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THE NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR INDIAN SYSTEM OF MEDICINE ACT, 2020
_______
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
Last updated: 17-9-2021
CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY
SECTIONS
1. Short title, extent and commencement.
2. Definitions.
CHAPTER II
NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR INDIAN SYSTEM OF MEDICINE
3. Constitution of National Commission for Indian System of Medicine.
4. Composition of Commission.
5. Search Committee for appointment of Chairperson and Members.
6. Term of office and conditions of service of Chairperson and Members.
7. Removal of Chairperson and Members of Commission.
8. Appointment of Secretary, experts, professionals, officers and other employees of Commission.
9. Meetings of Commission.
10. Power and functions of Commission.
CHAPTER III
ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR INDIAN SYSTEM OF MEDICINE
11. Constitution and composition of Advisory Council for Indian System of Medicine.
12. Functions of Advisory Council for Indian System of Medicine.
13. Meetings of Advisory Council for Indian System of Medicine.
CHAPTER IV
NATIONAL EXAMINATION
14. National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test.
15. National Exit Test.
16. Post-Graduate National Entrance Test.
17. National Teachers’ Eligibility Test for Indian System of Medicine.
CHAPTER V
AUTONOMOUS BOARDS
18. Constitution of Autonomous Boards.
19. Composition of Autonomous Boards.
20. Search Committee for appointment of President and Members.
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SECTIONS
21. Term of office and conditions of service of President and Members.
22. Advisory Committees of experts.
23. Staff of Autonomous Boards.
24. Meetings, etc., of Autonomous Boards.
25. Delegation of powers.
26. Powers and functions of Autonomous Boards.
27. Powers and functions of Board of Ethics and Registration for Indian System of Medicine.
28. Powers and functions of Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Indian System of
Medicine.
29. Permission for establishment of new medical institution.
30. Criteria for approving or disapproving scheme.
31. State Medical Council.
32. National Register and State Register of Indian System of Medicine.
33. Rights of persons to be enrolled in National Register and their obligations thereto.
34. Rights of persons to practice.
CHAPTER VI
RECOGNITION OF QUALIFICATIONS OF INDIAN SYSTEM OF MEDICINE
35. Recognition of qualifications granted by Universities or medical institutions in India.
36. Recognition of medical qualifications granted by medical institutions outside India.
37. Withdrawal of recognition or de-recognition of qualification.
38. Special provision in certain cases for recognition of qualifications.
CHAPTER VII
GRANTS, AUDIT AND ACCOUNTS
39. Grants by Central Government.
40. National Commission Fund for Indian System of Medicine.
41. Audit and accounts.
42. Furnishing of returns and reports to Central Government.
CHAPTER VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
43. Power of Central Government to give directions to Commission and Autonomous Boards.
44. Power of Central Government to give directions to State Governments.
45. Information to be furnished by Commission and publication thereof.
46. Obligation of Universities and medical institutions.
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SECTIONS
47. Completion of courses of studies in medical institutions.
48. Chairperson, Members, officers of Commission and of Autonomous Boards to be public
servants.
49. Protection of action taken in good faith.
50. Cognizance of offences.
51. Power of Central Government to supersede Commission.
52. Joint sittings of Commission, National Commission for Homoeopathy and National Medical
Commission.
53. State Government to promote public health.
54. Power to make rules.
55. Power to make regulations.
56. Rules and regulations to be laid before Parliament.
57. Power to remove difficulties.
58. Repeal and saving.
59. Transitory provisions.
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THE NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR INDIAN SYSTEM OF MEDICINE ACT, 2020
ACT NO. 14 OF 2020
[20th September, 2020.]
An Act to provide for a medical education system that improves access to quality and affordable
medical education, ensures availability of adequate and high quality medical professionals of Indian
System of Medicine in all parts of the country; that promotes equitable and universal healthcare that
encourages community health perspective and makes services of such medical professionals accessible
and affordable to all the citizens; that promotes national health goals; that encourages such medical
professionals to adopt latest medical research in their work and to contribute to research; that has an
objective periodic and transparent assessment of medical institutions and facilitates maintenance of a
medical register of Indian System of Medicine for India and enforces high ethical standards in all aspects
of medical services; that is flexible to adapt to the changing needs and has an effective grievance redressal
mechanism and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
BE it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-first Year of the Republic of India as follows:—
CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY
1. Short title, extent and commencement.—(1) This Act may be called the National Commission
for Indian System of Medicine Act, 2020.
(2) It extends to the whole of India.
(3) It shall come into force on such date1 as the Central Government may, by notification in the
Official Gazette, appoint:
Provided that different dates may be appointed for different provisions of this Act and any reference
in any such provision to the commencement of this Act shall be construed as a reference to the coming
into force of that provision.
2. Definitions.—In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—
(a) “Autonomous Board” means any of the Autonomous Boards constituted under section 18;
(b) “Board of Ayurveda” means the Board constituted under section 18;
(c) “Board of Ethics and Registration for Indian System of Medicine” means the Board
constituted under section 18;
(d) “Board of Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa” means the Board constituted under section 18;
(e) “Chairperson” means the Chairperson of the National Commission for Indian System of
Medicine appointed under section 5;
(f) “Commission” means the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine constituted
under section 3;
(g) “Council” means the Advisory Council for Indian System of Medicine constituted under
section 11;
1. 7th October, 2020— S. 3,4,5,6,8,11,18,19,20,21,54 and 55 vide notification No. S.O. 3483(E), dated 7th October, 2020, see
Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, sec. 3 (ii).
11th June, 2021— (All the remaining provisions) vide notification No. S.O. 2278(E), dated 11th June, 2021. see
Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, sec. 3 (ii).
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(h) “Indian System of Medicine” means the Ashtang Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa
Systems of Medicine supplemented by such modern advances, scientific and technological
development as the Commission may, in consultation with the Central Government, declare by
notification from time to time;
(i) “licence” means a licence to practice any of the Indian System of Medicine granted under
sub-section (1) of section 33;
(j) “Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Indian System of Medicine” means the Board
constituted under section 18;
(k) “medical institution” means any institution within or outside India which, grants degrees,
diplomas or licences in Indian System of Medicine and includes affiliated colleges and deemed to be
Universities;
(l) “Member” means a Member of the Commission referred to in section 4 and includes the
Chairperson thereof;
(m) “National Register” means a National Medical Register for Indian System of Medicine
maintained by the Board of Ethics and Registration for Indian System of Medicine under section 32;
(n) “notification” means a notification published in the Official Gazette and the expression
“notify” shall be construed accordingly;
(o) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act;
(p) “President” means the President of an Autonomous Board appointed under section 20;
(q) “regulations” means the regulations made by the Commission under this Act;
(r) “State Medical Council” means a State Medical Council of Indian System of Medicine
constituted under any law for the time being in force in any State or Union territory for regulating the
practice and registration of practitioners of Indian System of Medicine in that State or Union territory;
(s) “State Register” means a State Register for Indian System of Medicine maintained under any
law for the time being in force in any State or Union territory for registration of practitioners of
Indian System of Medicine;
(t) “University” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in clause (f) of section 2 of the
University Grants Commission Act, 1956 (3 of 1956) and includes a health university.
CHAPTER II
NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR INDIAN SYSTEM OF MEDICINE
3. Constitution of National Commission for Indian System of Medicine.—(1) The Central
Government shall, by notification, constitute a Commission, to be known as the National Commission for
Indian System of Medicine, to exercise the powers conferred upon, and to perform the functions assigned
to it, under this Act.
(2) The Commission shall be a body corporate by the name aforesaid, having perpetual succession
and a common seal, with power, subject to the provisions of this Act, to acquire, hold and dispose of
property, both movable and immovable, and to contract, and shall, by the said name, sue or be sued.
(3) The head office of the Commission shall be at New Delhi.
4. Composition of Commission.—(1) The Commission shall consist of the following persons,
namely:––
(a) a Chairperson;
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(b) fifteen ex officio Members; and
(c) twenty-three part-time Members.
(2) The Chairperson shall be a person of outstanding ability, proven administrative capacity and
integrity, possessing a postgraduate degree in any of the disciplines of Indian System of Medicine from a
recognised University and having experience of not less than twenty years in any field of Indian System
of Medicine, out of which at least ten years shall be as a leader in the area of healthcare delivery, growth
and development of Indian System of Medicine or its education.
(3) The following persons shall be appointed by the Central Government as ex officio Members of the
Commission, namely:—
(a) the President of the Board of Ayurveda;
(b) the President of the Board of Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa;
(c) the President of the Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Indian System of Medicine;
(d) the President of the Board of Ethics and Registration for Indian System of Medicine;
(e) Advisor (Ayurveda) or Joint Secretary to the Government of India in-charge of Ayurveda and
Advisor (Unani) or Joint Secretary to the Government of India in-charge of Unani, in the Ministry of
AYUSH;
(f) the Director, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi;
(g) the Director General, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, New Delhi;
(h) the Director General, Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine, New Delhi;
(i) the Director General, Central Council for Research in Siddha, Chennai;
(j) the Director, National Institute of Siddha, Chennai;
(k) the Director, National Institute of Unani, Bengaluru;
(l) the Director, North Eastern Institute on Ayurveda and Homoeopathy, Shillong;
(m) the Director, Institute of Post Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar; and
(n) the Director, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur.
