The National Medical Commission (NMC) has outlined guidelines stating that the batch size in new medical colleges for the academic year 2024-25 will be in the range of 50 to 150 students. In the past, MBBS batches accommodated up to 250 students, leading to crowded classrooms and restricted practical exposure.
According to the Undergraduate-Minimum Standards Regulations (UG-MSR) 2023, the ratio of 100 MBBS seats for every 10 lakh population in states/UTs should be followed by medical colleges.
By capping the MBBS seat count in medical colleges at just 150 and permitting only 100 seats per 10 lakh population, the NMC aims to address the issue of multiple hospitals in the same area.
"As per MSR 2023 issued on August 16, 2023, colleges seeking an increased number of seats cannot exceed a total of 150 MBBS students from the year 2024-25. Colleges seeking an increase in seats for admission shall have admitted batches fulfilling all the criteria for the number of seats admitted for the preceding academic year and shall also fulfill all the requirements for an increase in seat capacity," specifies the NMC guidelines.
Focus on quality and accessibility:
The NMC's reforms go beyond just numbers. The UGMSR 2023 mandates that new medical colleges must have functional hospitals with a minimum bed capacity to ensure students have access to practical training facilities. Additionally, annual renewals have been introduced to ensure colleges maintain quality standards throughout their operation."
The guidelines apply to every medical college or institution under the jurisdiction of the National Medical Commission (NMC) and/or intending to establish a new medical college or increase seats for the academic session starting from 2024-25.
Existing medical colleges are eligible to continue their admissions with the permitted/recognised number of MBBS seats from the academic year 2024-2025 only if they meet the requirements outlined in these guidelines published on August 1, 2023.