Chandigarh/Patiala, Sept 20: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called on the Punjab government to immediately withdraw its new MBBS admission policy, which requires students to submit a service bond worth Rs 20 lakh along with property surety. The rule is currently being enforced for the 2025-26 session of medical and dental colleges in the state.
Under the policy, parents are obliged to pledge two properties or lands valued at a minimum of Rs 20 lakh each. The Punjab chapter of the IMA termed the policy “regressive and punitive,” saying it has caused severe financial and mental strain on families, particularly those from economically weaker backgrounds.
“The conditions of bonds and property surety could discourage students from joining medical colleges in Punjab and may lead to brain drain,” a senior IMA official said. The association demanded an “immediate and unconditional rollback” of the policy to prevent further hardship for students and their families.
Parents and students have expressed frustration over the requirement, warning that it adds a heavy financial burden and may influence choices about pursuing medical education within the state.
The IMA noted that such policies risk deterring talented candidates and urged authorities to reconsider the regulations to ensure accessible medical education for all.
