NMC Opens Applications for New Medical Colleges and MBBS Seat Expansion in 2026–27

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has officially opened the application process for the establishment of new medical colleges and expansion of MBBS undergraduate (UG) seats for MBBS Seat Expansion in academic year 2026–27. This major regulatory update is expected to significantly impact medical education in India by increasing access to MBBS seats while maintaining strict quality standards.

Applications will be accepted only through the online mode from December 29, 2025, to January 28, 2026, via the official NMC portal. Offline submissions will not be considered under any circumstances.

NMC MBBS Seat Expansion in 2026–27

The notification issued by the National Medical Commission applies to two broad categories:

1. Institutions proposing to establish new medical colleges with undergraduate MBBS courses.
2. Existing medical colleges seeking an increase in MBBS seat intake for the 2026–27 academic year.

All applicant institutions must comply with:

• Applicable NMC regulations
• Minimum Standard Requirement (MSR) documents
• Relevant guidelines and circulars issued by NMC and other competent authorities

Failure to meet any of these requirements may result in rejection of the application at any stage of scrutiny.

Important Dates to Remember

Institutions are advised not to wait until the last date, as incomplete submissions or technical delays may lead to disqualification.

Role of MARB and Temporary Relaxation in MSR

For the academic year 2026–27, the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) has placed one specific provision of the UG Medical Education MSR, 2023 in abeyance.

Key Clarification on Seat Limits

• A medical college seeking an increase in MBBS seats cannot exceed a total intake of 150 MBBS students from the academic year 2025–26 onwards.
• Additionally, colleges must follow the ratio of 100 MBBS seats per 10 lakh population in the respective State or Union Territory.

This measure aims to balance regional healthcare needs with educational capacity, ensuring that seat expansion aligns with population-based requirements.

Eligibility and Compliance Requirements

Applicant institutions must ensure strict adherence to:

• Infrastructure norms (college buildings, lecture halls, laboratories)
• Hospital facilities, including bed strength and clinical exposure
• Faculty strength as per prescribed ratios
• Equipment and learning resources
• Compliance with all statutory approvals from relevant authorities

NMC has emphasized that any deviation from MSR norms or incomplete documentation may result in rejection without further consideration.

Step-by-Step Application Process (AY 2026–27)

Below is a simplified guide to the application process as outlined by NMC:

Application Steps (In Brief)

1. Only online applications will be accepted for AY 2026–27.
2. Applicants must access the designated portal for:
   • New medical colleges, or
   • MBBS seat increase.
3. New medical college applicants must:
   • Register using a valid email ID
   • Create a secure password.
4. Existing medical colleges seeking seat expansion must:
   • Log in using their NMC-registered email ID.
5. The same registered credentials must be used for all future logins.
6. After login, the application form opens automatically.
7. An application number is generated only after:
   • Successful submission
   • Upload of required documents
   • Payment of applicable fees.
8. The generated application number must be quoted in all future correspondence with NMC.
9. Applicants are advised to check the detailed fee structure on the official NMC website before submission.

Why This Announcement Matters

For Medical Institutions

• Provides an opportunity to expand capacity and meet growing demand.
• Encourages new investments in medical education infrastructure.
• Ensures transparency through a centralized, online application system.

For Medical Aspirants

• Potential increase in MBBS seats across states and Union Territories.
• Improved access to medical education in underserved regions.
• Strengthened quality assurance through MSR-based approvals.

Impact on Medical Education in India

India has been witnessing a steady rise in demand for medical education, particularly for MBBS courses. By opening applications for new colleges and seat expansion, the National Medical Commission aims to:

• Reduce the doctor-to-patient ratio
• Improve availability of trained medical professionals
• Strengthen healthcare delivery at the grassroots level
• Promote equitable distribution of medical colleges nationwide

This initiative aligns with long-term national health goals and workforce planning.

Conclusion

The decision that NMC opens applications for new medical colleges and MBBS seat expansion in 2026–27 marks a significant step toward strengthening India’s medical education ecosystem. With clearly defined timelines, strict compliance requirements, and population-based planning, the initiative aims to balance expansion with quality assurance.

Institutions planning to apply should begin preparations early, ensure full regulatory compliance, and complete the online process well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)