The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) has notified the Autonomous Boards and Central Assessment Committee (Establishment, Constitution, Functions and Powers) Regulations, 2026, under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021. 

Salient Features of the Regulations

• The Regulations provide for the establishment and functioning of Autonomous Boards under State Allied and Healthcare Councils, with defined responsibilities for education, institutional assessment, professional ethics and registration.
• The Autonomous Boards will have 10 to 20 members, including a President, with representation from recognised allied and healthcare professional categories. The Regulations prescribe qualifications, professional experience, tenure, age limits and requirements relating to declaration of assets, liabilities and conflicts of interest.
• The Undergraduate and Postgraduate Boards will facilitate implementation of standards for recognised courses, competency-based frameworks, faculty development, training and research, and will submit reports and recommendations to the State Council.
• The Assessment and Rating Board will evaluate applications for recognition and Letters of Permission, undertake institutional inspections, review annual disclosures, empanel assessors, assess and rate institutions, and make assessment and rating information available in the public domain through the State Council website.
• The Ethics and Registration Board will verify the documents of professionals and recommend for registration. The Board will support the maintenance of the State registers and the implementation of professional ethics and conduct standards, and will evaluate complaints and violations and make recommendations concerning professional registration.

Strengthening Institutional Assessment and Quality Assurance

• The Regulations establish a structured inspection mechanism through three-member inspection teams comprising relevant Board representation and empanelled assessors, with prior approval of the State Council.
• Inspection teams are required to verify compliance with minimum standards, maintain supporting records and evidence, and submit an Institution Verification Report. Safeguards are also prescribed to prevent inspections in cases involving conflict of interest.
• The rating framework provides for continuous monitoring and considers parameters including compliance with standards, academic excellence and innovative teaching, research output and impact, student discipline and learning environment, student feedback, participation of students and faculty in academic, sports and social activities, and availability of sports and social facilities.

Transparency, Accountability and Professional Integrity

• The Regulations require verification of educational and institutional information, including educational details with recognised institutions, application and identity details, and relevant observations from institutional assessment reports.
• Members of the Autonomous Boards are required to maintain integrity and disclose assets, liabilities and conflicts of interest. The Regulations also prescribe conditions relating to tenure, reappointment and cessation from office.
• The framework strengthens accountability by requiring State Councils and Autonomous Boards to furnish information, records and reports to the Commission when sought.

Central Assessment Committee (CAC)

• For States where a functional State Council does not exist, the Regulations provide for a Central Assessment Committee (CAC) under the overall supervision of NCAHP and assisted by the NCAHP Secretariat.
• The CAC will comprise 10 to 30 members, including a President, with representation from professional categories and additional representation, where required, to ensure appropriate State and Union Territory coverage, particularly for areas without functional State Councils.
• The CAC will perform the functions of Autonomous Boards and follow the prescribed verification, inspection and rating procedures. Its President will be appointed annually on a rotational basis among different professions.
• The Regulations also prescribe grounds and due process for removal of CAC members, including conflict of interest, breach of code, abuse of position and other specified circumstances, with an opportunity of hearing.

Towards Standardised and Quality driven Allied and Healthcare Education

• The new regulatory framework is intended to strengthen standardisation, institutional accountability, transparency and quality assurance across allied and healthcare education and professional regulation.
• By establishing clearly defined institutional assessment, inspection and rating mechanisms, together with dedicated functions for education, ethics and registration, the Regulations provide a structured framework for improving the quality of education and professional standards in the allied and healthcare sector.

​​​​​​​The NCAHP had previously notified the Registration of Allied and Healthcare Professionals Regulations, 2026, enabling allied and healthcare professionals to register under the Act and practice their profession. The notification of these regulations ensures a seamless, and transparent registration process in Central and State register.

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