NCAHP's April 2026 Circular Sets New Compliance Standards – Here's What Changes for Your Institution
On 8 April 2026, the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) released an important circular for institutions offering allied and healthcare programs for the 2026–27 academic year.
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Existing Institutions Can Continue To Run Programs – If They Align With the New Standards
The NCAHP has released 17 competency-based curricula covering around 28 allied and healthcare professions, which has come into effect from the 2026–27 academic year.
Institutions that are already offering allied and healthcare programs can continue running them, provided they comply with the standards defined by the commission.
These include:
- Program nomenclature and duration
- Admission eligibility criteria
- Availability of clinical training facilities, either within the institution or through hospital partnerships
- Student intake capacity aligned with the approved curriculum
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Seat Expansion Is Possible – Aligning With Approved Curricula
Institutions may also increase the seat intake for existing programs, provided they have the necessary capacity.
Before expanding seats, institutions must ensure:
- Alignment with the approved curriculum and program structure
- Sufficient infrastructure, laboratories, and faculty
- Access to clinical training facilities
- Intake numbers within the minimum and maximum limits defined in the curriculum
State or Union Territory Governments or the University may conduct inspections to verify compliance.
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New & Existing Institutions Can Also Start New Programs
The circular also outlines the process for new & existing institutions planning to start new allied and healthcare programs.
Before launching a new program, institutions must:
- Obtain an Essentiality Certificate from the State Government or Union Territory
- Submit an affidavit confirming compliance with NCAHP standards
- Comply with the standards & curricula defined by the commission
- Align seat intake capacity with the curriculum guidelines
