Punjab Introduces New Eligibility Rules for Medical University Vice Chancellors

The Punjab government has invited applications for the vice chancellor positions at five public sector medical universities after introducing major changes to the appointment criteria through the Public Sector Medical Universities (Amendment) Act, 2026.

The vacancies have been announced for King Edward Medical University, Fatima Jinnah Medical University, the University of Health Sciences, Rawalpindi Medical University and Faisalabad Medical University. Applications will be accepted until July 20.

Under the revised law, the maximum age limit for vice chancellor appointments has been increased from 65 to 70 years. The government has also abolished extensions by limiting appointments to a single, non-extendable four-year term.

The amended legislation bars vice chancellors from holding any paid or unpaid administrative, academic or honorary position in any organisation during their tenure.

It also prohibits private medical practice inside or outside the university, allowing only academic or clinical work for educational purposes.

Applicants must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC), No Enquiry Certificate (NEC) and No Due Certificate (NDC) from their current employer.

The eligibility criteria require candidates to hold an MBBS degree or equivalent qualification, have served as a professor for at least 10 years and possess a minimum of 20 publications in indexed medical journals.

The new regulations aim to strengthen governance, ensure full-time leadership, and improve transparency in Punjab’s public medical universities.