(4) The following persons shall be appointed by the Central Government as part-time Members of the
Commission, namely:—
(a) four Members to be appointed from amongst persons of ability, integrity and standing, who
have special knowledge and professional experience in any of the disciplines of Indian System of
Medicine, Sanskrit, Urdu, Tamil, management, law, health research, science and technology and
economics;
(b) ten Members to be appointed on rotational basis from amongst the nominees of the States and
Union territories in the Advisory Council for Indian System of Medicine for a term of two years in
such manner as may be prescribed;
(c) six members from Ayurveda, one member each from Siddha, Unani and Sowa-Rigpa, to be
appointed from amongst the nominees of the States and Union territories, under clause (d) of
sub-section (2) of section 11, in the Advisory Council for Indian System of Medicine, for a term of
two years in such manner as may be prescribed:
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Provided that no Member shall either himself or through any of his family members, directly or
indirectly, own or be associated with or have any dealings with the managing body of a private or non-
government medical institution which is regulated under this Act.
Explanation.––For the purpose of this section and section 19, the term “leader” means the Head of a
Department or the Head of an Organisation.
5. Search Committee for appointment of Chairperson and Members.—(1) The Central
Government shall appoint the Chairperson, referred to in section 4 and the President of the Autonomous
Boards referred to in section 20 on the recommendation of a Search Committee consisting of—
(a) the Cabinet Secretary—Chairperson;
(b) two experts, possessing outstanding qualifications and experience of not less than twenty-five
years in any of the fields of Indian System of Medicine, to be nominated by the Central
Government—Members;
(c) one expert, from amongst the Members referred to in clause (c) of sub-section (4) of section 4,
to be nominated by the Central Government in such manner as may be prescribed—Member;
(d) one person, possessing outstanding qualifications and experience of not less than twenty-five
years in the field of Sanskrit, Urdu, Tamil, health research, management, law, economics or science
and technology, to be nominated by the Central Government—Member;
(e) the Secretary to the Government of India in charge of the Ministry of AYUSH, to be the
Convenor—Member:
Provided that for selection of part-time Members of the Commission referred to in clause (a) of sub-
section (4) of section 4, the Secretary referred to in section 8 and other Members of the Autonomous
Boards referred to in section 20, the Search Committee shall consist of Members specified in the clauses
(b) to (d) and Joint Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of AYUSH as Convenor-
Member and chaired by Secretary to the Government of India in charge of the Ministry of AYUSH.
(2) The Central Government shall, within one month from the date of occurrence of any vacancy,
including by reason of death, resignation or removal of the Chairperson or a Member, or within three
months before the end of tenure of the Chairperson or Member, make a reference to the Search
Committee for filling up of the vacancy.
(3) The Search Committee shall recommend a panel of at least three names for every vacancy referred
to it.
(4) Before recommending any person for appointment as the Chairperson or a Member of the
Commission, the Search Committee shall satisfy itself that such person does not have any financial or
other interest which is likely to affect prejudicially his functions as such Chairperson or Member.
(5) No appointment of the Chairperson or Member shall be invalid merely by reason of any vacancy
or absence of a Member in the Search Committee.
(6) Subject to the provisions of sub-sections (2) to (5), the Search Committee may regulate its own
procedure.
6. Term of office and conditions of service of Chairperson and Members.––(1) The Chairperson
and Members (other than ex officio Members) and Members appointed under clauses (b) and (c) of
sub- section (4) of section 4 shall hold office for a term not exceeding four years and shall not be eligible
for any extension or re-appointment:
Provided that such person shall cease to hold office after attaining the age of seventy years.
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(2) The term of office of an ex officio Member shall continue as long as he holds the office by virtue
of which he is such Member.
(3) Where a Member, other than an ex officio Member, is absent from three consecutive ordinary
meetings of the Commission and the cause of such absence is not attributable to any valid reason in the
opinion of the Commission, such Member shall be deemed to have vacated the seat.
(4) The salary and allowances payable to and other terms and conditions of service of the Chairperson
and Member, other than an ex officio Member, shall be such as may be prescribed.
(5) The Chairperson or a Member may,––
(a) relinquish his office by giving in writing a notice of not less than three months to the Central
Government; or
(b) be removed from his office in accordance with the provisions of section 7:
Provided that such person may be relieved from duties earlier than three months or allowed to
continue beyond three months until a successor is appointed, if the Central Government so decides.
(6) The Chairperson and every Member of the Commission shall make declaration of his assets and
liabilities at the time of entering upon his office and at the time of demitting his office and also declare his
professional and commercial engagement or involvement, in such form and manner as may be prescribed,
and such declaration shall be published on the website of the Commission.
(7) The Chairperson or a Member, ceasing to hold office as such, shall not accept, for a period of two
years from the date of demitting such office, any employment, in any capacity, including as a consultant
or an expert, in any private Medical institution of Indian System of Medicine or, whose matter has been
dealt with by such Chairperson or Member, directly or indirectly:
Provided that nothing contained herein shall be construed as preventing such person from accepting
an employment in a body or institution including Medical institution of Indian System of Medicine,
controlled or maintained by the Central Government or a State Government.
(8) Nothing in sub-section (7) shall prevent the Central Government from permitting the Chairperson
or a Member to accept any employment in any capacity, including as a consultant or an expert, in any
private Medical institution of Indian System of Medicine, whose matter has been dealt with by such
Chairperson or Member.
7. Removal of Chairperson and Members of Commission.––(1) The Central Government may, by
order, remove from office, the Chairperson or any other Member, who—
(a) has been adjudged an insolvent; or
(b) has been convicted of an offence which, in the opinion of the Central Government, involves
moral turpitude; or
(c) has become physically or mentally incapable of acting as the Chairperson or a Member; or
(d) is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court; or
(e) has acquired such financial or other interest as is likely to affect prejudicially his functions as
a Member; or
(f) has so abused his position as to render his continuance in office prejudicial to public interest.
(2) No Member shall be removed under clauses (e) and (f) of sub-section (1) unless he has been
given a reasonable opportunity of being heard in the matter.
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8. Appointment of Secretary, experts, professionals, officers and other employees of
Commission.––(1) There shall be a Secretariat for the Commission to be headed by a Secretary, to be
appointed by the Central Government in accordance with the provisions of section 5.
(2) The Secretary of the Commission shall be a person of proven administrative capacity and
integrity, possessing such qualifications and experience as may be prescribed.
(3) The Secretary shall be appointed by the Central Government for a term of four years and he shall
not be eligible for any extension or re-appointment.
(4) The Secretary shall discharge such functions of the Commission as are assigned to him by the
Commission and as may be specified by regulations made under this Act.
(5) The Commission may appoint such officers and other employees, as it considers necessary,
against the posts created by the Central Government for the efficient discharge of its functions under this
Act.
(6) The salaries and allowances payable to, and other terms and conditions of service of the Secretary,
officers and other employees of the Commission shall be such as may be prescribed.
(7) The Commission may engage, in accordance with the procedure specified by regulations, such
number of experts and professionals of integrity and outstanding ability, who have special knowledge of
Indian System of Medicine, and experience in fields including medical education in Indian System of
Medicine, public health, management, economics, accreditation, patient advocacy, health research,
science and technology, administration, finance, accounts or law as it deems necessary, to assist the
Commission in the discharge of its functions under this Act.
9. Meetings of Commission.––(1) The Commission shall meet at least once every quarter at such
time and place as may be appointed by the Chairperson.
(2) The Chairperson shall preside at the meeting of the Commission and if, for any reason, the
Chairperson is unable to attend a meeting of the Commission, any Member being the President of the
Autonomous Boards, nominated by the Chairperson shall preside at the meeting.
(3) Unless the procedure to be followed at the meetings of the Commission is otherwise provided by
regulations, one-half of the total number of Members of the Commission including the Chairperson shall
constitute the quorum and all decisions of the Commission shall be taken by a majority of the members,
present and voting and in the event of equality of votes, the Chairperson or in his absence, the President
of the Autonomous Board nominated under sub-section (2), shall have the casting vote.
(4) The general superintendence, direction and control of the administration of the Commission shall
vest in the Chairperson.
(5) No act or proceeding of the Commission shall be invalid merely by reason of—
(a) any vacancy in, or any defect in the constitution of, the Commission; or
(b) any defect in the appointment of a person acting as a Chairperson or as a Member.
(6) A person who is aggrieved by any decision of the Commission, except the decision rendered
under sub-section (4) of section 31, may prefer an appeal to the Central Government against such decision
within fifteen days of the communication of such decision.
