The Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) is one of the best medical undergraduate courses in India for aspiring medical students across the country for admission to medical colleges to pursue this program. The total number of MBBS seats in India plays a significant role in shaping the future of healthcare professionals in the country.
MBBS education is provided by both government and private medical colleges, which are recognized and regulated by the National Medical Commission (NMC), previously known as the Medical Council of India (MCI). The total number of MBBS seats in India has been steadily increasing over the years due to the demand for healthcare professionals and the government’s focus on enhancing the healthcare sector.
An Overview of Total Number of MBBS Seats in India
Total MBBS Seats in India (2025)
| State / Union Territory | Government Colleges | Private Colleges | Total MBBS Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | 13 | 18 | 5,210 |
| Assam | 13 | 0 | 1,600 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 1 | 0 | 50 |
| Bihar | 11 | 2 | Data not available |
| Chandigarh | 1 | 0 | 150 |
| Chhattisgarh | 7 | 3 | 1,345 |
| Delhi | 8 | 2 | 1,422 |
| Goa | 1 | 0 | 180 |
| Gujarat | 18 | 13 | 5,700 |
| Haryana | 5 | 7 | 1,660 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 7 | 1 | 920 |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 9 | 1 | 1,135 |
| Jharkhand | 7 | 1 | 780 |
| Karnataka | 19 | 41 | 9,345 |
| Kerala | 10 | 21 | 4,105 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 14 | 9 | 3,585 |
| Maharashtra | 26 | 31 | 9,000 |
| Manipur | 2 | 0 | 225 |
| Mizoram | 1 | 0 | 100 |
| Odisha | 8 | 4 | 1,950 |
| Puducherry | 2 | 7 | 1,530 |
| Punjab | 4 | 6 | 1,425 |
| Rajasthan | 16 | 8 | 4,200 |
| Sikkim | 0 | 1 | 50 |
| Tamil Nadu | 36 | 26 | 8,000 |
| Telangana | 11 | 23 | 5,240 |
| Tripura | 1 | 1 | 225 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 26 | 31 | 7,428 |
| Uttarakhand | 4 | 2 | 825 |
| West Bengal | 20 | 6 | 4,000 |
| Total | 117,975 | ||
The total number of MBBS seats in India is approximately 100,000+ across medical colleges in the country. India has increased in the number of medical colleges and MBBS seats in recent years. This expansion is in line with the government’s efforts to increase healthcare accessibility and address the shortage of medical professionals, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Over the years, more medical colleges have been established, and the existing colleges have increased the number of seats in order to fulfill the growing demand of medical colleges in India.
Government vs Private Medical Colleges Distribution of Seats
The total number of MBBS seats in India is distributed between government medical colleges and private medical colleges.Â
Seats in Government Medical Colleges
Government medical colleges in India have a significant number of MBBS seats. There are approximately 300 government medical colleges across India. These colleges offer around 50,000+ MBBS seats, making up nearly 50% of the total MBBS seats available in the country. Admission to government medical colleges is based on the results of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).
Seats in Private Medical Colleges
Private medical colleges in India also contribute a substantial number of MBBS seats. There are around 150 private medical colleges in India. These colleges together offer approximately 50,000+ MBBS seats, representing the other 50% of the total MBBS seats in India. Private medical colleges generally have higher tuition fees compared to government colleges, but they still attract students due to the limited number of government seats.
Increase in MBBS Seats Over the Years Trends
India has seen an increase in the number of MBBS seats over the last decade. The government has been working to establish new medical colleges and upgrade existing ones in order to the growing demand for medical education.
- Government Initiatives: The government of India, through various schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), has been funding the establishment of new medical colleges and expanding existing ones. The NMC Act, introduced in 2019, aims to regulate medical education and increase the number of medical colleges and seats in India.
- Opening of New Medical Colleges: The number of medical colleges in India also increased, with the establishment of new institutions in both urban and rural areas. This expansion is for ensuring that more students from India get access to medical education.
- Upgradation of Existing Colleges: Many existing medical colleges have also increased the number of MBBS seats in response to the demand. These upgrades have been an overall effort to improve healthcare infrastructure and medical education in the country.
Factors Affecting the Number of MBBS Seats in India
Several factors affecting the total number of MBBS seats in India:
- Government Policies: Government policies play a significant role in determining the growth of medical education in India. The expansion of medical colleges and the increase in the number of MBBS seats are driven by government initiatives aimed at addressing the country’s healthcare challenges.
- Infrastructure and Faculty Availability: The increase in MBBS seats is also contingent on the availability of infrastructure and qualified faculty members. The establishment of new medical colleges requires a significant investment in infrastructure, including teaching hospitals, classrooms, laboratories, and hostels.
- Demand for Healthcare Professionals: The increasing demand for healthcare professionals, driven by India’s growing population, aging demographic, and rising healthcare needs, has also led to an expansion in MBBS seats.
Distribution of MBBS Seats Across States in India
The distribution of MBBS seats across states varies significantly. Larger states such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka have a greater number of medical colleges and MBBS seats due to their population size and the demand for healthcare professionals. Smaller states may have fewer medical colleges but have also seen an increase in medical seats to meet regional demands.
- Uttar Pradesh: Uttar Pradesh has one of the highest numbers of MBBS seats in India, with more than 8,000+ seats spread across various government and private medical colleges.
- Maharashtra: Maharashtra has a number of medical colleges, offering around 7,000+ MBBS seats.
- Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu has seen an increase in the number of medical colleges and offers approximately 6,000 MBBS seats.
- Karnataka: Karnataka also has a significant number of MBBS seats, with more than 5,000 seats available in both government and private medical colleges.
Future Trends and Expectations for MBBS Seats in India
The future of MBBS education in India looks fine, with the government continuing to invest in the expansion of medical education to meet the rising demand for healthcare professionals.
- Increase in Medical Colleges: The government needs to increase the number of medical colleges to fill the gap in healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. More private medical colleges are also expected to open as the demand for medical education continues to rise.
- Improved Faculty Recruitment: Efforts will be made to recruit qualified faculty members to ensure that the increased number of MBBS seats does not compromise the education. Faculty Development Programs will also play a role in meeting the demands of an expanding medical education system.
FAQs:
Ans. There are approximately 100,000+ MBBS seats available in India across government and private medical colleges.
Ans. Approximately 50% of the total MBBS seats are in government medical colleges, and the remaining 50% are in private medical colleges.
Ans. To be eligible, candidates must have completed 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as subjects, and must have qualified the NEET-UG exam.
Ans. Candidates need to appear for the NEET UG exam and participate in the counseling process for seat allocation.
Ans. States like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka have the highest numbers of MBBS seats in India.
Connect with Us
Start your medical educational journey with the Admission Zone! Contact us today on 9205488482/ 7599994403 or WhatsApp us to explore a world of educational possibilities in the state and secure your admission to a brighter future.
Conclusion
The total number of MBBS seats in India has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by efforts to improve healthcare access and meet the growing demand for medical professionals. Despite the increasing number of seats, the competition for these seats remains high , and the NEET UG exam continues to be the primary for admission. With investments in medical education, the future looks bright for students aspiring to pursue a career in medicine.
