NMC Clears 4,201 New PG Medical Seats in Private Colleges for 2025–26

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved 4,201 new postgraduate medical seats in broad specialties across private medical colleges for the 2025-26 academic session, more than doubling the existing capacity in the private sector. With this addition, the total number of PG seats in private institutions rises from 3,123 to 7,324, marking the largest single-year expansion of specialist training opportunities outside government colleges.

Karnataka leads with 712 newly sanctioned seats, followed by Uttar Pradesh (613) and Tamil Nadu (418). Other states that received substantial allocations include Maharashtra (389), Telangana (342), Gujarat (298), and Rajasthan (267). The new seats span critical disciplines, including 296 in MD Pediatrics, 418 in MD General Medicine, 512 in MS General Surgery, 378 in MD Radiology, and 402 in MD Anesthesiology, addressing long-standing shortages in these high-demand specialties.

The Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) of NMC issued the consolidated list late Sunday night after completing physical and virtual inspections of applicant institutions. The approval comes amid growing pressure to bridge the specialist-doctor deficit in India, where the current doctor-to-population ratio for super-specialists and broad-specialty consultants remains well below WHO recommendations.

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Medical education experts hailed the move as a game-changer for NEET-PG aspirants, especially those unable to secure government seats due to intense competition. However, concerns persist over infrastructure readiness and faculty availability in some newly approved colleges. The NMC has mandated that all institutions must meet minimum standards, including functional ICUs, operation theaters, and qualified teaching staff by the start of the academic session, failing which recognition may be withdrawn. Counselling for the additional seats is expected to be incorporated into the ongoing NEET-PG 2025 admission process.

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