10. Power and functions of Commission.––(1) The Commission shall perform the following
functions, namely:—
(a) lay down policies for maintaining a high quality and high standards in education of Indian
System of Medicine and make necessary regulations in this behalf;
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(b) lay down policies for regulating medical institutions, medical researches and medical
professionals and make necessary regulations in this behalf;
(c) assess the requirements in healthcare, including human resources for health and healthcare
infrastructure and develop a road map for meeting such requirements;
(d) frame guidelines and lay down policies by making such regulations as may be necessary for
the proper functioning of the Commission, the Autonomous Boards and the State Medical Councils of
Indian System of Medicine;
(e) ensure coordination among the Autonomous Boards;
(f) take such measures, as may be necessary, to ensure compliance by the State Medical Councils
of Indian System of Medicine of the guidelines framed and regulations made under this Act for their
effective functioning under this Act;
(g) exercise appellate jurisdiction with respect to decisions of the Autonomous Boards;
(h) ensure observance of professional ethics in Medical profession and to promote ethical conduct
during the provision of care by medical practitioners;
(i) frame guidelines for determination of fees and all other charges in respect of fifty per cent. of
seats in private medical institutions and deemed to be Universities which are governed under the
provisions of this Act;
(j) exercise such other powers and perform such other functions as may be prescribed.
(2) All orders and decisions of the Commission shall be authenticated by signature of the Secretary
and the Commission may delegate such of its powers on administrative and financial matters, as it deems
fit, to the Secretary.
(3) The Commission may constitute sub-committees and delegate such of its powers to them as may
be necessary to enable them to accomplish specific tasks.
CHAPTER III
ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR INDIAN SYSTEM OF MEDICINE
11. Constitution and composition of Advisory Council for Indian System of Medicine.––(1) The
Central Government shall, by notification, constitute an advisory body to be known as the Advisory
Council for Indian System of Medicine.
(2) The Council shall consist of a Chairperson and the following members, namely:—
(a) the Chairperson of the Commission shall be the ex officio Chairperson of the Council;
(b) every Member of the Commission shall be ex officio member of the Council;
(c) one member, to represent each State, who is the Vice-Chancellor of a University in that State,
possessing qualifications in the Indian System of medicine, to be nominated by that State
Government, and one member to represent each Union territory, who is the Vice-chancellor of a
University in that Union territory, possessing qualifications in the Indian System of Medicine, to be
nominated by the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Government of India:
Provided that where the Vice-Chancellor possessing qualifications in the Indian System of
Medicine is not available, a Dean or a Head of Faculty possessing qualifications in the Indian System
of Medicine shall be nominated;
(d) one member to represent each State and each Union territory from amongst elected members
of the State Medical Council of Indian System of Medicine, to be nominated by that State Medical
Council;
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(e) the Chairman, University Grants Commission;
(f) the Director, National Assessment and Accreditation Council;
(g) four Members to be nominated by the Central Government from amongst persons holding the
post of Director in the Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Management and the
Indian Institutes of Science.
12. Functions of Advisory Council for Indian System of Medicine.—(1) The Council shall be the
primary platform through which the States and Union territories may put forth their views and concerns
before the Commission and help in shaping the overall agenda, policy and action relating to medical
education, training, research and development.
(2) The Council shall advise the Commission on measures to determine and maintain, and to
coordinate maintenance of, the minimum standards in all matters relating to medical education, training,
research and development.
(3) The Council shall advise the Commission on measures to enhance equitable access to medical
education.
13. Meetings of Advisory Council for Indian System of Medicine.—(1) The Council shall meet
atleast twice a year at such time and place as may be decided by the Chairperson.
(2) The Chairperson shall preside at the meeting of the Council and if for any reason the Chairperson
is unable to attend a meeting of the Council, such other member as nominated by the Chairperson shall
preside over the meeting.
(3) Unless the procedure is otherwise provided by regulations, one-half of the members of the
Council including the Chairperson shall form the quorum and all acts of the Council shall be decided by a
majority of the members present and voting.
CHAPTER IV
NATIONAL EXAMINATION
14. National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test.—(1) There shall be a uniform National Eligibility-
cum-Entrance Test for admission to the undergraduate courses in each of the disciplines of the Indian
System of Medicine in all medical institutions governed under this Act:
Provided that National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test shall be exempted for students who have taken
admission in––
(i) Pre-tib for Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery; and
(ii) Pre-Ayurveda for Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery.
(2) The Commission shall conduct the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test in English and in such
other languages, through such designated authority and in such manner, as may be specified by
regulations.
(3) The Commission shall specify by regulations the manner of conducting common counselling by
the designated authority for admission to all the medical institutions governed under this Act:
Provided that the common counselling shall be conducted by the designated authority of––
(i) the Central Government, for All India seats; and
(ii) the State Government, for the remaining seats at the State level.
(4) The Commission shall specify by regulations the manner of admission of students to
undergraduate courses who are exempted under sub-section (1).
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15. National Exit Test.—(1) A common final year undergraduate medical examination, to be known
as the National Exit Test, shall be held for granting licence to practice as medical practitioner of
respective disciplines of Indian System of Medicine and for enrollment in the State Register or National
Register, as the case may be.
(2) The Commission shall conduct the National Exit Test for Indian System of Medicine in English
and in such other languages, through such designated authority and in such manner as may be specified
by regulations.
(3) The National Exit Test shall become operational on such date, within three years from the date on
which this Act comes into force, as may be appointed by the Central Government, by notification.
(4) Any person with a foreign medical qualification shall have to qualify national Exist Test for the
purpose of obtaining licence to practice as medical practitioner of Indian System of Medicine and for
enrollment in the State Register or the National Register, as the case may be, in such manner as may be
specified by regulations.
16. Post-Graduate National Entrance Test.—(1) A uniform Post-Graduate National Entrance Test
shall be conducted separately for admission to postgraduate courses in each discipline of the Indian
System of Medicine in all medical institutions governed under this Act.
(2) The Commission shall conduct the National Entrance Test for admission to postgraduate courses
in English and in such other languages, through such designated authority and in such manner, as may be
specified by regulations.
(3) The Commission shall specify by regulations the manner of conducting common counselling by
the designated authority for admission to the postgraduate seats in all medical institutions governed under
this Act.
17. National Teachers’ Eligibility Test for Indian System of Medicine.—(1) A National Teachers’
Eligibility Test shall be conducted separately for the postgraduates of each discipline of Indian System of
Medicine who desire to take up teaching profession in that discipline.
(2) The Commission shall conduct the National Teachers’ Eligibility Test for Indian System of
Medicine through such designated authority and in such manner as may be specified by regulations.
(3) The National Teachers’ Eligibility Test for Indian System of Medicine shall become operational
on such date, within three years from the date on which this Act comes into force, as may be notified by
the Central Government:
Provided that nothing contained in this section shall apply to the teachers appointed prior to the date
notified under sub-section (3).
CHAPTER V
AUTONOMOUS BOARDS
18. Constitution of Autonomous Boards.—(1) The Central Government shall, by notification,
constitute the following Autonomous Boards, under the overall supervision of the Commission, to
perform the functions assigned to such Boards under this Act, namely:—
(a) the Board of Ayurveda;
(b) the Board of Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa;
(c) the Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Indian System of Medicine; and
(d) the Board of Ethics and Registration for Indian System of Medicine.
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(2) Each Board referred to in sub-section (1) shall be an autonomous body which shall carry out its
functions under this Act in accordance with the regulations made by the Commission.
19. Composition of Autonomous Boards.—(1) The composition of the Autonomous Boards shall be
as under, namely:––
(a) the Board of Ayurveda shall consist of a President and four Members from the Ayurveda
discipline of Indian System of Medicine;
(b) the Board of Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa shall consist of a President and two Members
from each of the Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa disciplines of Indian System of Medicine;
(c) the Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Indian System of Medicine shall consist of a
President and eight Members:
Provided that the President and six out of eight Members shall be chosen from the Ayurveda, Siddha,
Sowa-Rigpa and Unani disciplines of Indian System of Medicine in such manner that at least one Member
represents each such discipline separately, and the remaining two Members shall be accreditation experts;
(d) the Board of Ethics and Registration for Indian System of Medicine shall consist of a
President and eight Members:
Provided that the President and six out of eight Members shall be chosen from the Ayurveda, Siddha,
Sowa-Rigpa and Unani disciplines of Indian System of Medicine in such manner that at least one Member
represents each such discipline separately, and the remaining two Members shall be chosen from any of
the disciplines of quality assurance, public health, law or patient advocacy.
(2) The President and Members of the Autonomous Boards to be chosen under sub-section (1) shall
be persons of outstanding ability, proven administrative capacity and integrity, possessing postgraduate
degree in respective disciplines from a recognised University and having experience of not less than
fifteen years in respective fields, out of which at least seven years shall be as a leader:
Provided that seven years as leader in the case of the President and Member from Indian System of
Medicine shall be in the area of health, growth and development of education in Indian System of
Medicine.
