NMC removes MBBS seat cap and population norm in 2026 amendment

Direct fact

On 27 April 2026, the National Medical Commission amended its regulations to remove the upper limit on MBBS seats per college across India.

Key specifics

• The earlier cap of 150 MBBS seats per college was removed for capacity expansion from the 2024-25 academic year.
• The population-based norm of 100 MBBS seats per 10 lakh population was also withdrawn.
• The amendment applies to approval of new seats across India.
• The change was made through regulatory amendment by the National Medical Commission.
• The news also notes that hospital-distance structural norms were part of the same regulatory framework.

Exam lens

Question type: regulatory change, medical education policy, numerical norm. Key facts: NMC, 27 April 2026, 150 seats, 100 MBBS seats per 10 lakh population, 2024-25. TNPSC one-liner: “Which 2026 amendment removed the MBBS seat cap and the population-based seat norm?”