Maharashtra sets eligibility norms for private health science universities

Maharashtra has amended its Private Universities Act to allow the establishment of private health science universities for the first time. The state has also set up a high-level expert committee, headed by former UGC vice-chairman Bhushan Patwardhan, to review and overhaul norms for all private universities in the state.

The Times of India reports that under the amended law, medical colleges must have been functioning for over 20 years, hold a NAAC A+ grade, and offer postgraduate courses in at least 50% of disciplines for a decade. Two contenders, Dr Vithalrao Vikhe Patil Foundation’s Medical College in Ahilyanagar and NKP Salve Institute of Medical Sciences in Nagpur, have submitted detailed project reports and await approval. The expert panel, formed by a government resolution, will examine infrastructure, academic credentials, fee fixation, admissions, reservation policies, and staff recruitment norms.

The committee must submit recommendations within two months. Students at these private universities will not receive government scholarships or financial aid. Admissions will rely on NEET scores through common counselling, managed either by the state CET cell or the central Medical Counselling Committee. Authorities expect clarity on this year's admission process in the coming days.