Govt introduces diploma qualifying course in medical laboratory technology

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The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Services (NCAHP), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has introduced the competency-based curriculum for Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT) by notification issued on July 1, 2026, taking significant steps to strengthen the quality, uniformity, and global competitiveness of allied and healthcare education in the country.

All institutions currently conducting or continuing to run DMLTs have been advised to implement the newly announced syllabus from the academic year 2026-27, while from the academic year 2027-28 onwards, it will have to be mandatorily implemented.

The two-year Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology programme is designed for students who have passed Class XII in Science Cadre with Physics, Chemistry and Biology subjects from a recognized Board.

This curriculum marks a paradigm shift from traditional knowledge-based teaching to competency-based education. The emphasis is on developing the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes required to provide advanced clinical laboratory service.

The NCAHP has notified 16 competency-based courses in various allied and healthcare disciplines, which will be mandatorily implemented from the academic year 2026-27. These courses are as follows:

• Applied Psychology and Behavioral Health
• physiotherapy
• Optameter
• Nutrition and Dietetics
• Medical Radiology and Imaging Technology
• Radiotherapy
• Dialysis Therapy Technology and Dialysis Therapy
• Health Information Management
• Anesthesia and Operation Theatre Technology
• Physician Associate
• Occupational therapy
• Emergency Medical Technologist (Paramedic), Burn Care Technologist and Advanced Care Paramedic
• Respiratory Technology
• Medical and Psychiatric Social Work
• Medical Physics
• Nuclear Medical Technology