New Delhi: Medical students have received good news before Diwali. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved 10,650 new MBBS seats for the 2024-25 academic session. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Independence Day last year, promised to create 75,000 new medical seats over the next five years. This significant step has now been taken in that direction.
With this increase, the total number of MBBS seats in the country has reached 137,600. This decision is considered to be a major transformation in the medical education sector.
Applications received from 170 colleges, 41 new medical colleges approved
The NMC received applications from 170 colleges to increase MBBS seats this semester. Of these, 10,650 seats have been approved.
According to NMC Chairman Dr. Abhijat Shet, 41 government and 129 private institutions have been granted permission to increase seats. With this, the total number of medical colleges across the country has now reached 816.
There will also be a significant increase in PG seats
Dr. Shet reported that the NMC has received over 3,500 applications for new and renewed PG (postgraduate) seats. The Commission estimates that approximately 5,000 new PG seats could be added this year, bringing the total number of PG seats nationwide to 67,000.
Thus, an increase of approximately 15,000 seats is expected at both the UG and PG levels in 2024-25.
Although there has been a slight delay in the final approval process and counseling, officials have assured that the entire process will be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
The NMC will soon release a new blueprint for the seat matrix, examination, and accreditation process. Additionally, the application portal for the 2025-26 session will open in early November.
The NMC Chairman also stated that for the first time this year, all appeals against Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) decisions have been resolved without court intervention. This is being considered an important step towards transparency in medical administration.
This decision by the NMC has sparked excitement among medical students across the country. The approval of new seats will not only expand medical education but also strengthen rural and urban health services.