PGIMER Chandigarh to start MBBS course from main campus in 2027
Chandigarh: Not waiting for its new building in Sarangpur to roll out the MBBS programme, the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) has decided to start the course from its existing infrastructure from the 2027 academic session.
The institute will initially begin with 50 MBBS seats from its main campus, and the intake will increase to 125 seats over the next three to four years after the Sarangpur campus becomes ready.
Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the Sarangpur satellite centre project, originally proposed in 2017, involves the development of a sprawling 50.76-acre campus intended to house a new MBBS college, advanced treatment centres, and speciality hospitals. The Union Cabinet approved the transfer of the land to PGI in 2019, but the Chandigarh administration only officially handed over possession in November 2021 after prolonged discussions.
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Speaking to Times of India, PGIMER Director Prof Vivek Lal said the institute does not want to wait for the construction of the Sarangpur facility to begin the MBBS programme.
In addition, the director also confirmed that the proposed medical college will not come under the National Medical Commission (NMC), while admission to the MBBS programme will be through the National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET).
"The medical college will not be under the National Medical Commission, but the intake shall be through the NEET entrance examination. We are exploring options, but we will definitely start MBBS in either PU, GMCH or our existing campus after working out the formalities. The building will take its own time to be constructed," he said.
As part of the plan, the standing academic committee and standing finance committee have already approved the syllabus for the MBBS programme. The syllabus will now be placed before the governing body and institute body for final ratification.
Meanwhile, the Department of Expenditure under the Ministry of Finance has granted in-principle approval for establishing a 125-seat MBBS medical college at the Sarangpur campus, along with academic, administrative, teaching and residential infrastructure.
Following observations and revisions sought by the ministry, PGIMER submitted a revised detailed project report and Delegated Investment Board proposal worth Rs 456 crore in September 2026.
According to the plan, the first phase of the Sarangpur project will include the medical college, administrative block, an 800-seat auditorium, sports complex, residential quarters, hostels and a shopping complex.
To ensure integrated and systematic development of the Sarangpur site, the task of preparing the master plan has been assigned to the Hospital Services Consultancy Corporation (HSCC). The proposed master plan has been submitted to UT authorities for formal clearance, which is expected by Sept 30, 2027.
Construction of the permanent medical college building, hostels, staff quarters and other facilities will begin after approval of the master plan. PGIMER has also sought a separate cadre for teaching MBBS students. Prof Lal said the institute hopes the proposal will be approved.
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