NMC renews 1,06,434 MBBS seats for 2024-25 admissions despite pending fine over deficiencies

NEW DELHI: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved renewal of a total of 1,06,434 MBBS seats in medical colleges across the country for the 2024-25 academic session. The Under Graduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) granted the approval to the existing number of medical seats due to “paucity of time for exhausting the appeal process”.

The medical colleges were asked to submit information for MBBS admissions 2024 and a fine was levied on some institutes due to deficiencies. The commission observed that a few of such colleges have not deposited the penalty amount, however, they have been granted the renewal permission as the NEET UG counselling 2024 has already commenced and there's lack of time.

“It is observed that few medical colleges/institutes have not deposited the penalty amount as mentioned in the letter issued by UGMEB towards the renewal permission for the AY 2024-25. Counselling for admission in MBBS has already started. Due to paucity of time for exhausting the appeal process, it has been decided to grant permission for renewal for the AY 2024-25 with the existing number of MBBS seats permitted for the year 2023-24,” the commission said in an official letter.

“However, failure to deposit the penalty will amount to reduction of UG seats for the academic year 2025-26 subject to the outcome to the appeals preferred by medical colleges,” it added.

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Renewal of MBBS seats

The apex medical body explained that the details furnished by the medical colleges, having a valid Letter of Permission (LoP), through annual declaration and AEBAS report of faculties were examined by the experts and accordingly comments were invited from the colleges on deficiencies. Colleges were also allowed to explain their "point of view" through virtual hearing and a final decision was also conveyed to them. In some cases, renewal of seats for the academic year 2024-25 was subject to a fine.

NMC further said that a separate notice will be issued for the establishment of medical colleges and institutions and increase of seats.