The Medical Seat Expansion Scheme has entered its third phase, with the Union Cabinet approving the addition of 5,023 MBBS seats and 5,000 PG seats in government medical colleges over the next three years. This initiative aims to expand medical education access and strengthen India’s healthcare workforce.
The project, estimated at Rs 15,034 crore, is part of a broader target to add 75,000 new medical seats over five years, as announced in the 2025-26 Union Budget. The expansion will improve doctor availability, promote regional balance, and enhance postgraduate training across the country.
Earlier phases of the scheme have already boosted capacity significantly. The first phase added 4,977 MBBS and 4,058 PG seats, while the second phase added 4,000 MBBS seats in various colleges. Currently, India has around 1.2 lakh MBBS seats and 74,306 PG seats, almost double the 2014 figures.
Along with expanding existing colleges, the scheme also includes setting up new medical colleges alongside district hospitals and establishing new AIIMS under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY). These efforts aim to make medical education more affordable, reduce the number of students seeking education abroad, and strengthen India’s public healthcare system.
The Medical Seat Expansion Scheme marks a significant step toward self-reliance in medical education, ensuring more opportunities for aspiring doctors and better healthcare access nationwide.
