As per the new PSC notification, non-medical candidates (MSc qualification) are eligible to apply for Microbiology and Biochemistry teaching posts in medical colleges. | Photo credit: Getty Images
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has come out strongly against the move by the Public Service Commission of Kerala (PSC) to open entry-level teaching posts (Assistant Professor) in Microbiology and Biochemistry in medical colleges to non-medical candidates with postgraduate degrees.
PSC has invited candidates with MBBS degree and post graduate degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry and one year resident experience for the posts of Assistant Professors in these subjects in Govt Medical Colleges.
However, on the previous day of the exam, she announced that the exam was being postponed. PSC has now come up with a new notification that non-medical candidates can also apply in these subjects (MSc qualification).
The IMA pointed out that the PSC resorted to the National Medical Commission’s directive, which came on July 2, which says that non-medical teachers can be appointed to the extent of 30% of the total number of posts in the respective departments of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology and pharmacology, if medical teachers are not available.
However, there are already plenty of candidates in Kerala with medical degrees and postgraduate training in pre-clinical/para-clinical subjects such as biochemistry and microbiology, the IMA said.
About 57 MD in Biochemistry and about 100 candidates with MD in Microbiology appeared for the PSC exam against 15 odd vacancies. Since so many candidates had already applied for the advertised vacancies, the IMA alleged that the sudden postponement of the PSC exams might have allowed candidates with non-medical postgraduate qualifications to apply for the vacancies.
He stressed that only those with a clinical background should be allowed to teach medical students because it is important to relate the science to the patient’s symptoms in order to arrive at a correct diagnosis. There is no room for trial and error in the appointment of faculties, it added.
Only those with basic medical training, clinical experience and a treatment-oriented approach should be appointed as faculty, the IMA said, demanding that the PSC allow only candidates with MBBS and MD/MS degrees to apply for the post of assistant professors in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology and pharmacology.
The Kerala Government Medical College Teachers’ Association and other professional organizations have also raised the same demand.
Published – 8 Dec 2025 21:14 IST
