New framework provides for institutional assessment, digital registration and public verification of professionals; two-year radiology diploma with six-month internship to be introduced
New Delhi, October 7: The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has notified a new regulatory framework to strengthen quality, transparency and standardisation in allied and healthcare education and professional practice across the country.
The measures include regulations for Autonomous Boards and a Central Assessment Committee (CAC), a competency-based curriculum for the Diploma in Medical Radiology and Imaging Technology (D.MRIT), and a digital registration system featuring unique identification numbers and QR-coded certificates for professionals.
The framework, notified under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021, aims to improve institutional assessment, standardise training and enable patients and the public to verify the registration status of allied and healthcare professionals.
New boards to assess institutions and monitor standards
The Autonomous Boards and Central Assessment Committee (Establishment, Constitution, Functions and Powers) Regulations, 2026, provide for the establishment of specialised boards under State Allied and Healthcare Councils to oversee education, institutional assessment, professional ethics and registration.
The Undergraduate and Postgraduate Boards will facilitate the implementation of standards for recognised courses, competency-based education, faculty development, training and research. They will also submit reports and recommendations to the respective State Councils.
The Assessment and Rating Board will assess applications for recognition and Letters of Permission, conduct institutional inspections, review annual disclosures and empanel assessors. It will also evaluate and rate institutions, with assessment and rating information to be made publicly available through State Council websites.
The Ethics and Registration Board will verify professionals’ documents and recommend registration. It will also support the maintenance of State registers, monitor compliance with professional ethics and conduct standards, and examine complaints and alleged violations.
The Autonomous Boards will comprise 10 to 20 members, including a president, with representation from recognised allied and healthcare professional categories.
For States and Union Territories without a functional State Council, the regulations provide for a Central Assessment Committee under the overall supervision of NCAHP, assisted by its secretariat.
The committee will perform the functions of the Autonomous Boards and follow prescribed procedures for verification, inspection and institutional rating. It will comprise 10 to 30 members, including a president, with provisions for appropriate representation of States and Union Territories.
The regulations also specify grounds and procedures for removing committee members, including conflicts of interest, breaches of the code of conduct and abuse of position, while providing an opportunity for a hearing.
Two-year radiology diploma to include six-month clinical internship
In a separate measure, NCAHP has notified a competency-based curriculum for the Diploma in Medical Radiology and Imaging Technology (D.MRIT) under the One Nation One Curriculum initiative for the allied and healthcare sector.
The curriculum, notified on September 30, 2026, will be mandatory for institutions offering the programme from the academic year 2027–28. Institutions wishing to introduce it earlier may adopt it from 2026–27.
The two-year diploma is open to students who have completed Class 12 in the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Biology from a recognised board or equivalent.
A six-month internship will provide supervised clinical exposure, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge and develop practical skills in imaging procedures, patient care, radiation safety and the use of medical equipment.
The programme is intended to address the growing demand for trained imaging professionals at primary health centres, hospitals, diagnostic centres and other healthcare facilities.
Graduates are expected to develop the competencies required to support diagnostic procedures, including X-rays, CT scans, sonography, mammography and fluoroscopy, while adhering to patient safety, radiation protection, quality assurance and professional practice standards.
The diploma curriculum complements the competency-based Bachelor of Medical Radiology and Imaging Technology (B.MRIT) and Master of Medical Radiology and Imaging Technology (M.MRIT) programmes, whose curricula were released in April 2025 for implementation from the 2026–27 academic year.
NCAHP said it has so far released 20 competency-based curricula across various allied and healthcare professions to standardise education and ensure that students acquire the knowledge, skills and professional attributes required for contemporary healthcare delivery.
Digital registration with unique identification numbers
The Registration of Allied and Healthcare Professionals Regulations, 2026, published in the Gazette of India on September 15, establish a framework for registration through State and Central registers.
Under the regulations, individuals can practise a recognised allied and healthcare profession only after obtaining registration and meeting the prescribed eligibility requirements, including possession of a recognised primary qualification.
Professionals residing in States or Union Territories without a functional State Council may register directly with the Central Register.
Registration will remain valid for five years and may be renewed subject to fulfilment of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements through approved online and offline modes.
An integrated online system will enable real-time synchronisation between State and Central registers. The registers will be accessible to the public through the Commission’s and respective State Councils’ websites, allowing verification of professionals’ registration status.
Every registered professional will receive a Unique Identification (UID) number through the centralised system. Registration certificates will include the UID and a secure QR code to facilitate identification and verification.
Provisions for students and foreign-qualified professionals
The regulations also provide for interim registration for students enrolled in recognised institutions who are undertaking internships, clinical training, observerships or practical coursework required to complete their qualifications.
Applications for interim registration must be initiated by the recognised institution and submitted to the concerned State Council. No fee will be charged for such applications.
Indian citizens holding foreign allied and healthcare qualifications may apply for registration if their qualifications are recognised by the Commission or have undergone the prescribed equivalency assessment, along with any applicable exit examination.
Temporary registration is also permitted for eligible foreign-qualified Indian professionals undertaking specified activities, including postgraduate or specialty education, fellowships, clinical research, observerships, advanced workshops, expert visits and voluntary community service.
Sponsored foreign professionals may also obtain temporary registration for specified, time-bound purposes. The regulations further provide for Good Standing Certificates for registered professionals pursuing education or professional activities abroad or participating in student exchange programmes.
Bridge course proposed for existing practitioners
NCAHP said it is working towards introducing provisional registration for professionals already practising in the allied and healthcare sector who do not possess the prescribed primary qualifications.
Such professionals will be given an option to undertake a bridge course to meet the eligibility requirements for regular registration.
The registration process, including fee payment, will be conducted through an online portal.
The Commission said the measures collectively aim to strengthen institutional accountability, improve the quality of allied and healthcare education, standardise professional training and establish a transparent system for registration and verification across the country.
