From classrooms to crisis: 50 SMVD MBBS students thrown into uncertainty

Srinagar, Jan 21: The 50 MBBS students rendered seatless after the National Medical Commission (NMC) withdrew permission to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi (SMVD) Medical College are staring at an uncertain future, with government assurances yet to translate into a formal order or timeline.

The NMC, on January 6, 2026, withdrew permission to the college to run the MBBS course for the 2025–26 academic session, citing deficiencies in infrastructure, faculty strength and clinical material. A day later, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assured that the affected students would be accommodated in Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) of Jammu and Kashmir. Two weeks on, the students say they remain in the dark.

“Along with the college, our mental health and our hard-earned seats have been destroyed,” a student told Greater Kashmir, adding that classes had already begun before the abrupt decision. “We are now sitting idle, questioning our future when none of this was our fault,” he said.

Another student said parents have been repeatedly approaching officials of the Health and Medical Education Department without any clarity. “No roadmap has been given to us. My parents visit offices every day. We are meritorious students, and our careers are at stake,” she said.

Following the derecognition, students were asked to vacate hostels and return home, leaving their academic journey in limbo. Many had reportedly left BDS courses or other opportunities to pursue MBBS at SMVD Medical College.

The students also said their original documents remain with the college, compounding their difficulties. While the government has reiterated that they will be adjusted as supernumerary seats in recognised GMCs, the absence of a written order has only deepened anxiety among the affected students.