PwBD Eligibility Certificate for NEET UG Counselling 2026: Complete Guide

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has released an important notification regarding the PwBD Eligibility Certificate for candidates participating in NEET UG Counselling 2026. If you are a candidate with benchmark disabilities planning to claim a seat under the PwBD category, you must obtain an Eligibility Certificate from designated Medical Assessment Boards of MCC.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued comprehensive Guidelines on Assessment of Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) for Admission to the MBBS Course, 2026. These guidelines introduce a competency-based and function-oriented assessment framework to determine eligibility for MBBS admission.

This article provides a complete overview of the PwBD Eligibility Certificate process, including eligibility criteria, required documents, assessment procedure, and important guidelines issued by MCC and NMC.

Latest Update

On 30th July 2026, the Medical Counselling Committee issued a notice for all participating candidates of UG Counselling 2026 who wish to apply under the PwBD category. The NMC has released the “Guidelines on Assessment of Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) for Admission to the MBBS Course, 2026,” which came into force on the date of its publication.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has expanded the designated assessment centers from 16 to 61 Medical Assessment Boards across the country to facilitate greater accessibility and transparency in the assessment process.

What is PwBD Eligibility Certificate?

The PwBD Eligibility Certificate is a document issued by the designated Medical Assessment Boards of MCC to certify whether a candidate with benchmark disabilities is eligible for admission to the MBBS Course. Previously referred to as a “Disability Certificate,” it is now known as the “Eligibility Certificate” because it certifies the candidate’s eligibility for MBBS admission based on functional assessment rather than merely certifying the existence or extent of disability.

The certificate determines whether the candidate is:

• Eligible

• Eligible with Reasonable Accommodation

• Ineligible

This competency-based assessment ensures that candidates are evaluated on their functional abilities to acquire essential competencies prescribed under the Competency Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum.

Key Highlights of PwBD Guidelines 2026

• Minimum benchmark disability required is 40% to avail reservation under PwBD category

• Assessment based on functional competency, not just disability percentage

• 61 Medical Assessment Boards designated across India

• UDID Card is the primary documentary evidence

• Eligibility Certificate valid only for the current academic session

• Appellate mechanism available for aggrieved candidates

• No candidate can be declared ineligible solely based on disability category or percentage

Important Dates

Eligibility Criteria for PwBD Category

To be eligible for admission under the PwBD category, candidates must meet the following criteria:

1. Benchmark Disability Percentage

• The minimum degree of disability should be 40% (Benchmark Disability)

• As per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016

2. Valid UDID Card

• Permanent Unique Disability Identity (UDID) Card issued by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan)

• Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India

3. NEET UG 2026 Score Card

• Must demonstrate eligibility for the MBBS course

4. Self-Certified Affidavits

• General affidavit (Appendix-A)

• Category-specific affidavit as per disability type (Appendix-B to F)

Types of Disabilities Covered

Documents Required for PwBD Eligibility Certificate

Candidates need to submit the following documents at the Medical Assessment Board:

Mandatory Documents:

1. NEET UG 2026 score card

2. Permanent UDID Card issued by DEPwD, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

3. Self-certified affidavit declaring functional abilities (Schedule-I format)

4. Self-Certification Affidavit (Appendix-A)

5. Category-specific Affidavit (Appendix-B to F)

Important Note: The Eligibility Certificate will be generated by the center based on details of disability mentioned on the UDID card and affidavits submitted, subject to fulfillment of eligibility criteria.

Step-by-Step Process to Obtain PwBD Eligibility Certificate

Step 1: Check Eligibility
Ensure you have a benchmark disability of 40% or more as per RPwD Act, 2016.

Step 2: Prepare Documents
Gather all required documents including UDID Card, NEET UG score card, and self-certified affidavits.

Step 3: Visit Designated Medical Assessment Board
Visit one of the 61 Medical Assessment Boards designated by MCC. (List provided in Annexure-1)

Step 4: Submit Documents
Submit all required documents for verification.

Step 5: Undergo Functional Assessment
The Medical Assessment Board will conduct a functional assessment to evaluate:

• Nature and extent of disability

• Functional abilities in relation to CBME competencies

• Suitability of assistive devices being used

• Feasibility of reasonable accommodation

Step 6: Receive Eligibility Certificate
Based on assessment, the Board will issue an Eligibility Certificate with one of the following statuses:

• Eligible

• Eligible with Reasonable Accommodation

• Ineligible

Step 7: Participate in Counselling
Only candidates who have obtained the Eligibility Certificate will be shown choices of PwD seats.

