Expansion of Medical Education: 10,650 New MBBS Seats Approved in India

In a significant move for medical education in India, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved 10,650 new MBBS seats, benefiting aspiring medical students. This expansion is part of a broader initiative to create 75,000 new medical seats over the next five years. With the addition of 41 new medical colleges, the total number of institutions has risen to 816. Furthermore, the NMC anticipates an increase of 5,000 postgraduate seats, enhancing the overall capacity for medical training. This initiative aims to improve healthcare services and meet the growing demand for doctors in the country.

By Ambika Singh Oct 22, 2025, 15:54 IST

Significant Increase in Medical Seats

NEET UG: Exciting developments for students aiming for careers in medicine in India. Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment on Independence Day 2024, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has made a pivotal advancement in medical education. The NMC has sanctioned 10,650 additional MBBS seats, benefiting both this year's applicants and those applying next year.

The government has set a target to create 75,000 new medical seats over the next five years. Let's explore the current total of available seats.

41 New Medical Colleges Established
NMC Chief Dr. Abhijat Sheth announced that the approval of 41 new medical colleges has raised the total number of medical institutions in India to 816. Out of 170 applications for expanding undergraduate (UG) seats, 10,650 new MBBS seats have been approved. This includes requests from 41 government and 129 private institutions. Consequently, the total MBBS seats will reach 137,600 for the 2024-25 academic year, including those at Institutes of National Importance (INIs).

Increase in PG Seats by 5,000
A substantial number of applications have also been submitted for postgraduate (PG) courses. The NMC has received over 3,500 applications for new and renewal. It anticipates adding around 5,000 new PG seats, raising the total to 67,000. This year will see an overall increase of approximately 15,000 seats, combining both UG and PG.

The NMC has assured that the approval and consultation process will be completed promptly. Additionally, the application portal for the 2025-26 academic year will open in early November.

Boost for Medical Research
Dr. Sheth also highlighted that all appeals against decisions made by the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) were resolved without court involvement this time. The NMC is now focusing on integrating clinical research into the medical curriculum, with plans for collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

This initiative aims to enhance the quality of medical education and strengthen healthcare services, addressing the increasing demand for doctors in the country and providing a new direction for the health sector.