The Union Government of India has approved 11,682 additional MBBS seats and 8,967 postgraduate (PG) medical seats for the academic year 2025–26, along with the establishment of 43 new medical colleges across the country. The update was shared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in the Rajya Sabha, citing data from the National Medical Commission (NMC). The figures include seats available in government medical colleges, AIIMS institutions, and other Institutes of National Importance (INIs).
The move reflects a major step in strengthening India’s healthcare education infrastructure and addressing the increasing demand for trained medical professionals.
Growth in Medical Education Over the Last Decade
The government highlighted that medical education capacity in India has expanded significantly since 2014. According to the data presented in Parliament:
- Medical colleges increased from 387 in 2014 to 818 currently
- Undergraduate (MBBS) seats increased from 51,348 to 1,28,976
- Postgraduate (PG) seats increased from 31,185 to 85,020
This expansion reflects the government’s focus on improving healthcare access and medical training capacity across the country.
Role of the National Medical Commission (NMC)
The National Medical Commission (NMC) processes applications every year from institutions seeking to:
- Establish new medical colleges
- Increase MBBS or PG seats
Applications are submitted through an online system and evaluated within the same academic year in which they are filed.
The assessment is conducted by the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) under the NMC.
How Medical Colleges and Seats Are Approved
The MARB determines the inspection process before granting approval. The evaluation may include:
- Verification of digital documents
- Aadhaar-based attendance records
- Hospital Management Information System (HMIS) data
- Photographs and video evidence
- Surprise physical inspections
- Video conferencing verification
Based on the assessment results, the NMC issues:
- Letter of Permission (LoP) – Approval granted
- Letter of Disapproval (LoD) – Application rejected
These approvals follow strict regulations related to minimum standards for UG and PG medical education.
Government Scheme for New Medical Colleges
The ministry also highlighted a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at establishing new medical colleges attached to existing district or referral hospitals, particularly in underserved and aspirational districts.
Under this scheme:
- 157 medical colleges have been approved across three phases
- Total project cost: ₹41,332.41 crore
- Centre’s share: ₹26,715.84 crore
- Amount already released: ₹23,246.10 crore
Funding Pattern for the Scheme
The financial contribution for the scheme follows a shared model between the Centre and states:
- 90:10 ratio for North-Eastern and special category states
- 60:40 ratio for other states
This initiative aims to improve regional healthcare infrastructure and expand access to medical education in remote areas.
Quick Reference Summary
| Category | Details |
| New MBBS Seats (2025–26) | 11,682 |
| New PG Seats (2025–26) | 8,967 |
| New Medical Colleges Added | 43 |
| Total Medical Colleges in India | 818 |
| Total MBBS Seats | 1,28,976 |
| Total PG Seats | 85,020 |
| Medical Colleges Approved Under Scheme | 157 |
| Total Project Cost | ₹41,332.41 crore |
Impact on Medical Aspirants
The expansion of medical seats and institutions will:
- Increase opportunities for NEET-qualified students
- Strengthen the doctor-to-patient ratio in India
- Improve healthcare accessibility in rural and underserved regions
- Support the government’s goal of building a stronger national health system
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| How many MBBS seats have been approved for 2025–26? |
| The government approved 11,682 additional MBBS seats. |
| How many PG medical seats were added? |
| A total of 8,967 postgraduate seats have been approved. |
| How many new medical colleges have been established? |
| 43 new medical colleges have been approved. |
| How many medical colleges exist in India now? |
| India currently has 818 medical colleges. |
| What is the total number of MBBS seats in India? |
| The total number of MBBS seats has increased to 1,28,976. |
| Which body approves new medical colleges? |
| The National Medical Commission (NMC) through the Medical Assessment and Rating Board. |
| What scheme supports new medical colleges in districts? |
| A centrally sponsored scheme for establishing medical colleges attached to district hospitals. |
| What is the funding pattern for this scheme? |
| 90:10 for northeastern/special category states and 60:40 for other states. |
The approval of 11,682 MBBS seats, 8,967 PG seats, and 43 new medical colleges marks a significant milestone in India’s healthcare education expansion. With the total number of medical colleges reaching 818 nationwide, the initiative is expected to improve medical education access, healthcare workforce capacity, and regional healthcare infrastructure. Aspirants should keep track of official updates from NMC and the Ministry of Health as seat matrices are released before counselling. Bookmark this page for the latest updates on medical education and admissions in India.
