Odisha to review MBBS seat increase after NMC extends relaxation for 2026-27
Odisha: The Directorate of Medical Education and Training (DMET) has decided to review the number of seats in medical colleges in Odisha and determine whether to apply for an increase in seats.
This decision comes after the National Medical Commission (NMC) decided to continue the temporary relaxation of MBBS admission rules for existing medical colleges for the 2026-27 academic year. Odisha has a total of 14 government medical colleges.
Meanwhile, medical colleges wishing to increase their MBBS seats must fill out an application form, which will be accepted through the official NMC website. The application window will open on December 29 and remain open until 6 PM on January 28. Additionally, those who wish to establish new medical colleges can also apply online.
On Wednesday, DMET Dr Santosh Mishra said that he would soon hold a review meeting to determine whether the number of seats in government medical colleges could be increased. He added, "We will meet with representatives from the 14 government medical colleges and decide whether to increase the MBBS seats," according to a TOI report.
He also explained that increasing the number of seats requires infrastructure such as classrooms and laboratories. Therefore, on this, he further added, "During the inspection, NMC officials will review and verify these parameters before granting permission to increase the number of seats."
Odisha has a total of 2,650 MBBS seats across 14 government medical colleges, three private colleges, and two deemed universities. Of these, SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack and MKCG Medical College in Berhampur each have 250 MBBS seats, while Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) in Burla has 200 seats. Similarly, the medical colleges in Koraput and Baripada each have 125 MBBS seats, while those in Balangir, Balasore, Puri, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Bhawanipatna, Kandhamal, and Talcher each have 100 seats.
