Lok Sabha Question No. 4807 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-20
Subject: Shortage of Medical Seats
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Giridhari Yadav, Shri Ramprit Mandal

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 4807 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20 TH MARCH, 2026

## SHORTAGE OF MEDICALSEATS

## †4807. SHRI RAMPRIT MANDAL: SHRI GIRIDHARI YADAV:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether there is a huge shortage in the total number of seats available as compared to the number of candidates appearing in the NEET-UG examination in the country during the current year and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the students securing high marks are compelled to migrate abroad for medical studies for this reason, if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether the Government proposes to take any action to address such migration of students for medical education abroad, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. ANUPRIYAPATEL)

(a) to (c): As reported by the National Medical Commission (NMC), the number of Medical Colleges have increased by 111.36 % from 387 in 2013-14 to 818 at present. Further, it has been informed that MBBS seats have increased by 151.18%, from 51,348 before 2013-14 to 1,28,976 at present, thereby contributing to improved accessibility to medical education.

The government has made concerted efforts on expanding the medical college infrastructure under various CSS Schemes over last one decade so that medical education becomes more affordable. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare administers a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for 'Establishment of new medical colleges attached with existing district/referral hospitals' with preference to underserved areas and aspirational districts, where there is no existing Government or private medical college. A total of 157 Medical Colleges have been approved in the various districts across the country. Further, the Cabinet has approved the extension of the CSS for Strengthening and Upgradation of existing State

Government/ Central Government Medical Colleges/ Standalone PG Institutes/ Government Hospitals for increasing 5,000 PG seats and extension of the CSS for upgradation of existing government medical colleges for increasing 5,023 MBBS seats with an enhanced cost ceiling of Rs. 1.50 crore per seat.

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) conducts counselling for undergraduate medical courses as per the scheme laid down by the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India. The counselling is strictly as per merit and it is ensured that the candidates are allotted medical seats as per their rank and priority.

Further, Government continuously endeavours to make medical education more affordable.The fee structure for MBBS course differs from State to State in Government / Private Medical Colleges as per the guidelines issued by concerned State Fee Regulatory Authorities. In order to make medical education affordable and accessible in the country, the fee structure of Government medical colleges is subsidized. In accordance with the provision of the Constitiution (103rd Amendment Act, 2019), there is a reservation of 10% in UG/PG medical seats for economically weaker sections of the society.

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