New Delhi: The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has proposed a new regulatory framework for the provisional registration of allied and healthcare professionals in India.
The proposed framework introduces structured pathways for skill upgradation, competency assessment and transition to regular professional registration.
The initiative aims to bring greater uniformity, transparency and accountability to the registration of allied and healthcare professionals while creating structured opportunities for eligible practitioners to enhance their qualifications and competencies in accordance with prescribed standards.
In this regard, NCAHP has invited public and stakeholder comments on the Draft Provisional Registration of Allied and Healthcare Professionals Regulations, 2026, framed under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021.
NCAHP Proposes Structured Registration Pathway for Allied and Healthcare Professionals
A key feature of the proposed Regulations is the introduction of a transparent and standardised mechanism for the provisional registration of eligible allied and healthcare professionals in accordance with the provisions of the NCAHP Act, 2021.
The framework outlines prescribed eligibility criteria, credential verification requirements and clearly defined registration procedures.
These provisions seek to ensure that professional recognition is aligned with statutory requirements and established competency standards.
The proposed Regulations also provide opportunities for provisionally registered allied and healthcare professionals to undertake prescribed bridge courses for skill enhancement, supervised clinical training and minimum qualifying examinations, wherever applicable.
These requirements will help eligible professionals meet the prescribed conditions for transitioning from provisional to regular registration.
Through this competency-based approach, NCAHP aims to promote continuous professional development, facilitate career progression and strengthen the quality of allied and healthcare services in India.
New Regulations Focus on Skill Development and Professional Standards
The proposed regulatory framework places particular emphasis on skill development, professional competence and regulatory accountability among allied and healthcare professionals.
By linking progression to regular registration with prescribed educational qualifications and competency requirements, the Regulations seek to ensure that professionals possess the necessary knowledge, skills and clinical competencies to deliver quality healthcare services.
The framework is also expected to contribute to the development of a more skilled, organised and professionally accountable allied and healthcare workforce.
Additionally, the proposed measures aim to reinforce patient safety and maintain standards in healthcare delivery by establishing clear requirements for professional recognition and career progression.
Digital Registration System for Allied and Healthcare Professionals
Another important feature of the draft Regulations is the proposed introduction of an integrated online registration system.
The digital platform is envisaged to streamline the registration process, including application submission, credential verification, eligibility assessment and issuance of provisional registration certificates.
Eligible allied and healthcare professionals granted provisional registration will receive a Provisional Registration Unique Identification Number (PR UID). This unique identification number is intended to facilitate systematic identification and regulatory oversight.
The proposed digital mechanism aims to simplify registration procedures, improve accessibility and promote greater transparency, efficiency and uniformity across States and Union Territories.
Key Features of the Draft NCAHP Regulations 2026
The Draft Provisional Registration of Allied and Healthcare Professionals Regulations, 2026, outline several provisions to establish a structured registration and professional development system.
The major provisions include:
- Standardised eligibility criteria: Clearly defined eligibility requirements and procedures for the provisional registration of allied and healthcare professionals.
- Online registration process: Digital application submission, credential verification and issuance of registration certificates with unique identification numbers.
- Registration validity and appeals: Clearly defined provisions covering the validity, extension and termination of provisional registration, along with appeal mechanisms.
- Bridge courses: Prescribed courses for skill enhancement and professional development.
- Competency assessments: Skill assessments and minimum qualifying examinations, wherever applicable, to establish eligibility for regular registration.
- Supervised clinical training: Requirements for supervised clinical training and institutional arrangements to support professional skill development.
- Transition to regular registration: A defined pathway for eligible professionals to enter the appropriate Central or State Register after fulfilling the prescribed conditions.
Together, these provisions seek to establish a transparent, structured and competency-based registration system that supports the professional development of allied and healthcare professionals while maintaining healthcare standards.
NCAHP Invites Stakeholder Comments by December 4, 2026
As part of its commitment to transparent and participatory regulation, NCAHP has invited comments, suggestions and objections on the draft Regulations from allied and healthcare professionals, professional associations, educational institutions, State Allied and Healthcare Councils, healthcare institutions, experts and members of the general public.
The Draft Provisional Registration of Allied and Healthcare Professionals Regulations, 2026, are available on the official NCAHP website: https://ncahp.abdm.gov.in/
Stakeholders can submit their feedback and suggestions through email at ncahp.regulations@ncahp.mohfw.gov.in.
The deadline for submitting comments, suggestions and objections is December 4, 2026.
The inputs received from stakeholders will be considered before the finalisation of the Regulations.