20. Search Committee for appointment of President and Members.—The Central Government
shall appoint the President and Members of the Autonomous Boards on the basis of the recommendations
made in accordance with the procedure specified in section 5 by the Search Committee constituted
thereunder.
21. Term of office and conditions of service of President and Members.—(1) The President and
Members of each Autonomous Board shall hold the office for a term not exceeding four years and shall
not be eligible for any extension or re-appointment:
Provided that such person shall cease to hold office after attaining the age of seventy years.
(2) The salary and allowances payable to, and other terms and conditions of service of, the President
and Members of an Autonomous Boards shall be such as may be prescribed.
(3) The provisions contained in sub-sections (3), (5), (6), (7) and (8) of section 6 relating to the terms
and conditions of service of, and in section 7 relating to removal from office, the Chairperson and
Members of the Commission shall also be applicable to the President and Members of the Autonomous
Boards.
22. Advisory Committees of experts.—(1) Each Autonomous Board, except the Board of Ethics and
Registration for Indian System of Medicine, shall be assisted by such advisory Committees of experts, as
may be constituted by the Commission, for the efficient discharge of the functions of such Boards under
this Act.
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(2) The Board of Ethics and Registration for Indian System of Medicine shall be assisted by such
ethics committees of experts, as may be constituted by the Commission, for the efficient discharge of the
functions of that Boards under this Act.
23. Staff of Autonomous Boards.—The experts, professionals, officers and other employees
appointed under section 8 shall be made available to the Autonomous Boards in such number and in such
manner, as may be specified by regulations made by the Commission.
24. Meetings, etc., of Autonomous Boards.—(1) Every Autonomous Board shall meet at least once
a month at such time and place as it may appoint.
(2) Subject to such regulations as may be made in this behalf, all decisions of the Autonomous Boards
shall be made by consensus and if consensus is not possible, decision shall be made by majority of votes
of the President and Members.
(3) A person who is aggrieved by any decision of an Autonomous Board may prefer an appeal to the
Commission against such decision within thirty days of the communication of such decision.
25. Delegation of powers.—(1) The Commission may delegate all or any of its administrative and
financial powers to the President of each Autonomous Board to enable such Board to function smoothly
and efficiently.
(2) The President of an Autonomous Board may further delegate any of his powers to a Member or
officer of that Board.
26. Powers and functions of Autonomous Boards.—(1) The Board of Ayurveda, in respect of the
discipline of Ayurveda, and the Board of Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa, in respect of the disciplines of
Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa, of the Indian System of Medicine, shall perform the following functions
in respect of their respective disciplines, namely:—
(a) determine the standards of education at the undergraduate, postgraduate and super-speciality
levels and oversee all aspects relating thereto;
(b) develop a competency based dynamic curriculum at all levels in accordance with the
regulations made under this Act, in such manner that it develops appropriate skill, knowledge,
attitude, values and ethics among the postgraduate and superspeciality students and enables them to
provide healthcare, to impart medical education and to conduct medical research;
(c) frame guidelines on setting up of medical institutions for imparting undergraduate,
postgraduate and super-speciality courses in Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa, having
regard to the needs of the country, the global norms and the regulations made under this Act;
(d) determine minimum requirements and standards for conducting of courses and examinations
in medical institutions, having regard to the needs of creativity at local levels and the regulations
made under this Act;
(e) determine standards and norms for infrastructure, faculty and quality of education and
research in medical institutions of Indian System of Medicine, in accordance with the regulations
made under this Act;
(f) specify norms for compulsory annual disclosure, electronically or otherwise, by medical
institutions of Indian System of Medicine in respect of their functions that has a bearing on the
interest of various stakeholders including students, faculty, the Commission and the Government;
(g) facilitate development and training of faculty members;
(h) facilitate research programmes;
(i) grant recognition to medical qualifications at all levels.
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(2) The Board of Ayurveda and the Board of Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa may, in the discharge of
their functions, make such recommendations to, and seek such directions from, the Commission, as it
deems necessary.
27. Powers and functions of Board of Ethics and Registration for Indian System of Medicine.—
(1) The Board of Ethics and Registration for Indian System of Medicine shall perform the following
functions, namely:––
(a) maintain a National Register of all licensed practitioners of Indian System of Medicine in
accordance with the provisions of section 32;
(b) regulate professional conduct and promote medical ethics in accordance with the regulations
made under this Act:
Provided that the Board of Ethics and Registration for Indian System of Medicine shall ensure
compliance with the code of professional and ethical conduct through the State Medical Council, in a
case where such State Medical Council has been conferred power to take disciplinary actions in
respect of professional or ethical misconduct by medical practitioners under respective State Acts;
(c) develop mechanisms to have continuous interaction with State Medical Councils of Indian
System of Medicine to effectively promote and regulate the conduct of medical practitioners of Indian
System of Medicine;
(d) exercise appellate jurisdiction with respect to the actions taken by a State Medical Council
under section 31.
(2) The Board of Ethics and Registration for Indian System of Medicine may, in the discharge of its
functions, make such recommendations to, and seek such directions from, the Commission, as it deems
necessary.
28. Powers and functions of Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Indian System of
Medicine.––(1) The Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Indian System of Medicine shall perform
the following functions, namely:––
(a) determine the procedure for assessment and rating of medical institutions on the basis of their
compliance with the standards laid down by the Board of Ayurveda or, as the case may be, the Board
of Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa, in accordance with the regulations made under this Act;
(b) grant permission for establishment of a new medical institution or to start any postgraduate
course or to increase number of seats, in accordance with the provisions of section 29;
(c) carry out inspections of medical institutions for assessing and rating such institutions in
accordance with the regulations made under this Act:
Provided that the Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Indian System of Medicine may, if it
deems necessary, hire and authorise any other third party agency or persons for carrying out
inspections of medical institutions for assessing and rating such institutions:
Provided further that where inspection of medical institutions is carried out by such third party
agency or persons authorised by the Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Indian System of
Medicine, it shall be obligatory on such institutions to provide access to such agency or person;
(d) conduct, or where it deems necessary, empanel independent rating agencies to conduct, assess
and rate all medical institutions, within such period of their opening, and every year thereafter, at such
time, and in such manner, as may be specified by regulations;
(e) make available on its website or in public domain, the assessment and ratings of medical
institutions at regular intervals, in accordance with the regulations made under this Act;
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(f) take such measures, including issuing warning, imposition of monetary penalty, reducing
intake or stoppage of admissions and recommending to the Commission for withdrawal of
recognition, against a medical institution for its failure to maintain the minimum essential standards
specified by the Board of Ayurveda or, as the case may be, the Board of Unani, Siddha and Sowa-
Rigpa, in accordance with the regulations made under this Act.
(2) The Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Indian System of Medicine may, in the discharge
of its functions, make such recommendations to, and seek such directions from, the Commission, as it
deems necessary.
29. Permission for establishment of new medical institution.––(1) No person shall establish a new
medical institution or start any postgraduate course or increase number of seats without obtaining prior
permission of the Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Indian System of Medicine.
Explanation.–– For the purpose of this sub-section, the term “person” includes any University, trust
or any other body, but does not include the Central Government.
(2) For the purpose of obtaining permission under sub-section (1), a person may submit a scheme to
the Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Indian System of Medicine in such form, containing such
particulars, accompanied by such fee, and in such manner, as may be specified by regulations.
(3) While considering the scheme received under sub-section (2), the Medical Assessment and Rating
Board for Indian System of Medicine shall have regard to the standards of education and research, the
standards and norms for infrastructure and faculty, the guidelines on setting up of medical institutions and
other requirements determined by the Board of Ayurveda or, as the case may be, the Board of Unani,
Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa under section 26, and pass an order either approving or disapproving the scheme
within three months from the date of receipt of such scheme:
Provided that before disapproving such scheme, an opportunity to rectify the defects, if any, shall be
given to the person concerned.
(4) Where a scheme is approved under sub-section (3), such approval shall be the permission under
sub-section (1) to establish a new medical institution.
(5) Where a scheme is disapproved under sub-section (3), or where no order is passed within three
months of submitting a scheme under sub-section (2), the person concerned may prefer an appeal to the
Commission within fifteen days of such disapproval or, as the case may be, after lapse of three months, in
such manner as may be specified by regulations.
(6) Where the Commission has disapproved the scheme or no order has been passed within fifteen
days from the date of preferring appeal under sub-section (5), the person concerned may prefer a second
appeal to the Central Government within seven days of communication of such disapproval or, as the case
may be, lapse of specified period of fifteen days.
(7) The Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Indian System of Medicine may conduct
evaluation and assessment of any University or medical institution at any time, either directly or through
any other expert, having integrity and experience in medical profession, without any prior notice and
assess and evaluate the performance, standards and benchmarks of such University or medical institution.
