The National Medical Commission (NMC) has introduced significant amendments to its undergraduate medical education regulations, easing restrictions on MBBS seat expansion and modifying infrastructure norms. The changes were officially notified in the Gazette of India on April 23, 2026.

Key Highlights of the Amendment

1. Removal of 150 MBBS Seat Cap
In a major relief to medical colleges, the NMC has removed the earlier restriction that capped the maximum intake of MBBS students at 150 seats per college. This move is expected to pave the way for increased medical education capacity across India.

2. Population-Based Seat Ratio Scrapped
The previous requirement mandating a ratio of 100 MBBS seats per 10 lakh population in a state or Union Territory has also been withdrawn. This gives states and institutions greater flexibility in planning medical education infrastructure.

3. Revised Distance Norm Between College and Hospital
The NMC has updated the rule regarding the distance between a medical college and its associated teaching hospital:

• Maximum distance set at 10 km
• For North Eastern and Himalayan states, the limit is 15 km

This replaces the earlier condition based on maximum travel time of 30 minutes, bringing more clarity and uniformity to infrastructure requirements.

Impact on Medical Education

Experts believe these reforms will:

• Encourage establishment of new medical colleges
• Enable expansion of existing institutions
• Help address the doctor shortage in India
• Improve access to medical education in underserved regions

However, some stakeholders have emphasized the need to ensure that quality of education and infrastructure standards are maintained despite the relaxation of norms.

Official Statement

The amendment has been issued under the provisions of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019 and applies to regulations under UG-MSR 2023 and Graduate Medical Education Regulations 2023.