Background: NMC Flags Attendance Crisis
In a significant development, the National Medical Commission (NMC) recently flagged serious lapses in faculty and resident attendance across government medical colleges in Tamil Nadu. According to data from the Aadhaar-Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS), several colleges had doctors logging minimal hours—some even less than 10 minutes for an entire month.
This alarming trend has resulted in conditional renewal of MBBS seats for 36 government medical colleges for the academic year 2025–26. The NMC’s strict regulations require colleges to maintain high academic standards, including faculty availability for teaching, patient care, and mentoring.
DME’s New Directive: Enforcing 75% Attendance
In response to the NMC’s observations, the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DME) in Tamil Nadu has taken a firm stance. On July 17, 2025, the DME issued a circular mandating that:
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All doctors in government medical colleges—faculty members, senior residents, and tutors—must maintain at least 75% attendance in order to be eligible for leave.
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Leave may be granted only in emergencies if the attendance is below 75%.
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Deans and Principals must monitor attendance rigorously, not just at the institutional level, but also department-wise and cadre-wise.
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AEBAS-related issues must be resolved within four months; failure to do so will result in strict administrative action.
This move is part of the broader effort to ensure that government medical institutions in Tamil Nadu comply with national medical education standards and retain their MBBS seats.
Colleges Under Scrutiny
All 36 government medical colleges in the state fall under the scope of this directive. These include:
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Madras Medical College
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Stanley Medical College
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Kilpauk Medical College
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Chengalpattu Medical College
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Coimbatore Medical College
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Thanjavur Medical College
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Government Medical Colleges in Omandurar, Ramanathapuram, Kanniyakumari, Karur, and others
The situation in many colleges is dire. For example, in April 2025, 581 doctors at Chengalpattu Medical College collectively logged in for only 344 hours. At Stanley Medical College, 16 out of 20 departments failed to meet the attendance norms. Other colleges reported similarly low figures.
Why Attendance Matters
The requirement for a 75% attendance threshold isn’t arbitrary. It serves multiple important functions:
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Ensures Teaching Quality: Students rely on faculty for both theoretical knowledge and clinical mentorship.
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Improves Patient Care: Medical colleges double as hospitals; staff presence is critical for patient services.
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Upholds NMC Standards: Failure to meet attendance norms risks de-recognition or reduction of MBBS seats.
Moreover, AEBAS is part of a national drive to ensure transparency and accountability in medical education. Properly implementing this system is essential for future regulatory compliance.
Reactions from the Field
Deans and administrators across Tamil Nadu have started taking swift action. Internal meetings are being held to communicate the 75% rule to staff. Many colleges are now reviewing department-level attendance daily and encouraging doctors to log in using biometric systems.
Some institutions have pointed out challenges like unfilled faculty posts and faulty AEBAS devices. These are being escalated to the health department for resolution. Colleges have also committed to submitting compliance reports within the stipulated four-month timeline.
Challenges Ahead
While the policy is clear, its implementation poses several practical challenges:
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Defining “Emergency”: What qualifies as a legitimate emergency leave when attendance is below 75%?
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Faculty Shortages: Many government colleges already operate with limited staff, making attendance enforcement tricky.
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System Glitches: Technical issues with AEBAS could result in attendance discrepancies unless fixed promptly.
Addressing these concerns will be critical for colleges hoping to avoid sanctions or loss of MBBS seats.
What Comes Next
The next few months are crucial. If compliance is not achieved by November 2025, the NMC may take further action, including reducing student intake or even suspending admissions in extreme cases.
In addition to attendance monitoring, colleges may introduce digital dashboards, conduct internal audits, and issue notices to repeat offenders. The state health department is also expected to play a supportive role in resolving logistical and staffing issues.
The DME’s new 75% attendance rule is a wake-up call for Tamil Nadu’s government medical colleges. With their credibility and student intake on the line, institutions must take immediate steps to ensure better faculty and resident presence. This policy not only aligns with national standards but also reinforces the importance of accountability in medical education. If implemented effectively, it could pave the way for a more disciplined, transparent, and student-focused academic environment in Tamil Nadu’s public health system.
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