30. Criteria for approving or disapproving scheme.––While approving or disapproving a scheme
under section 29, the Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Indian System of Medicine, or the
Commission, as the case may be, shall take into consideration the following criteria, namely:—
(a) adequacy of infrastructure and financial resources;
(b) whether adequate academic faculty, non-teaching staff, and other necessary facilities have
been provided to ensure proper functioning of medical institution or would be provided within the
time-limit specified in the scheme;
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(c) whether adequate hospital facilities have been provided or would be provided within the time-
limit specified in the scheme;
(d) such other factors as may be prescribed:
Provided that, subject to the previous approval of the Central Government, the criteria may be
relaxed for the medical institutions which are set up in such areas as may be specified by the
regulations.
31. State Medical Council.––(1) The State Government shall, by notification, within three years of
the commencement of this Act, establish a State Medical Council for Indian System of Medicine in that
State if no such Council exists in that State.
(2) Where a State Act confers power upon the State Medical Council to take disciplinary actions in
respect of any professional or ethical misconduct by a registered practitioner of Indian System of
Medicine, the State Medical Council shall act in accordance with the regulations made, and the guidelines
framed, under this Act:
Provided that till such time as a State Medical Council for Indian System of Medicine is established
in a State, the Board of Ethics and Registration for Indian System of Medicine shall receive the
complaints and grievances relating to any professional or ethical misconduct against a registered
practitioner of Indian System of Medicine in that State in accordance with such procedure as may be
specified by regulations:
Provided further that the Board of Ethics and Registration for Indian System of Medicine or, as the
case may be, the State Medical Council shall give an opportunity of hearing to such practitioner before
passing any order or taking any action, including imposition of any monetary penalty, against such
person.
(3) A practitioner of Indian System of Medicine who is aggrieved by the order passed or the action
taken by––
(a) the State Medical Council under sub-section (2) may prefer an appeal to the Board of Ethics
and Registration for Indian System of Medicine and the decision, if any, of the Board of Ethics and
Registration for Indian System of Medicine thereupon shall be binding on such State Medical
Council, unless a second appeal is preferred under sub-section (4);
(b) the Board of Ethics and Registration for Indian System of Medicine under the first proviso to
sub-section (2) may prefer an appeal to the Commission.
(4) A medical practitioner of Indian system of medicine who is aggrieved by the decision of the
Board of Ethics and Registration for Indian System of Medicine, may prefer an appeal to the Commission
within sixty days of communication of such decision.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this Act,—
(a) “State” includes Union territory and the expressions “State Government” and “State Medical
Council for Indian System of Medicine”, in relation to a Union territory, shall respectively mean the
“Central Government” and “Union Territory Medical Council for Indian System of Medicine”;
(b) the expression “professional or ethical misconduct” includes any act of commission or
omission, as may be specified by regulations.
32. National Register and State Register of Indian System of Medicine.––(1) The Board of Ethics
and Registration for Indian System of Medicine shall maintain a National Register containing the name,
address, all recognised qualifications possessed by a licensed medical practitioner of the Indian System of
Medicine and such other particulars as may be specified by regulations.
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(2) The National Register shall be maintained in such form, including in electronic form and in such
manner as may be specified by regulations.
(3) The manner in which any name or qualification may be added to, or removed from, the National
Register and the grounds for removal thereof, shall be such as may be specified by the regulations.
(4) The National Register shall be made available to the public by placing it on the website of the
Board of Ethics and Registration for Indian System of Medicine.
(5) Every State Medical Council shall maintain and regularly update the State Register in the
specified electronic format and supply a physical copy of the same to the Board of Ethics and Registration
for Indian System of Medicine within three months of the commencement of this Act.
(6) The Board of Ethics and Registration for Indian System of Medicine shall ensure electronic
synchronization of the National Register and the State Register in such a manner that any change in one
such register is automatically reflected in the other register.
33. Rights of persons to be enrolled in National Register and their obligations thereto.––(1) Any
person who has a recognised qualification in Indian System of Medicine under this Act and qualifies the
National Exit Test held under section 15 shall be granted a licence to practice Indian System of Medicine
and shall have his name and qualifications enrolled first in the State Register and subsequently in the
National Register maintained under this Act:
Provided that a person who has been registered in the Central Register of Indian System of Medicine
maintained under the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970 (48 of 1970) prior to the coming into
force of this Act and before the National Exit Test becomes operational under sub-section (3) of section
15, shall be deemed to have been registered under this Act and be enrolled in the National Register
maintained under this Act.
(2) No person who has obtained a qualification in Indian System of Medicine from a medical
institution established in any country outside India and is recognised as a medical practitioner of Indian
System of Medicine in that country, shall, after the commencement of this Act and the National Exit Test
for Indian System of Medicine becomes operational under sub-section (3) of section 15, be enrolled in the
National Register for Indian System of Medicine, unless he qualifies the National Exit Test for Indian
System of Medicine.
(3) When a person whose name is entered in the State Register or the National Register, as the case
may be, obtains any title, diploma or qualification for proficiency in sciences or medicine which is a
recognised qualification under section 35 or section 36, as the case may be, he shall be entitled to have
such title, diploma or qualification entered against his name in the State Register or the National Register,
in such manner as may be specified by regulations.
34. Rights of persons to practice.–– (1) No person other than a person who is enrolled in the State
Register or the National Register, as the case may be, shall—
(a) be allowed to practice Indian System of Medicine as a qualified practitioner;
(b) hold office as a physician or surgeon or any other office, by whatever name called, which is
meant to be held by a physician or surgeon, as the case may be;
(c) be entitled to sign or authenticate a medical or fitness certificate or any other certificate
required by any law to be signed or authenticated by a duly qualified medical practitioner;
(d) be entitled to give evidence at any inquest or in any court of law as an expert under section 45
of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (1 of 1872) on any matter relating to Indian System of Medicine:
Provided that the Commission shall submit a list of such practitioners to the Central Government
in such manner as may be prescribed:
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Provided further that a foreign citizen who is enrolled in his country as a practitioner of Indian
System of Medicine in accordance with the law regulating the registration of such practitioners in that
country may be permitted temporary registration in India for such period and in such manner as may
be specified by regulations.
(2) Any person who acts in contravention of the provisions of this section shall be punished with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine which may extend to five lakh
rupees, or with both.
(3) Nothing contained in this section shall affect––
(a) the right of a person enrolled in a State Register as practitioner of Indian System of Medicine
to practice in any State merely on the ground that he does not possess, as on the date of
commencement of this Act, a recognised medical qualification in the Indian System of Medicine;
(b) the privileges, including the right to practice any system of medicine, conferred by or under
any law for the time being in force in a State on the practitioners of Indian System of Medicine
enrolled in the State register of that State;
(c) the right of a person who has been practicing Indian System of Medicine for not less than five
years in a State, to continue to practice in that State in which a State Register of Indian System of
Medicine is not maintained as on the date of commencement of this Act.
CHAPTER VI
RECOGNITION OF QUALIFICATIONS OF INDIAN SYSTEM OF MEDICINE
35. Recognition of qualifications granted by Universities or medical institutions in India.––(1)
The medical qualifications in Indian System of Medicine at undergraduate or postgraduate or
super-speciality level granted by any University or medical institution in India shall be listed and
maintained by the Board of Ayurveda or the Board of Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa, as the case may be,
in such manner as may be specified by regulations and such medical qualification shall be a recognised
medical qualification for the purposes of this Act.
(2) Any University or medical institution in India which grants an undergraduate or postgraduate or
super-speciality qualification in Indian System of Medicine not included in the list maintained by the
Board of Ayurveda or the Board of Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa, as the case may be, may apply to that
Board for granting recognition to such qualification.
(3) The Board of Ayurveda or the Board of Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa, as the case may be, shall
examine the application for grant of recognition to a qualification in Indian System of Medicine within a
period of six months in such manner as may be specified by regulations.
(4) Where the Board of Ayurveda or the Board of Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa, as the case may be,
decides to grant recognition to the qualification in Indian System of Medicine, it shall include such
qualification in the list maintained by it and shall also specify therein the date of effect of such
recognition, otherwise it shall communicate its decision not to grant recognition to the medical
qualification to the concerned University or medical institution.
(5) The aggrieved University or the medical institution may prefer an appeal to the Commission
within a period of sixty days from the date of communication of the decision of the Board of Ayurveda or
the Board of Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa, as the case may be, in such manner as may be specified by
regulations.
(6) The Commission shall examine the appeal received under sub-section (5) within a period of two
months and if it decides that recognition may be granted to such medical qualification, it may direct the
concerned Board to include such qualification in the list maintained by that Board in such manner as may
be specified by regulations.
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(7) Where the Commission decides not to grant recognition under sub-section (6) or fails to decide
within the specified period, the aggrieved University or medical institution may prefer a second appeal to
the Central Government within a period of thirty days from the date of communication of such decision or
lapse of specified period, as the case may be.
