Karnataka to Gain 350 MBBS Seats as NMC Approves three New Medical Colleges

 

 

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved the establishment of three new undergraduate medical colleges in Karnataka. There are currently 68 medical colleges in the state, with 11,595 MBBS seats. This approval, which includes the PES University Institute of Medical Sciences at Bengaluru, will add 350 new seats to Karnataka's medical education capacity for the academic year 2024-25.

 

Of the 68 Medical colleges and 45 Dental colleges, 62 Medical Colleges and 38 Dental Colleges participate in KEA State Counselling. 

 

New Medical College Seat Distribution in Karnataka

 

Each of the thee newly approved medical colleges will have 350 MBBS seats, significantly boosting the state's ability to train future medical professionals. Alongside the Ramanagara Institute of Medical Sciences, the other newly sanctioned colleges are:

 

Sr. No	Name of the Medical College	Number of MBBS Seats
1	SR. Patil Medical College and Research Centre,Bandagandi, Bilgi	100 seats
2	BGS Medical College and Hospital, in Nagarur, Bengaluru North.	150 seats
3	PES University Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, located in Konappana Agrahara, Electronics City, Bengaluru.	100 seats

 

 

Also Read: Hello Mentor’s Guide to KEA Karnataka State Counselling

 

Current Medical Education Landscape in Karnataka

 

 

 

Before this expansion, as stated earlier, Karnataka boasted 68 medical colleges, spanning both the government and private sectors, with a total of 11,595 medical seats available for the 2023-24 academic year. The addition of these three new MBBS colleges increases the number of medical seats to 11,945, underscoring the state’s commitment to expanding medical education infrastructure and addressing the growing demand for healthcare professionals.

 

The table below elaborates on the current seat distribution landscape and counselling authorities in Karnataka. Of the total 11,595 MBBS seats, 3073 medical seats fall under the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) 's purview. Karnataka Examination Authority’s State Medical Counselling allots the remaining 8522 MBBS seats in the state.

 

Of these, 24 are government colleges with 3,750 seats, while the remaining 44 are private institutions offering 7,845 seats. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) oversees the admissions counselling process, managing 85% of the State Quota seats in government colleges and 100% of the seats in private colleges. Nationwide, there are currently 703 medical colleges offering 1,08,988 MBBS seats and 29,088 BDS seats.

 

 

 

 

Note: Karnataka and Jharkhand are the only two states that offer MBBS seats in Government Quota with subsidized fees.

 

Also Read: Karnataka State Counselling Post Registration Process - A Hello Mentor Guide

 

Addition of 113 New Medical Colleges: Initiative by NMC

 

The approval of these new colleges is part of a broader initiative by the National Medical Commission (NMC) to enhance medical education across India. In a public notice dated April 3, 2024, the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) announced that it had received 113 applications for the establishment of new undergraduate medical colleges for the academic year 2024-25.

 

Following thorough evaluation, the final decisions on these applications were communicated to the respective institutions. This expansion effort is indicative of the NMC’s proactive approach in responding to the country’s healthcare needs.

Eligibility Criteria for Medical Counselling in Karnataka

 

To participate in the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) NEET MBBS/BDS counselling and admission process, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:

 

Nationality

 

• Indian citizens and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are eligible to apply. 
• NRIs can apply specifically for NRI quota seats.

 

NEET UG Qualification

 

• Candidates must have successfully completed Grade 12/2nd PUC or an equivalent examination with a minimum aggregate of 50%.
• For candidates belonging to reserved categories, a minimum score of 40% is required.
• Candidates must have attained the age of 17.

 

Documents Required

 

Applicants must provide the following documents for the counselling process:

 

1. NEET UG 2024 Admit Card.
2. NEET UG 2024 Score Card.
3. Marks cards for 10th, 11th, and 12th grades.
4. Study certificates for all years, issued by the institutions and duly signed and sealed by the Head of the Institution (applicable only for Karnataka domicile candidates).
5. Government-issued ID proof.
6. Printout of the application form filled during KEA registration.
7. Printout of the registration fees payment receipt.

 

By ensuring that these criteria and documents are met, candidates can effectively participate in the KEA NEET MBBS/BDS counselling process.

 

 

Also Read: MCC Counselling - Hello Mentor’s Step-by-Step Guide

 

Impact on Medical Education and Healthcare in Karnataka

 

The introduction of these additional seats is expected to have a significant impact on the state's medical education and healthcare landscape. By increasing the number of medical graduates, Karnataka aims to mitigate the shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This strategic expansion aligns with national objectives to improve healthcare accessibility and quality.

 

Moreover, the new MBBS colleges will foster an environment conducive to medical research and innovation. The influx of students and faculty will likely stimulate advancements in medical science, benefiting not only the state but also contributing to the country’s overall healthcare capabilities.

 

While the expansion of medical seats is a positive development, it also brings forth certain challenges. Ensuring that the new colleges meet the required standards of medical education and infrastructure will be crucial. The NMC and state authorities must work collaboratively to monitor and support these institutions, guaranteeing that they provide high-quality education and training.

 

The approval of three new undergraduate medical colleges in Karnataka by the National Medical Commission marks a significant milestone in the state's medical education sector. With an addition of 350 seats, Karnataka is poised to enhance its capacity to train future medical professionals, addressing both current and future healthcare demands. This strategic expansion, coupled with supportive policies and oversight, holds promise for improving healthcare accessibility and quality across the state.

 

As Karnataka continues to invest in medical education, it sets a precedent for other states to follow, highlighting the importance of proactive measures in building a robust and responsive healthcare system. The collaboration between the NMC, state authorities, and medical institutions will be pivotal in realizing the full potential of this expansion, ensuring that the benefits are felt across all regions and communities.

 

 

Also Read: Supreme Court Issues Notice to NTA Over Irregularities in NEET UG 2024