New NMC Chairperson 2025 update: Dr Abhijat Sheth appointed as the new head of the National Medical Commission amid CBI probe and NEET PG responsibilities.
Centre Appoints Dr. Abhijat Sheth as New NMC Chairperson
Appointment at a Critical Juncture
The Government of India has appointed Dr. Abhijat Sheth as the new Chairperson of the National Medical Commission (NMC), the apex regulatory body overseeing medical education, practitioners, and research in the country. He succeeds Dr. B.N. Gangadhar, who had resigned in October 2024 citing health issues, but continued provisionally as no suitable replacement was available
Dr. Sheth’s Dual Role and Immediate Responsibilities
Currently heading the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), which conducts major postgraduate medical entrance tests such as NEET‑PG, Dr. Sheth will continue in this role until the NEET‑PG exams in August 2025 are concluded His dual role reflects continuity in regulatory leadership during a crucial exam period.
Regulatory Gaps and the Need for Timely Filling
Key leadership positions across all four NMC autonomous boards have been vacant for nearly nine months The delay in appointments hindered regulatory oversight over medical institutions and educational standards. Dr. Sheth’s assumption of office aims to fill this leadership vacuum and enhance scrutiny of medical education governance.
Tackling Corruption-Linked Challenges
Dr. Sheth’s appointment arrives amid a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged corruption in medical college inspections—including fake faculty, ghost patients, and unauthorized approvals His leadership is expected to bring renewed transparency and integrity to regulatory processes.
Tenure and Institutional Support
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved Dr. Sheth’s tenure for four years, or until he turns 70, whichever comes first, as per the Department of Personnel and Training’s notification dated July 11, 2025 Alongside him, Dr. M.K. Ramesh was named President of the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB), further strengthening the leadership structure
Why This News Is Important
Strengthening Medical Education Governance
This move by the Centre signals a decisive step toward institutional stability in India’s medical regulatory framework. Filling long-vacant positions within the NMC is vital to ensuring effective oversight over the licensing, accreditation, and standards of medical institutions—a key topic for candidates preparing for exams like UPSC, SSC, and PSC.
Addressing Systemic Corruption
The new leadership arrives against the backdrop of a major CBI probe into corruption at NMC, involving ghost faculty and unauthorized approvals. Dr. Sheth’s credibility and regulatory experience are expected to help restore integrity—a point likely to appear in GS paper discussions, especially in governance and anti-corruption modules.
Relevance to Medical and Non-Medical Aspirants
Medical entrance exam aspirants (NEET‑PG, AIIMS PG) should note Dr. Sheth’s continued leadership of NBEMS during NEET‑PG’s August 2025 cycle. Non‑medical aspirants, including those preparing for Civil Services, must understand the functioning and regulatory dynamics of bodies like NMC, NBEMS, and MARB—frequent domains in exam syllabi.
Leadership Continuity Amidst Crisis
Dual roles held by Dr. Sheth underscore government interests in maintaining stability while safeguarding national exams. This emphasizes the importance of institutional balance—an important governance theme for Civil Service exams.
Historical Context
From MCI to NMC: A Regulatory Shift
Established on 25 September 2020, the NMC replaced the Medical Council of India (MCI) to usher in greater transparency and accountability in medical education Its formation was the outcome of long-standing criticism of the MCI’s inefficiencies and centralized flaws.
NBEMS and NEET‑PG: Foundational Pillars
The NBEMS oversees postgraduate medical admissions through NEET‑PG, ensuring standardized testing across India. As its President, Dr. Sheth has overseen NEET‑PG operations and reforms—a factor contributing to his appointment at NMC.
Crisis in Medical Education Oversight
Earlier this year, a CBI FIR exposed alleged manipulation of inspection processes in private medical colleges, uncovering ghost faculty members, fake patients, and blatant bribery The scandal implicated high-level officials including former UGC chairman Dr. D.P. Singh.
Leadership Gaps in NMC
Following Dr. Gangadhar’s resignation, leadership positions remained vacant in NMC’s four autonomous boards (UGMEB, PGMEB, MARB, Ethics)—a situation that weakened institutional capacity for nearly nine months
Key Takeaways from Dr. Abhijat Sheth’s Appointment
| S.No | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Appointment: Dr. Abhijat Sheth is the newly appointed Chairperson of NMC (July 2025). |
| 2 | Current Position: He is the President of NBEMS and will hold both roles until NEET-PG 2025 concludes. |
| 3 | Vacancies Filled: His appointment ends a nine‑month leadership deadlock in NMC’s autonomous boards. |
| 4 | Anti‑Corruption Focus: Appointment comes amid a CBI probe into alleged regulatory corruption. |
| 5 | Tenure: Approved for four years or until he reaches 70, along with Dr. M.K. Ramesh’s MARB presidency. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is the new Chairperson of the National Medical Commission (NMC)?
Dr. Abhijat Sheth has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the NMC in July 2025.
2. What position does Dr. Abhijat Sheth currently hold apart from being NMC Chief?
He continues to serve as the President of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), which conducts NEET-PG and other key exams.
3. Why were the NMC leadership positions vacant?
The vacancies were due to the resignation of the previous Chairperson Dr. B.N. Gangadhar and delayed appointments to the autonomous boards, causing a regulatory leadership gap for nearly nine months.
4. What controversy surrounds the NMC recently?
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated a probe into alleged corruption in medical college inspections involving ghost faculty, fake patients, and bribes.
5. What is the tenure of Dr. Abhijat Sheth as the NMC Chairperson?
He will serve for a term of four years or until he turns 70, whichever comes earlier.
6. How is this news relevant for government exam aspirants?
Understanding the structure and recent developments in regulatory bodies like the NMC is crucial for exams like UPSC, PSC, SSC, and medical entrance tests.
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