India currently has 86,360 postgraduate medical seats, with the Centre approving the creation of another 5,000 seats by the 2028-29 academic year. The expansion aims to strengthen specialist medical education and address the growing need for trained doctors.
Karnataka Leads State-Wise Seat Count
According to the state-wise data presented by the Union Health Ministry in Parliament, Karnataka has the highest number of PG medical seats at 10,092. Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu are also among the states with a high number of postgraduate seats.
As per Medical Dialogues, the government will implement the additional 5,000 seats under the third phase of its scheme to strengthen and upgrade existing state and central government medical colleges, standalone PG institutes and government hospitals.
Focus on Specialist Workforce
The expansion is expected to increase access to postgraduate medical training and strengthen India’s specialist healthcare workforce. The government has also approved 5,023 additional MBBS seats under the broader medical education expansion programme.