Total MBBS Seats in India: An In-Depth Analysis

Medicine is one of the most sought-after careers in India, with lakhs of aspirants appearing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) every year. The dream to wear a white coat and serve humanity as a doctor drives students to invest years in preparation. However, the availability of MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) seats in India has always been a topic of concern and discussion. With the rising number of NEET applicants annually, the demand for MBBS seats far outweighs the supply.

Current Status of MBBS Seats in India (2025)

As of 2025, India has over 1.10 lakh (110,000+) MBBS seats across government, private, and deemed universities. These seats are distributed among approximately 720+ medical colleges recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC).

Breakdown of MBBS Seats

Note: Figures are approximate and based on latest data as of early 2025. Exact numbers may change as new colleges are added or existing ones increase intake.

Historical Growth of MBBS Seats

Over the past two decades, India has witnessed a steady growth in medical education infrastructure. In 2014, the number of MBBS seats was around 50,000. In less than a decade, this number has more than doubled due to the government’s aggressive push to improve healthcare and reduce doctor-patient ratio.

Key milestones:

• 2014: ~50,000 MBBS seats
  
  
• 2019: ~70,000 MBBS seats
  
  
• 2022: ~90,000 MBBS seats
  
  
• 2025: ~1,10,000+ MBBS seats
  
  

This growth has been driven by both public and private sector involvement. The government launched several initiatives to upgrade district hospitals into medical colleges, especially in underserved regions.

For our male healthcare professionals, we offer a wide range of comfortable and stylish scrubs for men, designed to enhance both comfort and professional image

Government vs Private MBBS Seats

Government Medical Colleges

Government colleges are highly preferred by students due to lower tuition fees (ranging between ₹10,000–₹1,00,000 annually) and better job security in the public health system. These colleges also offer reservations for SC/ST/OBC/EWS and other state quotas, giving students from marginalized backgrounds better access to medical education.

Private and Deemed Medical Colleges

Private colleges account for nearly 50% of MBBS seats in India. However, the fee structure in these institutions can range from ₹10 lakh to ₹25 lakh per year. While these colleges help bridge the seat gap, affordability remains a major concern. Some states have implemented fee regulation policies to curb exorbitant pricing, but implementation remains inconsistent.

State-Wise Distribution of MBBS Seats

MBBS seats are unevenly distributed across Indian states. Southern states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala have a dense concentration of medical colleges, both government and private. In contrast, the northeastern and some northern states lag behind.

Top 5 States with Highest MBBS Seats (2025 Estimates)

States with Lower MBBS Seat Availability

States like Bihar, Jharkhand, and some Northeastern states have relatively fewer medical colleges. The Government of India has launched the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) to establish new medical colleges attached to district hospitals, especially in such underserved states.

Click here to Explore All Women's Scrubs and discover our complete collection of comfortable and stylish medical apparel

NEET and MBBS Seat Competition

While the increase in MBBS seats is commendable, the number of NEET applicants is still much higher. In 2024, over 22 lakh students appeared for NEET-UG, competing for just over 1.1 lakh MBBS seats. This means that only 1 in 20 aspirants secures an MBBS seat, making it an extremely competitive exam.

Moreover, not all seats are available to every student. Many seats are under state quota, reservation categories, or management/NRI quota, further narrowing opportunities for general category students.

Recent Policy Reforms and Their Impact

National Medical Commission (NMC) Formation

The NMC replaced the Medical Council of India (MCI) in 2020 to bring transparency and efficiency in medical education. It simplified procedures for establishing new medical colleges and increased seat intake.

Establishment of New AIIMS

Under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), new AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) have been set up across several states, adding high-quality government MBBS seats.

District Hospital Medical Colleges

The government is converting district hospitals into medical colleges to provide better healthcare access and increase seat availability in rural areas. As of 2025, over 150 new medical colleges have been established this way.

Challenges in MBBS Seat Expansion

While the number of seats has grown, it has also introduced new challenges:

• Faculty Shortage: With rapid expansion, there’s a shortage of qualified faculty to maintain teaching standards.
  
  
• Infrastructure Concerns: Some new colleges lack adequate infrastructure or patient load for clinical training.
  
  
• Commercialization of Education: In private colleges, affordability and merit often clash due to the high cost of medical education.
  
  
• Urban-Rural Divide: Despite more colleges, rural areas still face a shortage of doctors due to poor incentives and facilities.
  
  

Opportunities Ahead

• Technology in Medical Education: Telemedicine, virtual labs, and AI-based learning tools can bridge training gaps in new institutions.
  
  
• International Collaboration: Partnerships with global institutions can enhance quality and curriculum standards.
  
  
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Encouraging PPP models can bring better governance in private colleges.