Will MBBS Seats Increase in 2024?

No wonder, an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) is one of the best medical degrees in the world. However, the applications-to-seat ratio is always quite high in the NEET UG Exam compared to other streams like JEE or CUET. Limited medical seats available in India are the main reason behind the competition of NEET. So, Will MBBS Seats Increase in 2024? Let’s check out the stats here!

Speaking of MBBS Seats in India, the National Medical Commission (NMC) is the ultimate decision maker on whether to increase or decrease the seats all over the country. Even though increasing seats benefits a lot of students, NMC has many complications while considering this matter. So, this blog will break down the concerns around the increase in MBBS Seats 2024. 

Increasing MBBS Seats in India: Good or Bad?

This question brings out a big debate among students, parents, and medical colleges. Let’s take a look at all the positive and negative impacts of increasing MBBS seats in India.

First of all, increasing MBBS seats in India produce more doctors in multiple specialties that will primarily benefit the patients. So, an increase in MBBS seats will surely eradicate the shortage of doctors, especially in regions where healthcare facilities are needed or limited. After all, if NMC increases MBBS seats in 2024, it will improve the doctor-patient ratio. This will change the dynamic of medical facilities in India, as the increasing number of doctors can handle better healthcare accessibility and outcomes.

An increase in the number of medical seats will require the expansion of infrastructure in multiple medical specialties. So, the growth in seats will indirectly improve overall growth and development in the sector.

Speaking of the negative impacts of an increase in MBBS seats, the quality of medical education will be compromised while increasing the number of seats. Increasing the no.of seats all of sudden will end up creating an imbalance in infrastructure and other essential resources. Also, medical colleges might suffer in finding new experienced faculty if the no.of seats increases. 

Will NMC Decrease the MBBS Seats in 2024?

According to the latest internet rumors, the NMC might be considering limiting the MBBS Seats in India. A few sources claimed that the NMC is planning forward to limit the NEET 2024 MBBS Seats to 100 per Million applications. This process includes the state-wise limitations. However, a few southern state boards opposed this idea of limiting medical seats in India. The current situation of the highest competition may not favor the limiting or decreasing medical seats in India. 

Also, the NMC did not react to this situation. So, we cannot conclude this rumour is true. It’s final that the NMC will not decrease the MBBS seats in 2024.

How Will NMC Increase Medical Seats in India?

We all know that the increasing population and increasing health risks demand the best health care. Speaking of India, this country’s highest population needs a corresponding rise in medical care needs contributing to the demand for more medical professionals. Increasing the number of MBBS seats might help this problem. This is why the national and state governments are acknowledging the importance of medical improvements. Hence, each year, the governments implement Various initiatives and policies to encourage and facilitate the expansion of medical education infrastructure.

The NMC must consider the technological advancements of the colleges before deciding the seat allocation. So the NMC must check all the online platforms, virtual classrooms, and advanced simulation technologies to make it feasible to accommodate more students without compromising the quality of education.

The NMC also considers the global health challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, before marginalizing the future doctors count. Increasing or decreasing MBBS seats is seen as a strategic response to enhance the healthcare workforce’s preparedness for unforeseen challenges.

Another unexpected announcement from the IIT Kharagpur recently made a buzz over the internet. The technical university announced that they will likely commence an MBBS degree in the near future. If this happens, the NMC will have to extend the medical seat count in India. If this initiative works, other IITs might show interest in participating in adding MBBS to their curriculum which eventually increases medical seat count in India. Since IITs have more global impact compared to any medical college in India, this idea would benefit NMC in more International agreements and collaborations regarding some medical degrees in India. After all, this may influence the availability of seats for foreign students as well as local students in Indian medical colleges.

Last but not least, the NMC collaborates with both private and government-funded institutions and conducts proper research by checking all the infrastructure before allowing them the allocate seats. Besides, Public-private partnerships often charge higher fees than government colleges and may have different admission criteria that can help leverage resources and infrastructure, leading to the establishment of new medical colleges.

Will MBBS Seats Increase in 2024?

Well, there is no confirmation that the NMC will increase the Medical seats in 2024. However, we cannot conclude that the seat numbers will increase or decrease at the moment since we do not have any official notification from NMC.

First, the NMC doesn’t let any college decide the seats. According to the latest 2024-25 seat allocation norms, each college has the authority to extend the seat range up to 150 seats only. Previously, the NMC used to extend the seats from 200 to 250 if the colleges asked for special permits. However, this year, the NMC made it clear that the colleges do not have any permit to extend the medical seats to more than 250. 

Apart from all the unexpected and unrealistic changes that might happen in NEET UG 2024, the expected medical seats in India will be 1,72,948. Which 91,927 MBBS seats, 27,698 BDS seats, 52,720 AYUSH seats, and 603 BVSc & AH seats will be offered by 612 medical and 317 dental colleges. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there may be various reasons for considering an increase in MBBS Seats 2024. , it is essential to carefully weigh the potential negative and positive impacts on healthcare accessibility, quality, and the overall health system. Also, the NMC has to address the challenges in healthcare, such as improving infrastructure, increasing the efficiency of medical education, and incentivizing doctors to work in underserved areas before finalizing the MBBS Seats

Since the NMC didn’t release any official info about the 2024 medical seats, we suggest the students wait for the official announcement. After all, the NMC will make any decision after careful consideration of all the pros and cons of Medical seats being increased.