(8) All medical qualifications which have been recognised before the date of commencement of this
Act and are included in the Second Schedule and Third Schedule to the Indian Medicine Central Council
Act, 1970 (48 of 1970), shall also be listed and maintained by the Board of Ayurveda or the Board of
Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa, as the case may be, in such manner as may be specified by regulations.
36. Recognition of medical qualifications granted by medical institutions outside India.––(1)
Where an authority in any country outside India which, by the law of that country is entrusted with the
recognition of qualifications of Indian System of Medicine in that country, makes an application to the
Commission for granting recognition to such qualification in India, the Commission may, subject to such
verification as it deems necessary, either grant or refuse to grant recognition to that medical qualification.
(2) Where the Commission grants recognition to any medical qualification under sub-section (1), such
qualification shall be a recognised qualification for the purposes of this Act and shall be included in the
list maintained by the Commission in such manner as may be specified:
Provided that in case the Commission decides not to grant recognition to any qualification, the
Commission shall give a reasonable opportunity of being heard to such authority before refusing to grant
such recognition.
(3) Where the Commission refuses to grant recognition to a medical qualification under
sub-section (2), the Authority concerned may prefer an appeal to the Central Government for grant of
recognition.
(4) All qualifications which have been recognised before the date of commencement of this Act and
are included in the Fourth Schedule to the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970 (48 of 1970) shall
also be recognised medical qualifications for the purposes of this Act and shall be listed and maintained
by the Commission in such manner as may be specified by the regulations.
37. Withdrawal of recognition or de-recognition of qualification.––(1) Where, upon a report
received from the Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Indian System of Medicine or otherwise, it
appears to the Commission that—
(a) the courses of study and examination to be undergone in, or the proficiency required from
candidates at any examination held by, a University or medical institution do not conform to the
standards specified by the Board of Ayurveda or the Board of Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa, as the
case may be; or
(b) the standards and norms for infrastructure, faculty and quality of education in medical
institutions as determined by the Board of Ayurveda or the Board of Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa,
as the case may be, are not adhered to by any University or medical institution, and such University
or medical institution has failed to take necessary corrective action to maintain specified minimum
standards,
the Commission may initiate action in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (2):
Provided that the Commission shall, before, taking any action for suo motu withdrawal of recognition
granted to the medical qualification awarded by a University or medical institution, impose penalty in
accordance with the provisions of clause (f) of sub-section (1) of section 28.
(2) The Commission shall, after making such further inquiry as it deems fit, and after holding
consultations with the State Government and the authority of the concerned University or medical
institution, comes to the conclusion that the recognition granted to a medical qualification ought to be
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withdrawn, it may, by order, withdraw recognition granted to such medical qualification and direct the
Board of Ayurveda or the Board of Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa, as the case may be, to amend the
entries against the University or medical institution concerned in the list maintained by that Board to the
effect that the recognition granted to such qualification is withdrawn with effect from the date specified in
that order.
(3) If the Commission, after verification with the authority in any country outside India, is of the
opinion that a recognised medical qualification which is included in the list maintained by it is to be
de-recognised, it may, by order, de-recognise such medical qualification and remove it from the list
maintained by the Commission with effect from the date of such order.
38. Special provision in certain cases for recognition of qualifications.––Where the Commission
deems it necessary so to do, it may, by notification, direct that any qualification in Indian System of
Medicine granted by a medical institution outside India, after such date, as may be specified in that
notification, shall be recognised qualification for the purposes of this Act:
Provided that medical practice by a person possessing such qualification shall be permitted only if
such person has been enrolled as a medical practitioner in accordance with the law regulating the
registration of medical practitioner for the time being in force in that country:
Provided further that medical practice by a person possessing such qualification shall be limited to
such period as may be specified in that order:
Provided also that medical practice by a person possessing such qualification shall be permitted only
if such person qualifies National Exit Test.
CHAPTER VII
GRANTS, AUDIT AND ACCOUNTS
39. Grants by Central Government.––The Central Government may, after due appropriation made
by Parliament by law in this behalf, make to the Commission grants of such sums of money as the Central
Government may think fit.
40. National Commission Fund for Indian System of Medicine.––(1) There shall be constituted a
fund to be called “the National Commission Fund for Indian System of Medicine” and there shall be
credited thereto—
(a) all Government grants, fees, penalties and charges received by the Commission and the
Autonomous Boards;
(b) all sums received by the Commission from such other source as may be decided by it.
(2) The fund shall be applied for making payment towards––
(a) the salaries and allowances payable to the Chairperson and Members of the Commission, the
Presidents and Members of the Autonomous Boards and the administrative expenses including the
salaries and allowances payable to the officers and other employees of the Commission and
Autonomous Boards;
(b) the expenses incurred or to be incurred in carrying out the provisions of this Act including in
connection with the discharge of the functions of the Commission and the Autonomous Boards.
41. Audit and accounts.––(1) The Commission shall maintain proper accounts and other relevant
records and prepare an annual statement of accounts in such form as may be prescribed, in consultation
with the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.
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(2) The accounts of the Commission shall be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India
at such intervals as may be specified by him and any expenditure incurred in connection with such audit
shall be payable by the Commission to the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.
(3) The Comptroller and Auditor-General of India and any other persons appointed by him in
connection with the audit of the accounts of the Commission shall have the same rights and privileges and
authority in connection with such audit as the Comptroller and Auditor-General generally has in
connection with the audit of Government accounts and in particular, shall have the right to demand the
production of, and complete access to, records, books, accounts, connected vouchers and other documents
and papers and to inspect the office of the Commission.
(4) The accounts of the Commission as certified by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India or
any other person appointed by him in this behalf, together with the audit report thereon, shall be
forwarded annually by the Commission to the Central Government which shall cause the same to be laid,
as soon as may be after it is received, before each House of Parliament.
42. Furnishing of returns and reports to Central Government.––(1) The Commission shall
furnish to the Central Government, at such time, in such form and in such manner, as may be prescribed
or as the Central Government may direct, such reports and statements and such particulars in regard to
any matter under the jurisdiction of the Commission, as the Central Government may, from time to time,
require.
(2) The Commission shall prepare, once every year, in such form and at such time as may be
prescribed, an annual report, giving a summary of its activities during the previous year and copies of the
report shall be forwarded to the Central Government.
(3) A copy of the report received under sub-section (2) shall be laid by the Central Government, as
soon as may be after it is received, before each House of Parliament.
CHAPTER VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
43. Power of Central Government to give directions to Commission and Autonomous Boards.––
(1) Without prejudice to the foregoing provisions of this Act, the Commission and the Autonomous
Boards shall, in exercise of their powers and discharge of their functions under this Act be bound by such
directions on questions of policy as the Central Government may give in writing to them from time to
time:
Provided that the Commission and the Autonomous Boards shall, as far as practicable, be given an
opportunity to express their views before any direction is given under this sub-section.
(2) The decision of the Central Government whether a question is one of policy or not shall be final.
44. Power of Central Government to give directions to State Governments.––The Central
Government may give such directions, as it may deem necessary, to a State Government for carrying out
all or any of the provisions of this Act and the State Government shall comply with such directions.
45. Information to be furnished by Commission and publication thereof.––(1) The Commission
shall furnish such reports, copies of its minutes, abstracts of its accounts and other information to the
Central Government as that Government may require.
(2) The Central Government may publish, in such manner as it may think fit, the reports, minutes,
abstracts of accounts and other information furnished to it under sub-section (1).
46. Obligation of Universities and medical institutions.––Every university and medical institutions
covered under this Act shall maintain a website at all times and display in its website all such information
as may be required by the Commission or an Autonomous Board, as the case may be.
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47. Completion of courses of studies in medical institutions.––(1) Notwithstanding anything
contained in this Act, any student who was studying for a degree or diploma in any medical institution
immediately before the commencement of this Act shall continue to so study and complete his course for
such degree or diploma, and such institution shall continue to provide instructions and hold examination
for such student in accordance with the syllabus and studies as existed before such commencement, and
such student shall be deemed to have completed his course of study under this Act and shall be awarded
degree or diploma under this Act.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, where recognition granted to a medical institution
has lapsed, whether by efflux of time or by its voluntary surrender or for any other reason whatsoever,
such medical institution shall continue to maintain and provide the minimum standards as approved by
the Commission till such time as all the candidates are able to complete their study in that institution.
48. Chairperson, Members, officers of Commission and of Autonomous Boards to be public
servants.––The Chairperson, Members, officers and other employees of the Commission and the
President and Members of Autonomous Boards shall be deemed, when acting or purporting to act in
pursuance of any of the provisions of this Act, to be public servants within the meaning of section 21 of
the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).
49. Protection of action taken in good faith.–– No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall
lie against the Government, the Commission or any Autonomous Board or a State Medical Council or any
Committee thereof, or any officer or other employee of the Government or of the Commission acting
under this Act for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done under this Act or the rules
or regulations made thereunder.
