Total 1,12,112 MBBS Seats & 72,267 PG in India across 731 Medical Colleges

In a recent parliamentary session, the Union Minister of State for Health, Smt. Anupriya Patel provided a detailed update on the current medical colleges and MBBS seats in India. Smt. Patel reported that India has seen an 88% increase in MBBS Colleges, skyrocketing from 387 before 2014 to 731 in 2024. Similarly, The number of MBBS & PG seats in India has also increased, according to Smt. Patel. This shows that India had 51,348 MBBS seats before 2014 and only 31,185 PG seats in medical colleges.

MBBS Seats in India: A Remarkable Increase in Medical Colleges 

The latest update shows 1,12,112 MBBS seats in India across 731 medical colleges. This figure represents a remarkable 118% increase from 2014, when only 51,348 MBBS seats were available. MBBS seats in India have steadily increased within the last four years. From 83,417 MBBS seats in 2020 to 98,682 in 2022 and 1,08,988 total seats in 2023, this marks a 34.39% total increase to the current number of MBBS seats in India, at 1,12,112.

The growth in the number of MBBS seats in India is a testament to the government's commitment to improving medical education and accessibility. This expansion is particularly significant for students gearing up for the NEET 2024 exam, increasing their chances of securing a seat in a reputable medical institution.

PG Medical Seats: An Even More Impressive Growth

The number of postgraduate medical seats has grown substantially, increasing 133% since 2014. Currently, 72,627 PG medical seats are available, up from 31,185 seats in 2014. This increase is vital for medical graduates seeking to specialize and advance their careers.

The rise in both PG & MBBS seats in India highlights the government's efforts to address the growing demand for medical education and to enhance the quality of healthcare services in the country.

Another significant development is the expansion in the number of medical colleges. Before 2014, India had 387 medical colleges. This number has increased by 88%, with 731 medical colleges currently operational. This growth provides more opportunities for students to pursue medical education. It ensures a more even distribution of medical institutions nationwide, making it easier for students from various regions to access quality education.

Year-wise Analysis of College Count & MBBS Seats in India

In 2024, NEET UG witnessed a record 23,33,287 candidate registrations globally, aiming for 1,08,988 MBBS seats in India spread across 703 medical colleges and 29,088 BDS seats in dental colleges. Out of the total aspirants, 13,16,268 candidates cleared the exam, bringing the total qualification rate to 56.4%.

NEET UG 2024 saw unparalleled competition among candidates, as 67 students achieved a perfect score of 720/720. Moreover, 11,65,904 medical aspirants from the Unreserved category qualified NEET UG 2024. This is more than the total qualified NEET UG 2023 candidates (11,45,976) combined!

New Medical College Applications in 2024-25

For the academic year 2024-25, the National Medical Commission (NMC) received 113 applications to establish new medical colleges. However, only 26 new medical colleges were approved, which is significantly lower than anticipated. This approval translates to an addition of approximately 3124 new MBBS seats in India, far below the expected increase of 14,000 - 20,000 seats.

Reduction in New Medical Colleges & MBBS Seats in India

The drastic reduction in the approval of new medical colleges and the consequent MBBS seats in India is a concern for NEET 2024 aspirants. Some colleges whose applications were rejected have requested a review by the Appeal Committee of the NMC. While there is a possibility that a few more colleges may receive approval if their appeals are successful, the outcome remains uncertain and dependent on the NMC's directives.

NMC’s Clarification on New Medical Colleges

Amidst circulating misinformation, the NMC issued an official notification to clarify the situation regarding establishing new medical colleges and MBBS seats in India for the academic year 2024-25. The NMC emphasized that the list published includes only the applications for new medical colleges that have been finally decided upon by the Medical Assessment & Rating Board (MARB), which could be either approvals or disapprovals.

The NMC's official notification stated, "About MARB's public notice dated 6th July 2024, it has been observed that some fake news published/aired in print/electronic media states that the Medical Assessment & Rating Board (MARB) in its final decision has taken on 113 applications for new medical colleges & MBBS seats in India for the academic year 2024-25." The NMC urged medical aspirants and the general public to rely only on the official website for authentic information on adding new medical colleges.

