NMC denies permission to increase 50 more MBBS seats at SNM medical college Dhanbad

Dhanbad: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has denied permission to Shaheed Nirmal Mahato Medical College and Hospital (SNMMCH), Dhanbad, to increase its MBBS intake from 100 to 150 seats for the 2026-27 academic year due to a shortage of teaching faculty.

Jagran has reported that the Commission did not approve the government's request for 150 MBBS seats, since around 42% of the sanctioned posts of professors, associate professors and assistant professors remain vacant. As a result, only 100 MBBS seats will be available at the college for the 2026-27 academic session.

According to NMC guidelines, a medical college seeking an increase in MBBS seats must maintain the prescribed faculty and staff for its existing intake. The Commission assesses infrastructure, clinical material and other academic and clinical indicators before approving an increase in seats. The guidelines specifically state that an application for increasing MBBS seats will not be considered if the college has failed to maintain the required faculty strength.

The state government had earlier assured the authorities that the faculty shortage would be addressed. However, the college could not meet the required faculty strength in time to secure approval for the proposed increase in MBBS seats.

Few days ago, the state government appointed seven professors to SNMMCH on a contractual basis. However, regular appointments to fill the vacant positions are yet to be made.

The decision has disappointed medical aspirants who were expecting 50 additional MBBS seats at the college this academic year. With the proposed increase not approved, SNMMCH will continue with its existing intake of 100 MBBS seats for 2026-27.

Commenting on this, Dr RK Mahato, Principal, SNMMCH told Jagran,"An attempt was made to enrol for 150 seats, but permission was not granted. This time, the college is preparing to enrol only for 100 seats."

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