India Adds Nearly 10,000 MBBS Seats for 2026-27, Total Capacity Reaches Record 1.37 Lakh

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved 9,911 additional undergraduate medical (MBBS) seats for the 2026-27 academic session, taking the country's total MBBS capacity to a record 1,36,939. This marks a significant expansion in medical education infrastructure, aimed at addressing the persistent shortage of doctors in India.

According to the seat matrix released by the regulator, besides the additional seats, 1,27,028 seats have been renewed across existing colleges. The expansion comes through the establishment of 25 new medical colleges and increased intake in existing institutions. Of the new seats, 2,400 are in 25 newly established medical colleges (7 government and 18 private), while the remaining 7,511 have come from enhanced intake in existing colleges. Private institutions account for nearly 79% of the additional seats approved this year.

Explaining the sharp rise, Dr M K Ramesh, president of the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB), said the increase was driven by changes under the Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023. Earlier, a medical college could seek an increase in MBBS seats only after its first batch had completed four-and-a-half to five years. Under the new regulations, that restriction has been removed. Colleges can now apply for an increase in intake from the second year itself, provided they meet the prescribed norms.

The approved seat matrix covers 823 medical colleges across the country, including 441 government and 382 private institutions. Notably, institutes of national importance such as AIIMS and JIPMER are excluded from this matrix, as they have separate admission processes. The seat matrix will form the basis for this year's counselling for NEET-UG qualified candidates. NMC stated that the matrix could be revised if required, following decisions of the Appeal Committee or any other competent authority.

With MBBS seats reaching a record high, India is expected to expand its medical workforce. The Centre estimates the country's doctor-population ratio at 1:811, compared with the widely cited benchmark of one doctor per 1,000 population. However, the demand for MBBS seats remains high, with over 22 lakh candidates appearing for NEET-UG every year.

NMC also warned medical colleges against admitting students beyond the sanctioned intake, stating that any violation would attract regulatory and penal action under the NMC Act, 2019. Colleges have been asked to verify their approved seat matrix before counselling begins and report any discrepancies to MARB.