10, 2026: The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), a recently founded medical school situated in Kakryal in the Reasi district, is currently embroiled in a major controversy. This development has prompted the National Medical Commission (NMC) to withdraw its endorsement and permit for the institute to provide an MBBS program for the academic period of 2025–26.
On September 8, 2025, the National Medical Commission's Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) issued a Letter of Permission (LoP) enabling the college to enroll 50 MBBS students for the 2025–26 academic year, with admissions facilitated through the typical NEET process.
Shortly after admissions began, it was reported that 42 out of the 50 admitted students were Muslim, leading to demonstrations by various Hindu organisations that argued the demographics were “unbalanced,” especially because the college is funded by contributions from devotees of the Vaishno Devi temple. Tensions first arose in November 2025 when local Hindu groups and political leaders objected to the initial list of MBBS admissions, demanding it be revoked and adjusted to favour Hindu candidates.
The protests resulted in the formation of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangarsh Samiti, which called for the complete shutdown of the college, intertwining religious sentiments with demands driven by local political agendas. In early January 2026, the NMC conducted an unannounced inspection of the campus and identified major shortcomings in infrastructure, clinical resources, and the availability of qualified faculty, concluding that the institution “did not meet essential regulatory criteria.” This evaluation was publicly cited as the basis for cancelling the MBBS accreditation on January 6, 2026.
The NMC also assured that current students would not face negative repercussions in their educational paths; officials were directed to accommodate them in other government medical colleges within the Union Territory, utilising additional seats to ensure uninterrupted educational progression.
However, the reverberations of the deregistration coming amid ongoing political pressure and societal unrest have led to scrutiny from analysts and various stakeholders.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the decision, labelling it a setback for educational opportunities in Jammu and emphasising the importance of finding placements for students in alternate institutions. He connected the controversy to the protests and argued that relocating students would be a more favourable option than closing the college.
Officials from the BJP and their affiliate organisations backed the NMC’s measures, considering them a confirmation of educational standards and a response to public concerns regarding the institution's compliance with regulations.
Former Chief Minister of J&K Mehbooba Mufti expressed concern about the broader implications, warning that marginalising Kashmiri Muslim students might intensify communal strife and set a troubling precedent across the country.
Both faculty members and some students have rejected claims of serious deficiencies, asserting that NMC inspectors had previously praised the advanced facilities present on the campus, a fact that highlights the contentious nature of the official evaluations.
This controversy brings to light significant issues tied to the Constitution of India:
Right to Equality (Article 14): The allocation of admissions determined by NEET results follows legal guidelines, and the assignment of seats cannot be affected by someone's religion.
Freedom from Discrimination (Article 15): Any type of discrimination linked to religion or community regarding access to professional education is prohibited.
Secularism: Using a governmental decision to cater to certain religious groups jeopardises the secular values that are integral to the Constitution.
Legal authorities suggest that lawsuits may be filed in the High Court or Supreme Court to defend the rights of students and promote merit-based admissions if there are indications that decisions have been shaped by communal
influences rather than regulatory violations.
Observers and experts advocate for measures to address immediate and ongoing challenges:
Legal Action: Affected students or civil rights organisations may consider legal recourse against punitive actions like derecognition if the regulatory process was improvised or influenced by non-educational elements.
Prompt Compliance: The institution must swiftly resolve any issues concerning its infrastructure and faculty to comply with NMC regulations, necessitating a new, comprehensive assessment.
Objective Oversight: Forming an independent panel of experts might be advantageous for evaluating the institution's resources and clarifying any factual disagreements about compliance.
Protection for Students: It is essential to prioritise that all enrolled students can continue their medical training without interruption, in accordance with NMC safeguards.
conclusion
The situation at Vaishno Devi Medical College illustrates the intersection of education, politics, religion, and constitutional values in modern India. Beyond the specific dispute related to MBBS admissions and regulatory compliance, there is a broader dialogue regarding meritocratic systems, secularism, and equal access in professional education, an issue likely to engage courts, legislators, and the public in the near future.
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