New Delhi: The Union Minister of State for Health recently informed the parliament that according to the National Medical Commission (NMC), the number of MBBS seats in the country has risen from 51,348 in 2013-14 to 1,28,976 at present.In response to the Lok Sabha question regarding the shortage of medical seats in the country, MoS Health Smt Anupriya Patel informed, “As reported by the National Medical Commission (NMC), the number of Medical Colleges has increased by 111.36 % from 387 in 2013-14 to 818 at present. Further, it has been informed that MBBS seats have increased by 151.18%, from 51,348 before 2013–14 to 1,28,976 at present, thereby contributing to improved accessibility to medical education.”Along with this, the parliament member sought details from the Minister regarding the possibility of a huge shortage in the total number of seats available as compared to the number of candidates appearing in the NEET-UG examination in the country during the current year, whether the students securing high marks are compelled to migrate abroad for medical studies for this reason and whether the Government proposes to take any action to address such migration of students for medical education abroad.Also read- Health Ministry approves 50 MBBS seats at AIIMS Rewari for 2026-27Responding to these questions, Patel informed that the government has made concerted efforts on expanding the medical college infrastructure under various CSS Schemes over the last one decade so that medical education becomes more affordable. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare administers a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for ‘Establishment of new medical colleges attached with existing district/referral hospitals’ with preference to underserved areas and aspirational districts, where there is no existing Government or private medical college. She further added that a total of 157 Medical Colleges have been approved in the various districts across the country. Further, the Cabinet has approved the extension of the CSS for Strengthening and Upgradation of existing State Government/ Central Government Medical Colleges/ Standalone PG Institutes/ Government Hospitals for increasing 5,000 PG seats and extension of the CSS for upgradation of existing government medical colleges for increasing 5,023 MBBS seats with an enhanced cost ceiling of Rs. 1.50 crore per seat.”The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) conducts counselling for undergraduate medical courses as per the scheme laid down by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. The counselling is strictly as per merit, and it is ensured that the candidates are allotted medical seats as per their rank and priority,” said the Minister. Further, Patel informed that the government continuously endeavours to make medical education more affordable. The fee structure for the MBBS course differs from State to State in Government / Private Medical Colleges as per the guidelines issued by the concerned State Fee Regulatory Authorities. In order to make medical education affordable and accessible in the country, the MoS Health stated that the fee structure of Government medical colleges is subsidised. In accordance with the provisions of the Constitution (103rd Amendment Act, 2019), there is a reservation of 10% in UG/PG medical seats for economically weaker sections of the society.Also read- 43 new medical colleges established, 11,682 MBBS, 8,967 PG seats approved for 2025-26: MoS Health tells Parliament