Chicago – Janaury 11, 2026
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has revoked the previously granted approval for the MBBS course at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir, abruptly cancelling its Letter of Permission for the 2025–26 academic year.
The move followed sustained protests by right-wing groups and organisations over the college’s inaugural admission list, in which 42 out of 50 students admitted were Muslim, leading to allegations that the demographic outcome was “unacceptable.”
The decision has sparked political controversy in the union territory. The National Conference accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of jeopardising the future of aspiring doctors and engaging in divisive politics, arguing that students who earned their places through competitive exams should not suffer.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assured that affected students will be accommodated in other institutions through supernumerary seats, while critics warn the episode could undermine confidence in merit-based medical admissions.
