NMC Approves 26 New Medical Colleges in India in 2024 | 1,12,112 MBBS Seats

 

 

In a significant development, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has announced the approval of only 26 new medical colleges across India out of 113 applications received. This decision has far-reaching implications for NEET UG aspirants and the country's overall medical counselling and admission landscape. The remaining 87 applications for new medical colleges were rejected, resulting in a much lower addition of MBBS seats than initially anticipated.

 

 

Drastic Reduction in New Medical Colleges & MBBS Seats

 

 

The approval of just 26 new medical colleges means that only 3124 new MBBS seats will be added this year. This is a drastic reduction from the earlier expectation of 14,000-20,000 new MBBS seats across the earlier expected 113 new medical colleges. This reduction will impact the competitive landscape of NEET counselling for aspiring doctors.

 

Some of the colleges whose applications were rejected have requested a review by the Appeal Committee of the NMC. There is a possibility that a few more new medical colleges may receive approval in the coming weeks if their appeals are considered favorably. However, the process and outcome of these appeals remain uncertain at this point and are subject to the NMC’s directive.

 

 

NMC’s Clarification on the Earlier Expected 113 New Medical Colleges

 

 

In light of circulating misinformation, the National Medical Commission, NMC, has issued an official notification to clarify the situation. The commission warned medical aspirants and the general public about a fake notice being circulated on social media regarding the establishment of new medical colleges for the academic year 2024-25. 

 

The NMC emphasized that the list published includes only those applications for new medical colleges, which the Medical Assessment & Rating Board (MARB) has made final decisions, which could be either approval or disapproval.

 

The official notification on the NMC website states, "In reference to 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 for the academic year 2024-25." Interested candidates can read the official Medical Assessment & Rating Board Notice here. 

 

The NMC has urged students and other stakeholders to rely only on the official website for authentic information on the addition of new medical colleges. The commission stated, "The NMC, in its Public Notice dated 6th July 2024, has published only the list of applications against which the final decisions have been taken by the MARB.

 

 

The final decision does not mean approval with respect to all 113 applications for new medical colleges. The decision may be either approved or disapproved. Such decisions have already been communicated to the medical institutions concerned. The decisions will be uploaded to NMC's website in due course."

 

The NMC further assured that it believes in promoting transparency in letter and spirit. It urged all stakeholders and the general public to ignore any misleading or baseless news published in print or electronic media.

 

Also Read: Karnataka to Gain 350 MBBS seats as NMC approves 3 New Medical Colleges

New Medical Colleges & Remarkable Increase of MBBS Seats in India

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.

Implications on NEET Counselling and MBBS Seats in India

 

 

The drastic reduction in the number of approved new medical colleges has several implications for medical aspirants. With fewer new MBBS seats available, the competition for existing seats is likely to intensify. Aspiring medical students will need to prepare more rigorously to secure admission into the limited seats available.

 

Furthermore, the limited addition of new medical colleges means that the geographic distribution of medical education opportunities may remain uneven. This could perpetuate existing disparities in access to medical education across different regions of the country.

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.

Analysis of Medical College Count & MBBS Seats

 

The National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) is the standard entrance test for medical aspirants in India. Qualifying NEET UG is mandatory to secure admission to MBBS/BDS and other medical courses.

 

NEET UG 2024 saw the highest-ever qualification rate at 56.4%. A record 13,16,268 candidates qualified, competing for 1,08,988 MBBS seats across 703 medical colleges. As of 2024, there are 29,088 BDS seats in 329 Dental colleges nationwide.
 

Sixty-seven medical aspirants achieved a perfect score of 720/720. Moreover, 11,65,904 medical aspirants from the Unreserved category qualified for NEET UG 2024. This is more than the total qualified NEET UG 2023 candidates, 11,45,976 combined!

The initial 113 applications for new medical colleges expected an increase in the MBBS seat intakes across India by 14000. There are 1,08,988 MBBS seats nationwide as of 2023-24. With the approval of only 26 new medical colleges, this MBBS seat increment has been limited to a meager 3000-3500.

India is seeing a growing demand for new medical colleges and professionals. The National Medical Commission aims to improve access to quality and economical medical education and ensure the allocation of quality medical professionals nationwide. 

 

To make medical professionals' services accessible to all citizens, the NMC grants permission to establish new medical colleges. The commission also entertains applications for seat intake upgrades for interested institutes.

 

A tabular view of information from the previous two data insights presents a clearer picture of the overall medical seat addition with new medical colleges.

 

 

 

 

Parameters like total bed count, hospital square footage, and minimum personnel requirements, among others, determine if a college can be granted permission to offer medical degrees. The commission 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.

 

 

Also Read: MCC NEET UG Counselling Round 1 to Begin on August 14

 

 

Addition of 26 New Medical Colleges and NMC’s further notice

 

The situation underscores the importance of robust planning and regulatory mechanisms in the establishment of new medical colleges. The NMC’s stringent approval process aims to ensure that only institutions meeting high standards of medical education and infrastructure are permitted to offer medical courses. This is crucial for maintaining the quality of medical education and, by extension, the quality of medical colleges and hospitals in the country.

 

As the Appeal Committee reviews the requests from the rejected applications for new medical colleges, there is a glimmer of hope that a few more institutions will get the nod, adding a small number of additional MBBS seats. However, until the final decisions are made and published on the NMC’s official website, stakeholders must rely on verified information and avoid falling prey to rumors and misinformation.

 

The NMC’s recent announcement regarding the approval of new medical colleges has brought significant changes to the landscape of medical education in India. With only 26 out of 113 applications approved, the addition of new MBBS seats is far below initial expectations. The official notification from the NMC serves as a critical reminder for stakeholders to seek authentic information from verified sources about new medical colleges.

 

 

In the coming weeks, the outcomes of appeals and further decisions by the NMC will be crucial in NEET Counselling, MBBS seats, and new medical colleges after the appeal review. Medical aspirants must stay informed through official channels and prepare for the medical competitive landscape with a smaller-than-expected addition of MBBS seats.

 

 

 

Also Read: Total 1,12,112 MBBS and 72,267 PG Medical Seats in India across 731 Medical Colleges