ICMR revises rules, allows MBBS+PhDs to be scientists

Nagpur: With ICMR deciding to make amendments to its recruitment rules, medical students, who have completed their PhD after obtaining an MBBS degree, are now eligible to apply for positions such as scientist E, F, G, H, director, and DG (Director General) at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
The candidates with a BDS+PhD qualification can also apply for positions as scientists and assistant directors-general. Earlier, only individuals who completed a PhD after a traditional postgraduate degree in science (MSc) were eligible for these senior posts.


In December 2020, the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar National Students Federation, a Nagpur-based organization of medical students, raised this issue, which was first reported by TOI Nagpur. Following TOI’s reports, the ICMR formed a committee in February 2021 to address the matter.
“This is a significant victory for us and a progressive policy decision. We express our gratitude to the ICMR DG and the team for taking such forward-looking steps to support the MBBS graduates interested in research work in the field of medical science,” Dr Siddhant Bharne from Nagpur, who has been actively involved in following up the issue, said.
“We have been advocating for this change since 2020. Through continuous follow-up, submitting memorandums, filing grievances and submitting RTI applications, we kept building pressure, which has finally resulted in this positive decision that will be implemented from this year,” Dr Bharne said.
As per academic standards, an MBBS degree is considered equivalent to an MSc or Masters-level qualification. Many doctors pursue postdoctoral (PhD) research and then aspire to conduct further research in life sciences at the ICMR, according to Dr Bharne. “We need more doctors involved in medical research. The decision will provide them with a pathway, ultimately benefiting the people,” he said.
The revised educational qualification required for direct recruitment to senior-level scientist positions and assistant DG posts at the ICMR now explicitly states, “MBBS or an equivalent degree recognized by the Medical Council of India or National Medical Council, with a PhD from a recognized university in specified subjects.”
The specified subjects include various medical disciplines such as internal medicine, community medicine, surgery, OBGY (obstetrics and gynecology), and pediatrics, with a clear mention of “any relevant subject in medical/biomedical sciences.”