National Medical Commission Approves 6,850 New MBBS Seats for 2025-26, Boosting India’s Medical Education

New Delhi, September 16, 2025 — In a significant step toward expanding medical education in India, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved the addition of 6,850 new MBBS seats for the academic year 2025-26, increasing the total undergraduate medical seats to 123,700 from 117,750 in 2024-25. The announcement, made public on September 15, 2025, by the NMC’s Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB), aligns with the central government’s ambitious plan to enhance healthcare infrastructure and improve the country’s doctor-patient ratio. This expansion is expected to benefit over 1.23 million students who qualified for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2025, as counseling continues across the nation.

Details of the Seat Expansion

The NMC’s updated seat matrix, released on September 3, 2025, and finalized on September 15, details the distribution of the new seats across both government and private medical colleges. According to the data, the 6,850 new seats are allocated as follows:

• New Government Medical Colleges: 13 new colleges have been approved, adding 1,050 seats. Notable additions include Government Medical College in Kasaragod, Kerala (50 seats), ESIC Medical College, Noida, Uttar Pradesh (50 seats), and Pragjyotishpur Medical College, Assam (50 seats).
• Existing Government Colleges: 32 colleges received an additional 1,080 seats. For example, Assam Medical College, Gauhati Medical College, and Silchar Medical College in Assam collectively gained 125 seats, while Mysore Medical College in Karnataka added 50 seats.
• New Private Medical Colleges: 10 new private colleges, including trusts and societies, were approved with 1,200 seats. Examples include Anna Gowri Medical College and Hospital in Andhra Pradesh (100 seats) and Balvir Singh Tomar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in Rajasthan (150 seats).
• Existing Private Colleges: 28 colleges were granted 1,515 additional seats. Notable increases include 100 seats each for F.H. Medical College & Hospital and Naraina Medical College and Research Centre in Uttar Pradesh.

However, the expansion was offset by a reduction of 1,056 seats during the renewal process for 2025-26, resulting in a net increase of 5,794 seats. The reductions were attributed to non-compliance with NMC norms, pending court cases, and the creation of supernumerary seats. For instance, Gayathri Vidya Parishad Institute of Health Care & Medical Technology in Andhra Pradesh saw a net reduction of 200 seats due to a pending legal matter, while Dr. Kiran C. Patel Medical College and Shantabaa Medical College in Gujarat each lost 50 seats.

Government’s Broader Vision

The NMC’s decision aligns with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget announcement in February 2025, which outlined plans to add approximately 10,000 new undergraduate and postgraduate medical seats for the 2025-26 academic year. This is part of a five-year goal to create 75,000 new medical seats to achieve the World Health Organization’s recommended doctor-patient ratio of 1:1,000, compared to India’s current ratio of 1:1,263. The expansion is seen as a critical step toward addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly in underserved rural areas.

The NMC also noted that around 2,000 MBBS seats remain on hold due to issues such as non-compliance with infrastructure or faculty requirements and ongoing litigation. Colleges have been given an opportunity to address these gaps to unlock the withheld seats, as per government officials cited by LiveMint.

Impact on NEET-UG Aspirants

With over 1.23 million students qualifying for NEET-UG 2025, the additional seats are expected to improve admission prospects significantly. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) confirmed that these seats will be available starting from Round 2 of NEET-UG counseling, which is currently underway. The increased capacity is particularly beneficial for students seeking admission to government colleges, which offer more affordable education compared to private institutions.

The NMC’s seat matrix highlights significant state-wise allocations. Uttar Pradesh leads with major expansions, including new colleges like ESIC Medical College, Noida, and additional seats at existing institutions. Bihar gained 300 seats with two new private colleges, Mahabodhi Medical College & Hospital and Shyamlal Chandrashekhar Medical College & S P N M Hospital, each approved for 100 seats. Karnataka saw boosts with 100 additional seats at Akash Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, while Maharashtra added 425 seats across various institutions.

Reactions and Implications

The announcement has been widely welcomed by students, parents, and educators. “This is a game-changer for NEET aspirants. More seats mean better chances, especially for those who couldn’t secure admission last year,” said Priya Sharma, a NEET coach in Delhi, quoted by Business Standard. Education consultants noted that the expansion could reduce cut-off ranks, making medical education more accessible.

However, concerns remain about the quality of education in newly approved colleges. The NMC’s decision to withhold 2,000 seats due to non-compliance underscores ongoing challenges with infrastructure, faculty shortages, and adherence to standards. “While the increase in seats is positive, the NMC must ensure rigorous inspections to maintain quality,” said Dr. Anil Kumar, a medical education expert at AIIMS Delhi.

On X, reactions were mixed but largely optimistic. A post by @EduUpdatesIndia read, “6,850 new MBBS seats approved by NMC! Great news for NEET 2025 aspirants, but quality control is key.” Another user cautioned, “Hope these new colleges have proper facilities and faculty. Quantity shouldn’t compromise quality.”

Political and Policy Context

The expansion aligns with the central government’s broader healthcare reforms, including initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and the establishment of new AIIMS campuses. Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda praised the NMC’s efforts, stating, “This is a step toward making India a global hub for medical education and healthcare delivery.” The move also responds to long-standing demands to increase medical seats, particularly in government colleges, to address the high cost of private medical education.

Opposition parties, including the Congress, acknowledged the expansion but called for transparency in the allocation process. “The government must ensure these seats benefit students from marginalized communities and rural areas,” said Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on X.

Challenges and Future Steps

While the addition of 6,850 seats is a significant milestone, challenges remain. The NMC’s seat matrix indicates that some colleges, such as Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College in Belgaum, which initially faced zero-seat sanctions, were later approved for 200 seats, highlighting the complexity of the approval process. The reduction of 1,056 seats due to non-compliance also raises questions about regulatory oversight.

The NMC has committed to monitoring new and existing colleges to ensure compliance with standards. “We are working to streamline inspections and support institutions in meeting requirements,” an NMC official told LiveMint. The government is also exploring incentives for private colleges to expand in underserved regions, aiming to balance urban-rural disparities in medical education access.

Looking Ahead

The approval of 6,850 new MBBS seats marks a pivotal moment in India’s quest to strengthen its healthcare system. As counseling progresses, the increased seats are expected to ease the intense competition for medical admissions, offering hope to thousands of aspiring doctors. However, sustained efforts to ensure quality, affordability, and equitable distribution will be crucial to realizing the full potential of this expansion.

For updates on NEET-UG counseling and seat allocations, students can visit the NMC’s official website or the MCC portal. The government has urged stakeholders to provide feedback to further refine the medical education ecosystem, ensuring it meets the needs of India’s growing population.

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