Fees and Charges

Note: Candidates are advised to check with the specific Medical Assessment Board for exact fee structure.

Medical Assessment Boards Across India

The DGHS has expanded designated assessment centers from 16 to 61 Medical Assessment Boards across the country. Here is the comprehensive list:

Important Guidelines for PwBD Candidates

1. Functional Competency Assessment
The primary consideration for eligibility is whether the candidate possesses or can reasonably acquire the essential competencies prescribed under the CBME curriculum.

2. Individualized Assessment
Every assessment is individualized, objective, and evidence-based. No candidate can be declared eligible or ineligible solely on account of category or percentage of disability.

3. Reasonable Accommodation
Before declaring a candidate ineligible, the Board must examine whether reasonable accommodation, assistive technology, or adaptive devices would enable the candidate to successfully pursue the MBBS Course.

Reasonable accommodation may include:

• Assistive devices

• Adaptive equipment

• Digital accessibility

• Accessible teaching and learning material

• Communication support

• Ergonomic modifications

• Examination accommodations

4. Patient Safety
Patient safety remains an important consideration. However, any conclusion relating to patient safety must be based on objective clinical and functional evidence, not on generalized assumptions or stereotypes.

5. Eligibility Certificate Validity
The Eligibility Certificate is valid only for the current academic session.

Latest Changes in PwBD Assessment

From Disability Certificate to Eligibility Certificate
The certificate now certifies eligibility for MBBS admission based on functional assessment rather than merely certifying the existence or extent of disability.

Expansion of Assessment Centers
The number of designated assessment centers has been expanded from 16 to 61 across the country.

Competency-Based Assessment
Assessment now focuses on functional competencies required for medical education rather than just disability percentage.

Emphasis on Reasonable Accommodation
Boards must consider reasonable accommodation before declaring any candidate ineligible.

Key Points to Remember

• Only candidates with Eligibility Certificate from designated MCC centers will be shown PwD seat choices

• UDID Card is mandatory for PwBD category claim

• False UDID Card or Affidavit will result in seat cancellation and legal action

• Eligibility Certificate valid only for current academic session

• State quota candidates must visit state medical assessment boards

• Assessment must follow NMC Guidelines 2026

• Appellate mechanism available for aggrieved candidates

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incomplete Documentation
Ensure you carry all required documents including UDID Card, NEET score card, and all required affidavits.

2. Not Visiting Designated Centers
Visit only the Medical Assessment Boards designated by MCC (list provided in Annexure-1).

3. Missing Deadlines
Obtain your Eligibility Certificate well before counselling deadlines.

4. False Declarations
Any false declaration in affidavits will result in revocation of admission and legal action.

5. Not Understanding Functional Assessment
Prepare for functional assessment that evaluates your competency in relation to CBME curriculum.

Expert Tips for PwBD Candidates

1. Prepare Your Documents in Advance
Start gathering all required documents early to avoid last-minute rush.

2. Understand Your Functional Abilities
Be clear about your functional competencies and how assistive devices help you.

3. Visit Multiple Centers if Needed
If you face issues at one center, you can visit another designated center.

4. Keep Copies of All Documents
Maintain multiple copies of all submitted documents.

5. Stay Updated
Regularly check MCC and NMC websites for any updates or notifications.

6. Appeal if Unfairly Assessed
If you believe the assessment was unfair, you can appeal through the designated Appellate Authority.

Conclusion

Obtaining the PwBD Eligibility Certificate is a crucial step for candidates with benchmark disabilities aspiring to secure a seat in MBBS through NEET UG Counselling 2026. The NMC guidelines emphasize a competency-based approach that focuses on functional abilities rather than just disability percentages.

The MCC notification requires all PwBD candidates to visit designated Medical Assessment Boards with their UDID Card, NEET score card, and self-certified affidavits to obtain the Eligibility Certificate. Remember, only candidates with this certificate will be shown choices of PwD seats during counselling.

The expansion of assessment centers from 16 to 61 across India is a significant step toward improving accessibility and convenience for candidates. Stay updated with official notifications from MCC, NMC, and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities to ensure a smooth admission process.

For any queries or concerns, candidates can approach the Medical Assessment Boards, State Counselling Authorities, or the MCC through their official channels.