Bihar Allied Healthcare Council: Recognition Delays and 31 March 2027 NOC Deadline

The news

Bihar's newly formed council to recognise paramedical and allied healthcare courses has not started its work two months after its formation, with an estimated 50,000 students having left the state for studies since August 2026. The Health Department announced the formation of the Bihar State Allied and Healthcare Council on 20 September 2026 and appointed Dr Suraj Kumar, a physiotherapy professor at Jamia Millia Islamia, as its chairperson. But by 14 November 2026, the council had neither called for applications for recognition and affiliation from colleges, nor set up inspection teams, nor launched its online portal.

The central allied health sciences commission had set August as the start of the paramedical academic session for 2026-27. Four months into that session, the delay has created uncertainty for students already enrolled in Bihar's colleges and pushed others to institutions in other states, increasing their education and living costs. Graduates who have completed paramedical and healthcare courses cannot complete state-level statutory registration through the pending process, which may affect their professional recognition and employment. The council has been given an office in the State Health Society premises, where finishing work was still underway. Health Secretary Kumar Ravi said the council's formation has been completed and efforts are being made to speed up its functioning.

Existing courses have been asked to continue with standards for 2026-27, with recognition decisions to follow inspections. Dr Suraj Kumar said colleges that do not obtain a no-objection certificate by 31 March 2027 will not be allowed to admit students in the 2027-28 session starting August 2027. He added that the commission's guidelines for the 2026-27 session have not been issued, so old courses have been asked to continue with standards.

What is the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act?

The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021 came into force on 25 May 2021 to regulate and standardise the education and practice of allied and healthcare professionals across India. The Act established the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions as the apex body, replacing the earlier fragmented regulatory framework. It also mandates the creation of State Allied and Healthcare Councils to carry out registration, recognition, and regulation at the state level. The Act defines over 50 allied and healthcare professions and sets minimum standards for education, training, and professional conduct. The central commission is responsible for framing guidelines for academic sessions, recognition of institutions, and maintenance of a central register of professionals.

What has the delay cost students and colleges?

The delay has caused three major losses. First, students are forced to enrol in institutions in other states, increasing their financial burden. Second, graduates cannot complete state-level statutory registration, affecting their professional identity and ability to work. Third, inspection teams have not been formed to check whether institutions have adequate teachers, laboratories, modern equipment and practical training facilities, leaving recognition and affiliation decisions pending.

What is the deadline for colleges to get NOC?

Colleges that do not obtain a no-objection certificate by 31 March 2027 will not be allowed to admit students in the 2027-28 session starting August 2027. For the current 2026-27 session, existing courses have been asked to continue with standards, and recognition decisions will be taken after inspections. The commission's guidelines for the 2026-27 session have not been issued.