Analysis of Medical College Count & MBBS Seats in India

In 2024, NEET UG achieved the highest-ever qualification rate at 56.4%, with 13,16,268 candidates qualifying for 1,08,988 MBBS seats in India across 703 medical colleges. Additionally, there are 29,088 BDS seats in 329 dental colleges nationwide.

A remarkable 67 medical aspirants achieved a perfect score of 720/720, and 11,65,904 candidates from the Unreserved category qualified for NEET UG 2024, surpassing the total number of qualified candidates in 2023.

The initial 113 applications for new medical colleges were expected to significantly increase the number of MBBS seats in India by 14,000. However, with the approval of only 26 new medical colleges, the increase has been limited to a mere 3124.

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Yearly Growth of Medical Colleges and MBBS Seats in India

A tabular representation of the growth of medical colleges and MBBS seats in India over the past few years provides a clearer picture:

Parameters such as total bed count, hospital square footage, and minimum personnel requirements determine whether a college can be granted permission to offer medical degrees. The NMC has also set rules and regulations for proposed new medical colleges to qualify for MBBS seat intake upgrades and for existing medical colleges to apply for seat increments.
 

Detailed Yearly Breakdown of PG & MBBS Seats in India

Academic Year 2021-2022

During the academic year 2021-2022, there were 92,127 MBBS seats in India and 46,118 PG medical seats. Out of these, 48,212 MBBS and 28,260 PG seats were available in government medical colleges, while private medical colleges offered 43,915 MBBS and 17,858 PG seats. This distribution highlights the significant role that private institutions play in the medical education sector alongside government colleges.

Academic Year 2022-2023 

In the subsequent academic year 2022-2023, the total number of MBBS seats increased to 96,277, and PG seats rose to 49,573. Government medical colleges offered 51,912 MBBS seats in India and 30,211 PG seats, whereas private colleges had 44,365 MBBS and 19,362 PG seats. The consistent increase in government and private sector seats reflects ongoing efforts to meet the educational needs of aspiring medical professionals.

Academic Year 2023-2024 

The most recent academic year, 2023-2024, saw the number of MBBS seats in India increase to 1,08,988, with PG seats reaching 54,834. This continued growth is encouraging for students preparing for the NEET 2024 exam, as it indicates a broader array of opportunities for medical education.

Government Initiatives to Boost Medical Education

The government has implemented several measures to increase the number of medical seats and improve the quality of education in medical colleges. These initiatives include:

1. Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for New Medical Colleges: This scheme aims to establish new medical colleges by upgrading district referral hospitals. Currently, 157 new medical colleges have been approved, with 109 already functional.
   
   
2. CSS for Upgrading Existing Medical Colleges: This scheme supports enhancing existing state and central government medical colleges to increase PG and MBBS seats in India. Under Phase I, it has facilitated the addition of 4,977 MBBS seats in 83 colleges, 4,058 PG seats in 72 colleges, and 4,000 PG seats in 65 colleges.
   
   
3. Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY): Under this initiative, 75 projects for constructing super-specialty blocks have been approved, and 66 projects have been completed.
   
   
4. New AIIMS Institutions for increased MBBS seats in India: The government has approved the establishment of 22 new AIIMS, with undergraduate courses already started in 19 of these institutions.
   
   
5. Recognition of DNB Qualification: The DNB (Diplomate of National Board) qualification has been recognized for the appointment of teaching faculty, addressing the faculty shortage in medical colleges.
   
   
6. Enhanced Age Limit for Faculty: The age limit for appointment, extension, and re-employment of teachers, deans, principals, and directors in medical colleges has been increased to 70 years.
   
   
   

Impact Increased MBBS seats in India on NEET 2024 Aspirants
These developments are highly encouraging for students preparing for the NEET 2024 exam. The significant increase in MBBS seats in India means more students will have the opportunity to pursue their dream of becoming doctors. Moreover, expanding PG seats provides more excellent specialization and career advancement avenues.

The substantial increase in PG and MBBS seats in India, along with the expansion of medical colleges and various government initiatives, paints a positive picture for aspiring medical students. For those preparing for the NEET 2024 exam, these developments offer hope and increased opportunities to secure a place in a medical institution.

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