NMC Clarifies Over Fake News Regarding New Medical Colleges

The National Medical Commission (NMC) issued a clarification over the fake news related to the increase in the number of undergraduate or postgraduate seats in medical colleges for 2024-25 and the opening up of new medical colleges in the country. There was news that MARB has permitted new colleges which will add more seats to the existing number of medical seats for admission.

Rejecting any such reports, NMC said that it has been observed that there is some fake news in print and electronic media making rounds regarding the establishment of new medical colleges and the grant of UG/PG seats in various medical courses. However, the commission has not sanctioned any new medical college or increased seats in medical courses for 2024-25. Any decision about the increase in number of seats will be published on the official website, the commission said.

Under the public notice issued on April 10, the commission appealed to all the stakeholders and the general public neither to give attention to nor take any cognizance of any misleading news published by print or electronic media concerning the fake information.

Notably, the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) grants permission for the establishment of new medical institutions, to increase the number of seats, and to start any postgraduate course in medical colleges.

As per the reports, MARB received a total of 112 applications for the establishment of new medical colleges in the 2024-25 academic session, along with 58 applications to increase the MBBS seats in existing medical colleges. However, no decision has been taken so far about the request made and any future decision taken will be published officially by the commission.

At present, there are 695 medical colleges in India. In total, these colleges have 1,06,333 medical seats for admission. In the year 2023, 5150 seats were added to the available seats.