In a major relief for millions of students aspiring to pursue medical education in India, the central government has announced a significant increase in the number of medical seats. This decision will provide more opportunities for students seeking admission to MBBS and postgraduate (PG) courses, ultimately boosting the number of doctors in the country and enhancing healthcare services.
This initiative is especially beneficial for students who struggle to secure admission due to limited seats each year. Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, informed the Parliament that the government aims to add 75,000 new medical seats over the next five years. This plan was introduced as part of the Union Budget presented on February 1, 2025.
Expansion of Medical Colleges Nationwide
The government has already begun working towards establishing new medical colleges and expanding existing institutions. This initiative is expected to make medical education more accessible while strengthening the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
A Historic Growth in Medical Seats
A look at the numbers reveals remarkable progress. Before 2014, India had only 387 medical colleges. However, due to continuous efforts, this number has now increased to 780. Similarly, the number of MBBS seats has surged from 51,348 in 2014 to 1,18,190 today. PG course seats have also risen from 31,185 to 74,306.
The government’s primary objective behind this expansion is to provide more students with opportunities to study medicine and to increase the availability of doctors across India.
Upgrading Existing Colleges
The government is not just focusing on increasing seats but also on upgrading existing government medical colleges. To expand MBBS seats, the government will invest approximately ₹1.20 crore per seat, with the costs being shared between the central and state governments.
NMC to Release Updated Seat List Soon
As per the official data from the National Medical Commission (NMC), there are currently 1,17,950 MBBS seats listed on its website. However, with the recent expansion, the number has now exceeded 1,18,000. Last year, India had 1.08 lakh MBBS seats, indicating an increase of over 10,000 seats this year.
Major Expansion at RML Hospital, Delhi
New Delhi’s prestigious Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital is also contributing to medical education expansion. The MBBS seats at the institute will be increased from 100 to 250, and an additional 666 hospital beds will be added. This development will not only improve healthcare facilities for patients but also provide better hands-on training opportunities for medical students.
Key Changes in NEET Exam and Medical Admissions
The NEET UG 2025 exam is scheduled for May 4, 2025, with millions of students expected to appear. Through this exam, students can secure admission to various medical courses, including MBBS (Allopathic Medicine), BAMS (Ayurveda), BUMS (Unani Medicine), BSMS (Siddha Medicine), BHMS (Homeopathy), BDS (Dental Surgery), and BVSc & AH (Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry).
More Opportunities for Medical Aspirants
Every year, millions of students take the NEET exam, but many fail to secure admission due to limited seats. With the increase in medical seats, more students will now have a chance to fulfill their dream of becoming doctors. This decision will also strengthen India’s healthcare sector by ensuring a higher number of medical professionals in hospitals, leading to improved patient care.
