Overview

• Answering the Rajya Sabha, the health ministry said the National Medical Commission has not decided to halt approvals for new colleges or MBBS seat increases for 2025–26.
• New NMC chief Dr Abhijat Sheth said assessments are underway with completion of undergraduate inspections taken up on priority and MARB leadership now in place.
• Based on current applications, the NMC projects a net addition of around 8,000 undergraduate and postgraduate seats after inspections are finalized.
• NEET-UG counselling has finished its first round with the second expected by August 25, while PG counselling is slated for September with new PG seats to be included after verification.
• The CBI’s July case naming 34 individuals initially paused approvals, and the NMC says it has tightened accreditation, using digital verification, Aadhaar-based attendance, live video and surprise checks under its 2023 regulations.