Every year lakhs of students appear for NEET exam, but only a few percentage of students secure a MBBS seat. The competition is intense because demand is high and seats are limited. If you’re planning for 2026, then understanding “total MBBS seats in India 2026” is very important, so you can smartly plan your strategy.
By 2026, the number of MBBS seats in India is expected to increase further, thanks to new medical colleges and government initiatives. Based on current trends, there is a possibility of more than 1 lakh MBBS seats being available in India, including both government and private colleges. Government colleges have lower fees and higher competition, while private colleges have higher fees but cutoffs may be comparatively lower.
You need to understand that knowing only total seats is not enough. You have to understand the distribution of All India Quota (AIQ) and State Quota. 15% of seats are filled through AIQ, and the remaining 85% fall under state quota. This means that your domicile state also impacts your chances.
This guide will help you understand the MBBS Seats in India Total 2026,their scope, salary, and career opportunities so you can make a practical decision.
Total MBBS Seats in India 2026
If you are preparing for NEET 2026, it is very important to understand the updated data of MBBS seats. As of April 2026, the total MBBS seats in India have reached approximately 1,29,603, which are available in 824+ medical colleges. This number has grown at a very fast pace in the last few years, mainly due to government initiatives and infrastructure expansion.
MBBS Seats in India 2026: Latest Data & Trends (List Format)
- Total MBBS Seats (2026): ~129,603
- Total Medical Colleges: 824+
Seat Distribution:
- Government College Seats: ~63,683
- Private/Deemed College Seats: ~65,920
- Government vs Private Ratio: Approximately 49:51
Key Trends (2023–2026):
- Rapid Expansion:
- 43 new medical colleges approved for the 2025–26 session
- 11,682+ new MBBS seats added
- Growth Comparison:
- Around 108,000+ seats in 2023
- Increased to ~129,603 (nearly 1.3 lakh) by 2026
- Infrastructure Development:
- Strong growth in medical education infrastructure
- Expansion focused on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities
- District-Level Expansion:
- Goal: At least one government medical college in every district
- Aim to improve rural healthcare access and education opportunities
Key Insight:
- The number of seats is increasing, but NEET competition remains high
- Government seats are limited and highly competitive
- Private colleges offer an alternative pathway for many students
MBBS Seats in India 2026: Government vs Private Colleges
As of 2026, there are over 1.1 lakh MBBS seats in India, roughly divided between government and private colleges. Government colleges offer very competitive, affordable tuition (approximately ₹10k-₹50k per year) with 55k to 60k+ seats. Private colleges offer more seats (~50k+ seats), often with better modern infrastructure, but their fees are significantly higher, ranging from ₹10 lakh to over ₹25 lakh per year.
Total MBBS Seats (2026): 1.1 lakh+
Overall Split: Almost equal distribution between government and private colleges
Government Colleges (Public Medical Colleges)
Number of Seats: Approx 55,000–60,000+ (approx 50%)
Top Institutes Included: AIIMS & central institutes
Fees Structure:
- very affordable
- Approximately ₹10,000 – ₹50,000 per year
Admission Criteria:
- NEET-UG based (high merit required)
- 15% All india Quota (AIQ)
- 85% State Quota
Competition Level:
Extremely high due to low fees and limited seats
Private Colleges (Private & Deemed Universities)
Number of Seats: 50,000+
Fee Structure:
- Quite expensive
- Approximately ₹10 lakh – ₹25 lakh+ per year
- Fees are higher in the Management/NRI quota
Admission Criteria:
NEET required, but cutoffs are relatively lower
Availability:
- Admission chances are higher than at government colleges
- Some top private colleges are still highly competitive
State-wise MBBS Seats in India 2026: Top States with Highest Seats
- Tamil Nadu
- One of the highest MBBS seat providers in India
- Strong government focus on public healthcare and medical education
- Large number of government medical colleges across districts
- Well-established healthcare infrastructure and early adoption of expansion policies
- Karnataka
- High number of private and deemed medical universities
- Considered a hub for medical education in India
- Attracts students from across the country due to wide availability of seats
- Balanced mix of government and private institutions
- Maharashtra
- Large population leading to higher demand for medical education
- Significant number of both government and private colleges
- Continuous expansion in medical infrastructure
- Strong presence of reputed institutions in major cities
- Uttar Pradesh
- Rapid growth in the number of government medical colleges in recent years
- Government initiative to establish colleges in multiple districts
- One of the largest states, resulting in high seat capacity
- Increasing focus on improving healthcare access and education
Why These States Lead in MBBS Seats
- Higher Population Demand: Larger states require more doctors, leading to more colleges and seats
- Government Investment: Strong policies to expand medical education infrastructure
- Private Sector Contribution: Especially in states like Karnataka, private colleges boost total seats
- Better Infrastructure: Established healthcare systems support medical training and hospitals
Conclusion
The total MBBS Seats in India Total 2026 reflect steady growth due to the government’s focus on expanding medical education. However, despite the increase in seats, the competition remains extremely high because of the rising number of NEET aspirants every year. Government colleges offer limited seats with high cut-offs, while private colleges provide more availability but at a higher cost.
FAQs
01How many MBBS seats are there in India in 2026?
Answer: The total number of MBBS Seats in India Total 2026 is expected to cross 1.15 lakh seats, including both government and private medical colleges, with numbers increasing every year.
02How many government MBBS seats are available in India?
Answer: Approximately 55,000–60,000 seats are available in government medical colleges, which are highly competitive due to lower fees and better infrastructure.
03Is it difficult to get an MBBS seat in India?
Answer: Yes, securing a seat is challenging because lakhs of students appear for NEET, while the MBBS Seats in India Total 2026 are limited in comparison.
04Which state has the highest MBBS seats in India?
Answer: States like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh have the highest number of MBBS seats due to a larger number of medical colleges.
05What are the chances of getting MBBS with a low NEET score?
Answer: With a low NEET score, getting a government seat is difficult. However, students can explore private colleges, deemed universities, or MBBS abroad options.
06Do MBBS seats increase every year in India?
Answer: Yes, the government is continuously approving new medical colleges and expanding existing ones, which increases the total number of seats annually.
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