New Delhi, March, 2026 – India’s medical education landscape has transformed dramatically, with MBBS seats more than doubling to 1,28,976 from 51,348 in 2013, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel informed Parliament today. The revelation, shared during Question Hour in Lok Sabha, underscores the government’s push to bridge the doctor shortage amid rising healthcare demands.
Replying to queries on medical infrastructure, Patel credited the expansion to 354 new medical colleges established since 2014 under the National Medical Commission (NMC). “From 387 colleges in 2013, we now have 741, adding over 77,000 seats in the last decade,” she stated, highlighting Ayushman Bharat and PM-JAY schemes fueling private investments.
The growth rate accelerated post-2020, with 2025 alone witnessing 10,000 new seats via 28 greenfield colleges in underserved states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Patel noted a doctor-population ratio improvement from 1:1,445 to nearing the WHO’s 1:1,000 benchmark. “Yet, equitable distribution remains key – rural postings are now mandatory for fresh graduates.”
Opposition MPs pressed on quality concerns, citing faculty shortages in 20% of colleges. Patel assured stricter NMC inspections and ₹5,000 crore allocation for upgrades. Medical aspirants celebrated online, with #MoreDoctors trending.
This boom supports India’s ambition to export 50,000 doctors annually by 2030, boosting ‘Heal in India’ medical tourism. Full data is available on nmc.org.in, with NEET-UG 2026 registrations opening soon.