The National Medical Commission has increased the number of MBBS seats to 1,36,939 for the 2026–27 academic session ahead of NEET UG counselling. Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu lead the country in seat availability.
NMC Expands MBBS Capacity Ahead of NEET UG Counselling 2026
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has significantly expanded undergraduate medical education in India by increasing the total number of MBBS seats to 1,36,939 for the 2026–27 academic session. The revised seat matrix, released ahead of NEET UG counselling, includes approvals for new medical colleges as well as increased intake in existing institutions.
The number of MBBS seats has risen by 9,911 compared with the previous academic session, when 1,27,028 seats were available. The latest figures cover 823 medical colleges across the country, excluding Institutes of National Importance (INIs) such as AIIMS and JIPMER.
The expansion is expected to provide more opportunities to NEET aspirants during the counselling process, although competition is likely to remain intense given the large number of qualified candidates.
Nearly 10,000 New MBBS Seats Added
According to the NMC’s seat matrix, the increase includes both newly approved medical colleges and additional seats in existing institutions. Of the 9,911 new seats, around 7,800 have been added through newly established colleges, while more than 2,100 seats come from expanded capacity at existing medical colleges. Twenty-five new medical colleges have received approval for the upcoming session.
The Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) has directed private medical colleges seeking new permissions or increased intake to submit electronic bank guarantees before letters of permission are issued.
Top States by MBBS Seat Intake
Karnataka continues to lead the country in total MBBS seats, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The five states with the highest seat availability for the 2026–27 session are:
| State | Total MBBS Seats |
|---|---|
| Karnataka | 15,395 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 14,000 |
| Tamil Nadu | 13,999 |
| Maharashtra | 13,099 |
| Telangana | 10,250 |
Several other states also recorded substantial increases in seat capacity:
| State | New Seats Added |
|---|---|
| Karnataka | 1,300 |
| Tamil Nadu | 950 |
| Rajasthan | 900 |
| West Bengal | 825 |
| Telangana | 810 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 800 |
| Bihar | 740 |
Karnataka registered the highest increase, adding 1,300 seats, while Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan also saw major expansions in medical education infrastructure.
Growth in Medical Colleges Across India
India now has 823 medical colleges offering undergraduate medical courses, reflecting the government’s continued push to strengthen healthcare education and address the shortage of medical professionals. The NMC has clarified that colleges must admit students only against their approved intake capacity, warning that admissions beyond sanctioned limits will invite regulatory action under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019.
The seat matrix remains subject to revision depending on decisions taken by appeal committees and other competent authorities.
What It Means for NEET UG Counselling
The expanded seat pool comes as NEET UG 2026 counselling is set to begin following the declaration of examination results. More than 11.21 lakh candidates qualified for the entrance examination this year, underscoring the highly competitive nature of medical admissions.
Counselling will be conducted through two channels: the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) will manage the 15% All India Quota seats and admissions to central institutions, while state authorities will oversee counselling for the remaining 85% state quota seats. The process will involve registration, choice filling, seat allotment, and document verification.
Education experts believe that while the increase in seats offers relief to aspirants, competition for government medical colleges will remain high, especially in states with strong demand and limited public institutions.
Conclusion
The National Medical Commission’s decision to increase MBBS seats to nearly 1.37 lakh marks one of the largest expansions of medical education capacity in recent years. With almost 10,000 new seats added across 823 medical colleges, NEET UG aspirants will have more opportunities during the 2026 counselling process.
However, with over 11 lakh students qualifying for the examination, competition for top colleges is expected to remain intense despite the increase in seat availability.
Key Takeaways
- India will offer 1,36,939 MBBS seats for the 2026–27 academic session.
- The NMC has approved 9,911 additional seats compared with last year.
- Karnataka has the highest number of MBBS seats at 15,395.
- Twenty-five new medical colleges have been approved.
- NEET UG counselling will be conducted by the MCC and state authorities.
FAQs
How many MBBS seats are available in India for 2026–27?
The NMC has approved 1,36,939 MBBS seats across 823 medical colleges for the 2026–27 academic session.
Which state has the highest number of MBBS seats?
Karnataka leads the country with 15,395 MBBS seats.
How many new MBBS seats have been added this year?
A total of 9,911 new seats have been added compared with the previous academic session.
Who conducts NEET UG counselling?
The Medical Counselling Committee conducts counselling for the 15% All India Quota seats, while state authorities manage the remaining 85% state quota seats.
