NEET-UG 2023: MBBS Seats Surge to 136,939 with New Opportunities

The NEET-UG exam conducted on June 21 has led to significant changes in MBBS admissions for 2023. With 9,911 new seats added, the total now stands at 136,939. The National Medical Commission has also approved 25 new medical colleges for the 2026-27 academic year, enhancing opportunities for aspiring medical students. Karnataka leads with the highest number of MBBS seats, while the overall growth in medical colleges over the past decade has been remarkable. Read on for detailed insights into the latest developments in medical education in India.

By Sourabh Singh Jul 17, 2026, 10:01 IST

NEET-UG Exam and Upcoming Results

NEET-UG was held on June 21, and the National Testing Agency (NTA) has since published the provisional answer key, inviting feedback from candidates. The results are anticipated to be announced by July 20, providing hopefuls aiming for MBBS admissions with enhanced prospects.

Significant Increase in MBBS Seats

**NMC Adds 9,911 MBBS Seats**
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has unveiled the updated MBBS seat distribution, revealing an addition of 9,911 seats this year, bringing the total to 136,939.

**Government Seat Expansion**
As per the latest data from the NMC, 2,111 new government seats have been introduced, elevating the total number of government seats to 63,296.

New Medical Colleges Approved

**25 New Colleges for 2026-27**
The NMC has sanctioned the establishment of 25 new medical colleges for the academic year 2026-27, which will significantly enhance admission opportunities. This includes 400 MBBS seats across seven new government colleges and 2,000 seats across eighteen new private institutions, raising the total number of medical colleges in India to 823, comprising 441 government and 382 private colleges.

State-wise MBBS Seat Distribution

**Karnataka Leads in MBBS Seats**
Karnataka currently holds the record for the highest number of MBBS seats. The distribution of seats across states is as follows:

State	MBBS Seats
Karnataka	15,395
Uttar Pradesh	14,000
Tamil Nadu	13,999
Maharashtra	13,099
Telangana	10,250
Andhra Pradesh	7,465
Bihar	4,160
Delhi	1,415

Growth of Medical Colleges in India

**Decade of Expansion**
Over the last ten years, India has witnessed a remarkable growth in medical colleges. The number rose from 387 in the 2013-14 academic year to 706 in 2023-24, reaching 823 in 2024-25. The total seats have also increased from 1,08,940 in 2023-24 to a record 1,36,939 for the 2026-27 session.