50. Cognizance of offences.––No Court shall take cognizance of an offence punishable under this
Act except upon a complaint in writing made in this behalf by an officer authorised by the Commission or
the Ethics and Registration Board or a State Medical Council for Indian System of Medicine, as the case
may be.
51. Power of Central Government to supersede Commission.––(1) If, at any time, the Central
Government is of opinion that––
(a) the Commission is unable to discharge the functions and duties imposed on it by or under the
provisions of this Act; or
(b) the Commission has persistently made default in complying with any direction issued by the
Central Government under this Act or in the discharge of the functions and duties imposed on it by or
under the provisions of this Act,
the Central Government may, by notification, supersede the Commission for such period, not exceeding
six months, as may be specified in the notification:
Provided that before issuing a notification under this sub-section, the Central Government shall give a
reasonable opportunity to the Commission to show cause as to why it should not be superseded and shall
consider the explanations and objections, if any, of the Commission.
(2) Upon the publication of a notification under sub-section (1) superseding the Commission,––
(a) all the Members shall, as from the date of supersession, vacate their offices as such;
(b) all the powers, functions and duties which may, by or under the provisions of this Act, be
exercised or discharged by or on behalf of the Commission, shall until the Commission is
re-constituted under sub-section (3), be exercised and discharged by such person or persons as the
Central Government may direct;
(c) all property owned or controlled by the Commission shall, until the Commission is
re-constituted under sub-section (3), vest in the Central Government.
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(3) On the expiration of the period of supersession specified by the notification issued under
sub-section (1), the Central Government may,—
(a) extend the period of supersession for such further term not exceeding six months, as it may
consider necessary; or
(b) re-constitute the Commission by fresh appointment and in such case the Members who
vacated their offices under clause (a) of sub-section (2) shall not be deemed disqualified for
appointment:
Provided that the Central Government may, at any time before the expiration of the period of
supersession, whether as originally specified under sub-section (1) or as extended under this
sub-section, take action under clause (b) of this sub-section.
(4) The Central Government shall cause a notification issued under sub-section (1) and a full report of
any action taken under this section and the circumstances leading to such action to be laid before both
Houses of Parliament at the earliest opportunity.
52. Joint sittings of Commission, National Commission for Homoeopathy and National Medical
Commission.––(1) There shall be a joint sitting of the Commission, the National Commission for
Homoeopathy, and the National Medical Commission, at least once a year, at such time and place as they
mutually appoint, to enhance the interface between Indian System of Medicine, Homoeopathy and
modern system of medicine.
(2) The Agenda for the joint sitting may be placed with mutual agreement by the Chairpersons of the
Commissions concerned.
(3) The joint sitting may, by an affirmative vote of all members present and voting, decide on
approving specific educational and medical modules or programme that could be introduced in the
under-graduate and post-graduate courses across medical systems, and promote medical pluralism.
53. State Government to promote public health.––Every State Government may, for the purposes
of addressing or promoting public health, take necessary measures to enhance the capacity of the
healthcare professionals.
54. Power to make rules.––(1) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette,
make rules to carry out the purposes of this Act.
(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the foregoing power, such rules may provide for all or any
of the following matters, namely:––
(a) the manner of appointing ten Members of the Commission on rotational basis from amongst
the nominees of the States and Union territories in the Advisory Council under clause (b) of
sub-section (4) of section 4;
(b) the manner of appointing members under clause (c) of sub-section (4) of section 4;
(c) the manner of nominating one expert by the Central Government under clause (d) of
sub-section (1) of section 5;
(d) the salary and allowances payable to, and other terms and conditions of service of, the
Chairperson and Members under sub-section (4) of section 6;
(e) the form and the manner of making declaration under sub-section (6) of section 6;
(f) the qualifications and experience to be possessed by Secretary under sub-section (2) of
section 8;
(g) the salaries and allowances payable to, and other terms and conditions of the Secretary,
officers and other employees of the Commission under sub-section (6) of section 8;
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(h) the other powers to be exercised and other functions to be performed by the Commission
under clause (j) of sub-section (1) of section 10;
(i) the salary and allowances payable to, and other terms and conditions of service of, the
President and Members of an Autonomous Board under sub-section (2) of section 21;
(j) the other factors under clause (d) of section 30.
(k) the manner of submitting a list of practitioners under the first proviso to sub-section (1) of
section 34;
(l) the form for preparing annual statement of accounts under sub-section (1) of section 41;
(m) the time within which, and the form and the manner in which, the reports and statements shall
be furnished by the Commission and the particulars with regard to any matter as may be required by
the Central Government under sub-section (1) of section 42;
(n) the form and the time for preparing annual report under sub-section (2) of section 42;
(o) the compensation for the premature termination of employment under the second proviso to
sub-section (3) of section 58;
(p) any other matter in respect of which provision is to be made by rules.
55. Power to make regulations.––(1) The Commission may, by notification, make regulations
consistent with this Act and the rules made thereunder to carry out the provisions of this Act.
(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such regulations may
provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:—
(a) the functions to be discharged by the Secretary of the Commission under sub-section (4) of
section 8;
(b) the procedure in accordance with which experts and professionals may be engaged and the
number of such experts and professionals under sub-section (7) of section 8;
(c) the procedure to be followed at the meetings of Commission, including the quorum at its
meetings under sub-section (3) of section 9;
(d) the quality and standards to be maintained in education of Indian System of Medicine under
clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 10;
(e) the manner of regulating medical institutions, medical researches and medical professionals
under clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 10;
(f) the manner of functioning of the Commission, the Autonomous Boards and the State Medical
Councils under clause (d) of sub-section (1) of section 10;
(g) the procedure to be followed at the meetings of the Medical Advisory Council, including the
quorum at its meetings under sub-section (3) of section 13;
(h) the other languages in which, the designated authority through which, and the manner in
which the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test shall be conducted under sub-section (2) of section
14;
(i) the manner of conducting common counselling by the designated authority for admission to
medical institutions under sub-section (3) of section 14;
(j) the manner of admission of students to undergraduate courses under sub-section (4) of section
14;
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(k) the other languages in which, the designated authority through which, and the manner in
which, the National Exit Test shall be conducted under sub-section (2) of section 15;
(l) the manner in which a person with foreign medical qualification shall qualify National Exist
Test under sub-section (4) of section 15;
(m) the other languages in which, the designated authority through which, and the manner in
which admission to postgraduate courses shall be conducted under sub-section (2) of section 16;
(n) the manner of conducting common counselling by the designated authority for admission to
the postgraduate seats in all medical institutions under sub-section (3) of section 16;
(o) the manner of conducting the National Teachers’ Eligibility Test for Indian System of
Medicine and the designated authority through whom such test shall be conducted under sub-section
(2) of section 17;
(p) the number of, and the manner in which, experts, professionals, officers and other employees
shall be made available by the Commission to the Autonomous Boards under section 23;
(q) the manner in which decisions of the Autonomous Boards shall be made under sub-section (2)
of section 24;
(r) the competency based dynamic curriculum at all levels under clause (b) of sub-section (1) of
section 26;
(s) the manner of imparting undergraduate, postgraduate and super-speciality courses in
Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa under clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section 26;
(t) the minimum requirements and standards for conducting courses and examinations in medical
institutions under clause (d) of sub-section (1) of section 26;
(u) the standards and norms for infrastructure, faculty and quality of education and research in
medical institutions of Indian System of Medicine under clause (e) of sub-section (1) of section 26;
(v) the manner of regulating professional conduct and promoting medical ethics under clause (b)
of sub-section (1) of section 27;
(w) the procedure for assessment and rating of the medical institutions under clause (a) of
sub-section (1) of section 28;
(x) the manner of carrying out inspections of medical institutions for assessing and rating under
clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section 28;
(y) the manner of conducting, and the manner of empanelling independent rating agencies to
conduct, assess and rate all medical institutions under clause (d) of sub-section (1) of section 28;
(z) the manner of making available on website or in public domain the assessment and ratings of
medical institutions under clause (e) of sub-section (1) of section 28;
(za) the measures to be taken against a medical institution for failure to maintain the minimum
essential standards under clause (f) of sub-section (1) of section 28;
(zb) the form of scheme, the particulars thereof, the fee to be accompanied and the manner of
submitting scheme for establishing new medical college under sub-section (2) of section 29;
(zc) the manner of preferring an appeal to the Commission for approval of the scheme under
sub-section (5) of section 29;
(zd) the areas in respect of which criteria may be relaxed under the proviso to section 30;
27
(ze) the manner of taking disciplinary action by a State Medical Council for professional or
ethical misconduct of registered medical practitioner and the procedure for receiving complaints and
grievances by the Board of Ethics and Registration for Indian System of Medicine, under
sub-section (2) of section 31;
(zf) the act of commission or omission which amounts to professional or ethical misconduct under
clause (b) of the Explanation to section 31;
(zg) other particulars to be contained in a National Register under sub-section (1) of section 32;
(zh) the form, including the electronic form and the manner of maintaining the National Register
under sub-section (2) of section 32;
(zi) the manner in which any name or qualification may be added to, or removed from, the
National Register and the grounds for removal thereof, under sub-section (3) of section 32;
(zj) the manner of entering the title, diploma or qualification in the State Register or the National
Register under sub-section (3) of section 33;
(zk) the manner in which, and the period for which temporary registration may be permitted to a
foreign citizen under the second proviso to sub-section (1) of section 34;
(zl) the manner of listing and maintaining medical qualifications granted by a University or
medical institution in India under sub-section (1) of section 35;
(zm) the manner of examining the application for grant of recognition under sub-section (3) of
section 35;
(zn) the manner of preferring an appeal to the Commission for grant of recognition under
sub-section (5) of section 35;
(zo) the manner of including a medical qualification in the list maintained by the Board under
sub-section (6) of section 35;
(zp) the manner in which the Board of Ayurveda or the Board of Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa
shall list and maintain the medical qualifications which have been granted recognition before the date
of commencement of this Act, under sub-section (8) of section 35;
(zq) the manner in which the Commission shall list and maintain the medical qualifications which
have been granted recognition before the date of commencement of this Act, under sub-section (4) of
section 36.
