New Delhi: MBBS seats in India increased to 1,28,976 in the 2025-26 academic year from 1,09,115 in 2023-24, the Centre informed Parliament on Friday. The government also said the country’s doctor-population ratio had improved to 1:778.
Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda shared the figures in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. Meanwhile, the National Medical Commission (NMC) reported a significant rise in both undergraduate and postgraduate medical seats.
The government said MBBS seats increased by 19,861 during the period between AY 2023-24 and AY 2025-26. In addition, postgraduate medical seats rose from 31,185 to 86,360 over the same period. The expansion is aimed at strengthening medical education and improving the availability of trained doctors.
MBBS seats expand alongside medical workforce
The Centre also released updated data on registered medical practitioners. According to the Indian Medical Register, the country has 15,35,155 registered allopathic doctors. Similarly, the AYUSH system has 7,51,768 registered practitioners.
Furthermore, the government estimated that about 80% of registered practitioners in both systems are available for service. Based on that estimate, India’s doctor-population ratio has improved to 1:778.
The government said the increase in medical education capacity would help meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals. Moreover, additional undergraduate and postgraduate seats are expected to strengthen the healthcare system and improve access to medical services across the country.
The National Medical Commission continues to monitor the expansion of medical colleges and seat availability. Meanwhile, the Centre said the increase in admissions reflects its efforts to build a stronger healthcare workforce for the future.
The government said expanding medical education remains a priority to improve healthcare delivery. Finally, it said the increase in MBBS seats and postgraduate seats would support long-term growth in the country’s medical sector.
