The National Medical Commission’s (NMC) latest draft of the Teachers Eligibility Qualifications (TEQ) regulations now permits MSc/PhD holders, from recognized medical colleges, to teach up to 30% of faculty positions in five core subjects: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, and Microbiology specifically during a "transition period" meant to address faculty shortages.

Supporters of the move highlight that it helps fill critical staffing gaps in non-clinical departments and aligns India with global standards, where non-MBBS educators are common. Many MSc/PhD professionals bring expertise in research, theoretical knowledge, and lab techniques elements essential to a well-rounded medical education.

However, the medical fraternity has raised alarms. The United Doctors’ Front, medical educators, and activists argue that allowing non-MBBS teachers risks diluting clinical training, undermining the Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) model, and jeopardizing patient safety. Critics also cite lack of a clear timeline for the transition period and warn that private institutions may exploit these rules to cut costs.

In Parliament, Health Minister Anupriya Patel clarified that such faculty must hold MSc/PhD degrees from NMC-recognized medical institutes, and that the duration of the transition period will be decided by the NMC in consultation with its Post Graduate Medical Education Board.