NMC approves 10,650 new MBBS seats, 41 new medical colleges

This increase is part of a broader strategy to enhance the availability of medical education in India. The addition of 41 new medical colleges has raised the total number of medical institutions in the country to 816.

According to NMC Chief Dr Abhijat Sheth, out of the 170 applications received for expanding undergraduate (UG) seats—41 from government colleges and 129 from private institutions—a total of 10,650 MBBS seats have been approved.

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As a result, the overall MBBS seat count will reach 137,600 for the 2024-25 academic year, including seats in Institutes of National Importance (INI).

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has received over 3,500 applications for new and renewed postgraduate (PG) seats. Dr Sheth stated that the commission anticipates an increase of approximately 5,000 PG seats, bringing the total to 67,000 PG seats nationwide. Overall, the increase in both undergraduate (UG) and PG seats this year is expected to be around 15,000.

Although the final approval process and counselling have faced some delays, officials have assured that these procedures will be completed within the established timelines. A blueprint outlining the schedule for accreditation, examinations, and seat matrix approvals for the upcoming academic year will be published shortly. Furthermore, the portal for 2025-26 applications is expected to open in early November.

Notably, Dr Sheth emphasised that this year marks the first time in recent history that all appeals against the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) decisions were resolved without any court interventions.

To enhance the quality of medical education, Dr. Sheth announced that the National Medical Commission (NMC) is exploring the integration of clinical research into the standard medical curriculum.

Plans are being developed for a collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to strengthen research infrastructure and promote clinical research within medical education.

The NMC’s initiatives are viewed as a significant step toward improving the capacity of medical education in the country, aligning with the government’s vision of expanding healthcare infrastructure and addressing the increasing demand for medical professionals.