NMC Invites Applications for New Medical Colleges and MBBS Seat Expansion 2026-27

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has invited applications for the establishment of new medical colleges and expansion of MBBS seats in existing institutions for the academic year 2026-27. The official notice was issued by the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB), a statutory body under the NMC, and is dated December 21, 2025.

NMC Invites Applications for New Medical Colleges and MBBS Seat Expansion for 2026-27

This initiative is aimed at increasing the availability of MBBS seats in India, addressing the growing demand for medical education, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure across states and Union Territories. Eligible institutions are required to submit their applications online through the NMC portal within the prescribed timeline.

Scope of Applications

The invitation covers two categories:

• New medical colleges proposing to start MBBS courses
• Existing medical colleges seeking permission to increase their approved MBBS intake capacity

Both government and private medical institutions are eligible to apply, provided they meet the Minimum Standard Requirements (MSR) and other regulatory norms laid down by the NMC.

Temporary Relaxation in Seat Limits

For the 2026-27 academic session, the NMC has allowed temporary flexibility in MBBS intake limits, enabling institutions to apply for higher seat capacities than previously permitted. This one-time relaxation is intended to help bridge the shortage of doctors while maintaining quality standards in medical education.

Revised Fee Structure Introduced

A key highlight of the notice is the introduction of a new application and processing fee structure, applicable to both new colleges and seat expansion proposals.

• Private medical colleges applying for new MBBS courses must pay fees based on seat capacity (50, 100, or 150 seats), along with applicable GST.

• Government medical colleges have been given a relatively lower fee structure for the same seat capacities.

• For the first time, fees have also been introduced for MBBS seat expansion, calculated per additional block of 50 seats.

• A non-refundable registration fee is mandatory for all applicants.

This revised structure aims to bring transparency and uniformity in the approval process.

Security Deposit and Bank Guarantee Norms

Institutions proposing new medical colleges are required to submit a security deposit in the form of an electronic bank guarantee, valid for a fixed period. The amount varies according to the number of seats proposed.

Colleges seeking seat expansion must furnish additional bank guarantees proportionate to the increase in intake. Government colleges may submit official undertakings instead of bank guarantees, as per NMC guidelines.

Documentation and Compliance

Applicants must upload complete documentation, including:

• Essentiality Certificate from the State Government
• University affiliation consent
• Land ownership or lease documents
• Teaching hospital details
• Financial statements and infrastructure disclosures

Incomplete or incorrect applications are liable to be rejected.

Inspection and Approval Process

The MARB will conduct physical, virtual, or hybrid inspections to assess compliance with norms related to faculty strength, hospital facilities, infrastructure, and academic resources. Final approvals will be granted only after successful evaluation.

This move by the NMC reflects the government's broader objective of expanding medical education capacity while ensuring quality, accountability, and regulatory oversight for the upcoming academic year.