The National Medical Commission (NMC) has opened applications for institutions aiming to start new medical colleges or increase MBBS seats in existing colleges for the 2026–27 academic year. The notice, released by the NMC’s Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB), is part of efforts to strengthen medical education across India.
Applications will be accepted online only from December 29, 2025, to January 28, 2026, until 6 pm. Offline submissions will not be accepted.
The invitation applies to two types of applicants: new colleges planning to offer MBBS programs, and existing colleges seeking approval to increase their student intake. All applicants must meet NMC’s Minimum Standard Requirements (MSR) and other regulatory guidelines.
To address doctor shortages, the NMC has relaxed the cap on MBBS seats, which was linked to state population norms, for the 2026–27 academic year.
A new fee structure has been introduced. Private colleges planning new MBBS programs must payRs 7.5 lakh for 50 seats, Rs 15 lakh for 100 seats and Rs 22.5 lakh for 150 seats, plus 18% GST.
Government colleges will pay lower fees: Rs 6.25 lakh, Rs 12.5 lakh, and Rs 18.75 lakh plus GST for the same seat capacities. MBBS seat expansion will also carry fees: Rs 7.5 lakh for private colleges and Rs 6.25 lakh for government colleges per 50 additional seats. A non-refundable application fee of Rs 2 lakh is mandatory for all applicants.
Institutions must also provide security deposits or bank guarantees valid for six years—ranging from Rs 15 crore to Rs 25 crore depending on seats—before their applications can be processed. Government colleges may submit official undertakings instead.
Applications must include key documents, such as Essentiality Certificates from state governments, land proof, hospital and financial details. Incomplete applications risk rejection.
MARB will evaluate applications through physical, virtual, or hybrid inspections before granting the Letter of Permission (LoP).
Also Read: Privacy risks grow for Chrome on iPhones
