From 2014 till date, the number of medical colleges has more than doubled- from 387 to 780, while UG (MBBS) seats have risen from 51,348 to 1,15,900 and PG seats from 31,185 to 74,306.
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare shared these figures in Parliament, citing data from the National Medical Commission (NMC). Additionally, there are 13.86 lakh registered allopathic doctors and 7.51 lakh AYUSH practitioners across India. Factoring in availability, the estimated doctor-population ratio now stands at approximately 1:811.
"As per information provided by National Medical Commission (NMC), there are 13,86,157 registered allopathic doctors. According to the Ministry of AYUSH, there are 7,51,768 registered practitioners in the AYUSH system of medicine. Assuming that 80% of registered practitioners in both the allopathic and AYUSH systems are available, the doctor-population ratio in the country is estimated to be 1:811," it added.
Also Read:NEET 2025: 1,15,900 MBBS seats across 775 Medical Colleges up for grabs
The Guidelines for Undergraduate Courses, as outlined in the Establishment of New Medical Institutions, Starting of New Medical Courses, Increase of Seats for Existing Courses & Assessment and Rating Regulations 2023 (MSR-2023), specify the minimum infrastructure and faculty requirements based on student intake.
The health ministry further stated that to address geographic and regional disparities, the Government is implementing following schemes with preference to underserved areas and aspirational districts:
a. Centrally Sponsored Scheme for establishment of new medical college by upgrading district/ referral hospital under which 131 new medical colleges are functional out of 157 approved medical colleges.
b. Centrally Sponsored Scheme for strengthening/ upgradation of existing State Government/Central Government Medical Colleges to increase MBBS and PG seats.
c. Under “Upgradation of Government Medical Colleges by construction of Super Specialty Blocks” of Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) scheme, a total of 75 projects has been approved, of which 71 projects are complete.
d. Under the Central Sector Scheme for setting up of new AIIMS, 22 AIIMS have been approved. Undergraduate courses have been started in 19 of these.
Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) officially released the tentative list of medical colleges and MBBS seat matrix for NEET 2025 counselling.
According to the notification, a total of 775 medical colleges across 35 states and union territories will participate in the undergraduate medical admission process this year.
As per the seat matrix shared by the National Medical Commission (NMC) with the MCC, a total of 1,15,900 MBBS seats will be available for allotment in the first round of counselling. This comprehensive seat matrix includes colleges under the All India Quota (AIQ), State Quotas, Central Universities, Deemed Universities, and AIIMS/JIPMER institutions.
Also Read:13,436 Medical seats Added during 2024-25 academic year: MoS Health
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