NMC Reverses Moratorium on New Colleges; Gujarat Set to Gain 350 New MBBS Seats

The NMC has reversed its moratorium on new medical colleges, a move that could add 350 MBBS seats in Gujarat soon. This article details the policy shift, affected colleges, and its impact on aspirants.

In a significant and surprising reversal, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has clarified its stance on approving new medical colleges and increasing MBBS seats for the 2025-26 academic year. Just weeks after imposing a blanket moratorium on all such approvals following widespread CBI investigations into corruption, the NMC has now indicated that it will consider applications from new and existing colleges, except for those directly implicated in the probes. This policy shift has brought a wave of relief to medical aspirants and is expected to result in the addition of approximately 350 new MBBS seats in the state of Gujarat alone, providing a much-needed boost to its medical education capacity.

The initial moratorium was a direct response to a nationwide scandal where the CBI uncovered a nexus of corruption, bribery, and gross irregularities in the inspection and approval processes of several medical colleges. The investigations revealed that some institutions were granted recognition despite lacking fundamental requirements such as adequate infrastructure, sufficient faculty, and proper hospital facilities. In Gujarat, a few colleges were found to be involved in such violations, leading to the cancellation of seat expansions and even the complete withdrawal of seats from some institutions. The NMC's firm stance was a move to enforce accountability and uphold the integrity of medical education.

The Reversal and Its Impact on Gujarat

The NMC's latest clarification signals a more nuanced approach. Instead of a complete freeze on approvals, the commission will now accept and process applications from institutions that have maintained clean records and meet the regulatory standards. This is a crucial distinction that aims to penalize the non-compliant colleges while ensuring that the expansion of medical education in the country remains on track.

For Gujarat, this decision is particularly impactful. The state was initially facing a reduction in its MBBS intake capacity, with some colleges having their seats cut or completely cancelled. The new policy, however, opens the door for a substantial increase in seats. According to initial estimates, this could lead to the addition of around 350 seats. The proposals currently under active consideration include:

• A new ESIC Medical College in Ahmedabad's Bapunagar area, which has proposed to add 100 seats.
• A new medical college at Atkot near Rajkot, which has proposed to add 150 seats.
• Parul Medical College, which has applied for an increase of 50 seats.
• GCS Medical College in Naroda, which has also sought an additional 50 seats.

If these proposals receive final approval from the NMC, they will not only offset the earlier seat cancellations but also add fresh capacity, significantly easing the competitive pressure on aspirants in the state.

Broader Implications for Medical Aspirants

The NMC's decision has wider implications for all medical aspirants across the country. It signals that while the commission is committed to rooting out corruption, it will not allow this to become a bottleneck for the growth of medical education. The reversal indicates a move towards a more balanced approach, focusing on maintaining regulatory integrity while ensuring that deserving students have access to more seats.

For candidates who are currently participating in the NEET UG 2025 counselling process, this development is a critical piece of information. The final seat matrix is a dynamic document, and these new seats, if approved, will be added to the total pool, most likely before or during the second round of counselling. Aspirants are advised to regularly check the official websites of the NMC and the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for the updated seat matrix and any specific notifications regarding these new colleges.

The NMC's initial moratorium was a stark reminder of the regulatory body's resolve to enforce standards. Its subsequent reversal, however, demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that a balance is struck between quality assurance and the urgent need to expand India's healthcare workforce. This development is a positive step for thousands of medical aspirants who are hoping to secure a seat and embark on their journey to becoming a doctor.