In a landmark move to strengthen medical education, the Union Cabinet approved the third phase of a flagship scheme to expand capacity in government medical colleges. The plan includes a 15% NRI quota in Karnataka government colleges and the creation of 450 additional medical seats.
10,000 New MBBS and PG Seats by 2028–29
Over the next three years, the government will add 5,023 MBBS seats and 5,000 postgraduate (PG) seats across the country. This expansion will significantly boost India’s healthcare workforce while giving thousands of medical aspirants the chance to pursue education within India.
Massive Investment in Medical Education
As reported by India Today, the third phase of the scheme will cost ₹15,034 crore. It is part of a larger national target to create 75,000 new medical seats in five years, as announced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the 2025–26 Union Budget.
Why This Expansion Matters
By increasing medical seats, the government aims to:
- Improve access to quality healthcare in underserved regions
- Ensure cost-effective use of existing infrastructure
- Strengthen postgraduate training opportunities
- Reduce dependence on foreign medical education
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor welcomed the move, calling it a step toward affordable education and reduced talent drain, while urging further expansion to meet growing demand.
Earlier Phases Paved the Way
The scheme has already seen two successful phases:
- Phase 1: Added 4,977 MBBS seats across 83 colleges (₹5,972 crore) and 4,058 PG seats across 72 colleges (₹1,498 crore).
- Phase 2: Added 4,000 MBBS seats across 65 colleges with ₹4,478 crore allocated.
Together, these efforts bridge the gap between medical aspirants and available seats while improving healthcare capacity.
Medical Seat Availability Nearly Doubled Since 2014
India now offers 1.2 lakh MBBS seats and 74,306 PG seats, compared to only 51,328 MBBS and 31,185 PG seats in 2014. This sharp rise comes as over 20 lakh students appear for NEET annually, underscoring the urgent demand for medical seats.
Multiple Government Initiatives Fuel Growth
Beyond adding seats, the government has introduced measures to:
- Establish new medical colleges alongside district hospitals
- Expand existing institutions
- Set up new AIIMS under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY)
These steps also aim to curb the flow of Indian students abroad, especially after disruptions in countries like China, Ukraine, and the Philippines due to war, pandemics, and regulatory issues.
A Step Toward Self-Reliance in Healthcare
The third phase of expansion signals a decisive step in making India self-reliant in medical education and healthcare delivery. By creating affordable and accessible training opportunities, the government hopes to strengthen public health and reduce the pressure on students to study abroad.