In a major stride toward strengthening India’s medical education and healthcare system, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved 10,650 new MBBS seats for the 2024–25 academic year — pushing the total number of undergraduate medical seats across the country to 1,37,600.

The expansion, one of the largest in recent years, is expected to ease competition for millions of NEET aspirants and bridge critical healthcare gaps nationwide.

According to official data, India now has 816 medical colleges, following the addition of 41 new institutions this year. “Of the 170 applications received to expand undergraduate capacity — including 41 from government and 129 from private institutions — 10,650 seats have been approved,” confirmed NMC President Dr. Abhijat Sheth.

Govt and private sectors drive growth

Government medical colleges now offer 73,300 MBBS seats, while private institutions account for 64,300 — together shaping one of the world’s largest medical education ecosystems.

Among the states, Tamil Nadu (11,825 seats) leads the count, followed closely by Karnataka (11,695), Uttar Pradesh (11,250), and Maharashtra (10,695).

Over the past decade, India has aggressively pursued its goal of “one medical college in every district”, through targeted government schemes and public–private partnerships — a move that has doubled the number of medical institutions in just ten years.

PG expansion on the horizon

The NMC has also received over 3,500 applications for new and renewed postgraduate (PG) seats. Officials estimate an increase of about 5,000 PG seats, taking the national tally to nearly 67,000. Combined with the undergraduate expansion, this year’s total increase across both levels is expected to touch 15,000 seats.

A boost for healthcare access and equity

The surge in medical capacity is projected to bring transformative benefits:
– Better doctor-patient ratio: India moves closer to achieving the WHO-recommended 1:1000 ratio.
– Rural healthcare uplift: More trained doctors will enhance medical coverage in underserved regions.
– Equitable access: Students can now pursue medical education within their home states, reducing migration and financial strain.

As India’s medical map expands into its hinterlands, the NMC’s latest move underscores a national push — not just to produce more doctors, but to reshape the future of public health and medical education for generations to come.