Year-Wise Breakdown of Applications and Approvals
According to the official figures presented in Parliament, the NMC has processed applications consistently over the last five academic years, approving a significant proportion of proposals.
| Academic Year | Applications Received | Colleges Approved |
|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | 82 | 48 |
| 2022–23 | 83 | 46 |
| 2023–24 | 86 | 54 |
| 2024–25 | 112 | 74 |
| 2025–26 | 80 | 43 |
This brings the total approvals to 265 out of 443 applications, reflecting a strong push toward increasing the number of medical institutions in the country.
Peak Growth Observed in 2024–25
The data highlights that the highest number of approvals (74) was recorded in the academic year 2024–25, indicating a peak in expansion efforts. Meanwhile, 43 colleges have been approved so far in 2025–26 out of 80 applications received.
Expansion Across States and UTs
The government also shared state-wise data showing a steady increase in the number of undergraduate medical colleges across India. Major states such as:
- Uttar Pradesh (rising to 88 colleges)
- Maharashtra (85 colleges)
- Tamil Nadu (78 colleges)
- Karnataka (72 colleges)
- Telangana (66 colleges)
have witnessed substantial growth over the five-year period.
This expansion reflects a broader policy focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure and increasing access to medical education nationwide.
Regulatory Framework: Mandatory NMC Approval
The government emphasized thatno medical college can be established without prior approval from the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB), functioning under the NMC.
As per the Establishment of New Medical Institutions, Starting of New Medical Courses, Increase of Seats for Existing Courses & Assessment and Rating Regulations, 2023, institutions must obtain written permission from MARB before starting operations or admitting students.
This ensures that all new colleges meet prescribed standards in terms of infrastructure, faculty, and clinical facilities.
Parliament Query on Private Participation
The data was presented in response to questions raised by Members of Parliament regarding:
- The number of new medical colleges permitted in the last five years
- The total applications received by the NMC
- Whether private entities are allowed to establish medical colleges
The government clarified that applications from eligible entities, including private players, are considered, subject to regulatory approval and compliance with NMC norms.
Boost to Medical Education and Healthcare Capacity
The steady increase in approvals aligns with the government’s broader goal of:
- Expanding MBBS and postgraduate seats
- Addressing doctor shortages
- Improving healthcare access, especially in underserved regions
Recent updates also indicate that thousands of new MBBS and PG seats have been added alongside new colleges, further strengthening India’s medical education ecosystem.
The latest data underscores a significant expansion in India’s medical education landscape, with the National Medical Commission playing a central role in regulating and approving new institutions. While the approval rate reflects strong growth, the regulatory framework ensures that quality and standards are maintained.
As India continues to scale up its healthcare capacity, the establishment of new medical colleges is expected to play a crucial role in meeting future demands for trained medical professionals.