India approves 10,023 new medical seats with ₹15,034 crore investment
New Delhi, 27 Sept 2025 – In a landmark decision on 24 September, the Cabinet approved 10,023 additional medical seats (UG + PG) across existing government medical colleges and hospitals. This move is part of a broader vision to scale up 75,000 new medical seats over the next five years.
Key Highlights
- Approved on 24 Sept 2025, covering 2025–29.
- Investment: ₹15,034 crore (68.5% Centre, 31.5% States).
- Medical colleges doubled to 808 in 2025–26 (from 387 in 2013–14).
- UG seats up 141%, PG seats up 144% in past decade.
- New NMC rules widen faculty pool, allow faster UG/PG expansion.
Growth of Medical Seats (2013–14 vs 2025–26)
| Category | 2013–14 Seats | 2025–26 Seats | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBBS | 51,348 | 1,08,940 | +112% |
| PG | 31,185 | 70,645 | +127% |
| Total | 82,533 | 1,79,585 | +118% |
Why This Matters
Addressing Doctor Shortage – Many rural, tribal, and remote regions suffer from inadequate access to qualified doctors and specialists. This expansion directly addresses that gap.
Cost-efficient Use of Infrastructure – By adding seats in existing institutions, the government optimizes investments and leverages infrastructure already in place.
Boost to Aspirants & Medical Workforce – More students will get the opportunity to pursue medical education in India, reducing outflow to foreign institutions. It also fuels demand for faculty, paramedical staff, researchers, and ancillary services.
Toward India as a Medical Education Hub – With improved quality, broader capacity, and new regulatory flexibility, India is positioning itself as a global destination for accessible, high-quality medical education.
Source: Press Information Bureau