56. Rules and regulations to be laid before Parliament.––Every rule and every regulation made
under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament, while it
is in session, for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more
successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the
successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or regulation or
both Houses agree that the rule or regulation should not be made, the rule or regulation shall thereafter
have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such
modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under
that rule or regulation.
57. Power to remove difficulties.––(1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of
this Act, the Central Government may, by order published in the Official Gazette, make such provisions
not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act as may appear to it be necessary, for the removing the
difficulty:
Provided that no order shall be made under this section after the expiry of a period of two years from
the commencement of this Act.
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(2) Every order made under this section shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each
house of Parliament.
58. Repeal and saving.––(1) With effect from such date as the Central Government may, by
notification, appoint in this behalf, the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970 (48 of 1970) shall
stand repealed and the Central Council of Indian Medicine constituted under section 3 of the said Act
shall stand dissolved.
(2) Notwithstanding the repeal of the Act referred to in sub-section (1), it shall not affect,––
(a) the previous operation of the Act so repealed or anything duly done or suffered thereunder;
(b) any right, privilege, obligation or liability acquired, accrued or incurred under the Act so
repealed;
(c) any penalty incurred in respect of any contravention under the Act so repealed; or
(d) any proceeding or remedy in respect of any such right, privilege, obligation, liability, penalty
as aforesaid, and any such proceeding or remedy may be instituted, continued or enforced, and any
such penalty may be imposed as if that Act had not been repealed.
(3) On the dissolution of the Central Council of Indian Medicine, the person appointed as the
Chairman of that Council and every other person appointed as the Member and any officer and other
employees of the Council and holding office as such immediately before such dissolution shall vacate
their respective offices and such Chairman and other Members shall be entitled to claim compensation not
exceeding three months’ pay and allowances for the premature termination of term of their office or of
any contract of service:
Provided that any officer or other employee who has been, immediately before the dissolution of the
Central Council of Indian Medicine appointed on deputation basis to the Central Council of Indian
Medicine, shall, on such dissolution, stand reverted to their parent cadre, Ministry or Department, as the
case may be:
Provided further that any officer, expert, professional or other employee who has been, immediately
before the dissolution of the Central Council of Indian Medicine employed on regular basis or on
contractual basis by the Council, shall cease to be such officer, expert, professional or other employees of
the Central Council and shall be entitled to such compensation for the premature termination of his
employment, which shall not be less than three months’ pay and allowances, as may be prescribed.
(4) Notwithstanding the repeal of the aforesaid enactment, any order made, any licence to practice
issued, any registration made, any permission to start new medical institution or to start higher course of
studies or to increase in the admission capacity granted, any recognition of medical qualifications granted,
under the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970 (48 of 1970) which are in force as on the date of
commencement of this Act shall continue to be in force till the date of their expiry for all purposes, as if
they had been issued or granted under the provisions of this Act or the rules or regulations made
thereunder.
1[(5) Notwithstanding the expiration of the period for reconstitution of the Central Council under
section 3A of the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970 (48 of 1970), as inserted by the Indian
Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Act, 2020 (25 of 2020), all acts done by the Board of Governors
constituted under sub-section (4) of that section and all the powers and functions of the Central Council
exercised and performed by it under the repealed Act, as amended by the Indian Medicine Central
Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2021 (Ord. 5 of 2021), immediately before the commencement of this
Act, shall be deemed to have been done or taken under the provisions of this Act and shall continue in
force accordingly unless and until superseded by anything done or by any action taken under this Act.]
1. Ins. by Act 38 of 2021, s. 2 (w.e.f. 18-8-2021).
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59. Transitory provisions.––(1) The Commission shall be the successor in interest to the Central
Council of Indian Medicine including its subsidiaries or owned trusts and all the assets and liabilities of
the Central Council of Indian Medicine shall be deemed to have been transferred to the Commission.
(2) Notwithstanding the repeal of the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970 (48 of 1970), the
Medical standards, requirements and other provisions of the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970
and the rules and regulations made thereunder shall continue to be in force and operate till new standards
or requirements are specified under this Act or the rules and regulations made thereunder:
Provided that anything done or any action taken as regards the medical standards and requirements
under the enactment under repeal and the rules and regulations made thereunder shall be deemed to have
been done or taken under the corresponding provision of this Act and shall continue in force accordingly
unless and until superseded by anything or by any action taken under this Act.
(3) The Central Government may take such appropriate measure as may be necessary for smooth
transition of the dissolved Central Council of Indian Medicine to the corresponding to new Commission
under this Act.
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About this act
- Jurisdiction
- Central
- Enactment date
- 2020-09-20
- Sections available
- 59
Commencement information from the source
7th October, 2020— S. 3,4,5,6,8,11,18,19,20,21,54 and 55 vide notification No. S.O. 3483(E), dated 7th October, 2020, see Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, sec. 3 (ii).
Read the sections
1Short title, extent and commencement.→2Definitions.→3Constitution of National Commission for Indian System of Medicine.→4Composition of Commission.→5Search Committee for appointment of Chairperson and Members.→6Term of office and conditions of service of Chairperson and Members.→7Removal of Chairperson and Members of Commission.→8Appointment of Secretary, experts, professionals, officers and other employees of Commission.→9Meetings of Commission.→10Power and functions of Commission.→11Constitution and composition of Advisory Council for Indian System of Medicine.→12Functions of Advisory Council for Indian System of Medicine.→13Meetings of Advisory Council for Indian System of Medicine.→14National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test.→15National Exit Test.→16Post-Graduate National Entrance Test.→17National Teachers’ Eligibility Test for Indian System of Medicine.→18Constitution of Autonomous Boards.→19Composition of Autonomous Boards.→20Search Committee for appointment of President and Members.→21Term of office and conditions of service of President and Members.→22Advisory Committees of experts.→23Staff of Autonomous Boards.→24Meetings, etc., of Autonomous Boards.→25Delegation of powers.→26Powers and functions of Autonomous Boards.→27Powers and functions of Board of Ethics and Registration for Indian System of Medicine.→28Powers and functions of Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Indian System of Medicine.→29Permission for establishment of new medical institution.→30Criteria for approving or disapproving scheme.→31State Medical Council.→32National Register and State Register of Indian System of Medicine.→33Rights of persons to be enrolled in National Register and their obligations thereto.→34Rights of persons to practice.→35Recognition of qualifications granted by Universities or medical institutions in India.→36Recognition of medical qualifications granted by medical institutions outside India.→37Withdrawal of recognition or de-recognition of qualification.→38Special provision in certain cases for recognition of qualifications.→39Grants by Central Government.→40National Commission Fund for Indian System of Medicine.→41Audit and accounts.→42Furnishing of returns and reports to Central Government.→43Power of Central Government to give directions to Commission and Autonomous Boards.→44Power of Central Government to give directions to State Governments.→45Information to be furnished by Commission and publication thereof.→46Obligation of Universities and medical institutions.→47Completion of courses of studies in medical institutions.→48Chairperson, Members, officers of Commission and of Autonomous Boards to be public servants.→49Protection of action taken in good faith.→50Cognizance of offences.→51Power of Central Government to supersede Commission.→52Joint sittings of Commission, National Commission for Homoeopathy and National Medical Commission.→53State Government to promote public health.→54Power to make rules.→55Power to make regulations.→56Rules and regulations to be laid before Parliament.→57Power to remove difficulties.→58Repeal and saving.→59Transitory provisions.→
India Code, Government of India. Text fetched 25 Oct 2026. Check the linked official text and subsequent notifications when applying a provision.