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India's Union Cabinet Approves Expansion of Medical Education with 10,000 New Seats

The Union Cabinet, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a significant expansion of medical education in India, adding over 10,000 new postgraduate and MBBS seats. This initiative aims to enhance healthcare accessibility and quality, addressing the growing demand for medical professionals. With a financial outlay of ₹15,034.50 crore, the plan will strengthen the healthcare infrastructure and create new opportunities for students. The expansion aligns with the Prime Minister's vision of making India a hub for affordable healthcare and education, while also addressing disparities in healthcare access across the country.
By Ambika Singh Sep 25, 2025, 12:01 IST
India's Union Cabinet Approves Expansion of Medical Education with 10,000 New Seats

Major Healthcare Expansion Initiative


The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sanctioned a significant healthcare initiative aimed at increasing the number of postgraduate (PG) and MBBS seats by over 10,000 in government medical colleges across India. This decision, made on September 24, 2025, marks the commencement of the third phase of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) designed to enhance medical education.


Details of the Seat Expansion

The Cabinet's official announcement reveals that the initiative will introduce 5,000 PG seats and create 5,023 additional MBBS seats in government medical institutions. This expansion will also encompass independent postgraduate institutes and government hospitals, significantly enhancing India's capacity for medical education.


To ensure the financial feasibility of this expansion, the cost ceiling per seat has been raised to ₹1.5 crore. The total financial outlay for these initiatives from 2025–26 to 2028–29 is projected to be ₹15,034.50 crore, with the Central Government contributing ₹10,303.20 crore and states providing ₹4,731.30 crore.


Enhancing Healthcare Infrastructure

Officials noted that this initiative will not only increase the number of undergraduate and postgraduate medical seats but also enhance the availability of specialist doctors in government medical facilities. By expanding the number of seats, the program aims to introduce new specialties in medical colleges and promote a more balanced distribution of healthcare resources across regions.


The plan is designed to tackle issues related to accessibility, affordability, and the quality of medical education, while also increasing the number of practicing doctors nationwide.


India's Expanding Medical Capacity

Currently, India boasts 808 medical colleges offering 1,23,700 MBBS seats. Over the past decade, the country has added 69,352 MBBS seats, reflecting a growth rate of 127%, and 43,041 PG seats, which represents a 143% increase.


Despite this rapid expansion, officials recognize that the demand for healthcare continues to exceed supply, particularly in rural and underserved regions. The new initiative is expected to help close this gap while aligning India's medical education with global standards.


Long-Term Goals of the Initiative

The Cabinet highlighted several key objectives of this decision:



  • Increase opportunities for students to pursue medical education in India.


  • Enhance the quality of medical training to align with global standards.


  • Boost the availability of doctors and specialists, making healthcare more accessible.


  • Address disparities in healthcare access, especially in remote and rural areas.


  • Create direct and indirect job opportunities for doctors, faculty, paramedical staff, researchers, and support personnel.


  • Significantly contribute to India's socio-economic development by strengthening healthcare resilience.



Prime Minister Modi's Vision for Healthcare

During his 2024 Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Modi pledged to establish 75,000 new medical seats over the next five years. This expansion is a step towards realizing that vision, moving closer to making India a center for affordable, high-quality healthcare and education.


State Reactions to the Decision

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed the Cabinet's decision, expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister via social media. He stated:


“The Cabinet’s approval of CSS Phase-III, which adds 5,000 new PG and 5,023 MBBS seats, is commendable. This initiative will enhance medical education, ensure the availability of specialist doctors, and create new opportunities for youth. It strengthens the resolve of Healthy India, Prosperous India.”


Conclusion

The Cabinet's endorsement to expand over 10,000 medical seats signifies one of the most ambitious reforms in healthcare education in recent years. With a focus on capacity building, quality improvement, and equitable access, this initiative is poised to transform the landscape of medical training and fortify India's healthcare system.


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