Not A NEET End:

Not A NEET End: Kingpin Doctor Held In Exam Racket, 18 Students Rescued Three Others In Net; Students Paid ₹20-30 Lakh For Seat, Were Kept In Delhi Hotels 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 05.05.2026

New Delhi : The crime branch has busted a syndicate that allegedly duped NEET aspirants and took Rs 20-30 lakh each from their guardians by promising guaranteed MBBS admissions. A doctor, the alleged kingpin, is among the four persons arrested in the case. The gang had charged the amount as donations for admission under management and other quotas, said police. According to DCP (crime) Sanjeev Kumar Yadav, the raids also resulted in the rescue of 18 students, including minors, who were trapped by the gang and lodged in different hotels in Delhi-NCR. Police started investigating the scam after receiving a lead from Surat police commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut about a mobile number linked to suspicious NEET brokering activities in Delhi. The exam was scheduled on May 3. “Given the proximity to the exam date, a technical surveillance operation was launched and the number was traced to Mahipalpur Extension, following which a team began an extensive search operation," Yadav said. 

Nearly 100 hotels in south-west Delhi’s Mahipalpur were checked before the trail led police to a hotel where four suspects from Gujarat were staying, including Vinod Bhai Bhikha Bhai Patel, identified as a key recruiter. Complainants present at the spot told police that the accused had already collected large sums, original classes X and XII certificates, and signed blank cheques as "collateral" in exchange for promised medical seats. Investigators learnt that several students had been taken away from their guardians to an undisclosed location on the pretext of being given "important" or leaked exam questions. Police used technical inputs to lay a trap near a hospital in Ghaziabad, where three students were rescued and Santosh Kumar Jaiswal was arrested. 

Further raids at a flat in Ghaziabad led to the rescue of 15 more students, some minors, who were to appear for NEET the next day. After counselling, all were allowed to sit for the examination. The other two accused, Sant Pratap Singh and Dr Akhlaq Alam, were apprehended from the flat. Police found that Jaiswal, a 50-year-old graduate from Bihar who ran a pathology lab, was involved in designing the fraud. Dr Alam (25), who completed his MBBS from Kyrgyzstan and is preparing for the screening test to practise in India, handled the academic facade by compiling a 149page set of "special questions" drawn from previous years’ papers and coaching material to make them appear authentic. Singh, a 59-year-old BTech graduate and property dealer with holdings in Ghaziabad and Pune, arranged logistics, including flats where students were housed and deals were finalised. Patel, a 52-year-old broker from Surat, sourced aspirants and their families, convincing them to pay. 

Police have seized the 149-page document, three signed blank cheques and other evidence. A case has been registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for cheating and conspiracy. The arrested accused are in custody and police are trying to identify other middlemen.

Aspirants find NEET moderately difficult, lengthy; physics paper tough

THE HINDU CHENNAI EDITION

Aspirants find NEET moderately difficult, lengthy; physics paper tough

1 of 2 Testing time: Students and parents outside the exam centre at New College on Sunday. R. Ragu

Meghna M.

CHENNAI  04.05.2026

Candidates were greeted with applause as they left the exam centres after writing the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) here on Sunday.

They said that while the exam was moderately difficult compared to last year, it was lengthy.

More than 1 lakh students had registered to write NEET in Tamil Nadu.

Unmindful of the scorching sun, candidates arrived at their centres by 11 a.m. to complete the verification of their documents and undergo frisking, before entering the exam hall by 1.30 p.m.

Harshitha S., who wrote the exam for the first time, said that while physics was tough, biology and chemistry were moderate.

Rakshitha D., who has been pursuing NEET coaching for the past two years, found physics tough. “If there were more NCERT-based questions, it would have been better,” she said.

Many repeaters

The exam also continued to see many NEET repeaters, several of whom said the matriculation education took away a year that was necessary to prepare for NEET.

Writing the exam for the second time, Rekha (name changed) was worried about her performance. “I feel disheartened that I took a year off to prepare for the exam, and I am not happy with my performance. I studied for nearly 16 hours a day. Biology was very lengthy. It did not go as expected,” she said.

Varsha R., who wrote the exam for the third time, said the exam was moderately difficult compared to last year’s.

“It takes us nearly a year to understand NCERT and its syllabus. Pursuing matriculation did leave us at a slight disadvantage. While scholarship for government school students have helped in the form of 7.5% reservation, we are not given adequate coaching to pursue our dreams,” she said.

NMC lifts MBBS seat cap, relaxes medical college expansion norms

NMC lifts MBBS seat cap, relaxes medical college expansion norms 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 04.05.2026

The NMC has amended key provisions of its UG medical education regulations, removing longstandingcaps on MBBS seats and easing infrastructure norms.The amendmentnotification revises provisions under the UG-MSR 2023 and the Graduate Medical Education Regulations, signallinga move towards greater institutionalflexibilityandcapacity building. Among the most consequentialchanges is the deletion of provisional capping MBBS intake at 150 seats per college, effective from the 2024-25 academic session. By removing this ceiling, the NMC has opened the door for medical colleges to expand intake beyond earlier limits, subject to meeting regulatory standards. NMC has removed population linked restriction that required states and Union Territories to maintain a ratio of 100 MBBS seats per 10 lakh population. This marks a departure from a planning framework that tied seat expansion to demographic benchmarks, potentially enabling fasterscaling in states with adequate infrastructure.NMC has revised norms governing the proximity between medical colleges and their associated teaching hospitals. Instead of a traveltime-based cap of 30 minutes, the new guidelines specify a maximum distance of 10 km between the two facilities.For institutions inthe Northeastern and Himalayan regions, this limit has been relaxed to 15 km to acknowledge geographical constraints. The changes are expected to have wide ranging implications.

NEET question paper easy; MBBS cut-off may go up

NEET question paper easy; MBBS cut-off may go up

A Few Tricky Questions In Chemistry 

Ragu.Raman@timesofindia.com 04.05.2026

Chennai : Medical aspirants who wrote the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) on Sunday said the question paper was easy compared to last year. Experts rated the question paper as easy to moderate, with a few tricky questions in chemistry. They predict an increase in cut-off marks for MBBS seats in govt medical colleges this year. Overall, more than one lakh students appeared for the NEET exam throughout the state.

In Chennai, more than 20,000 students attended the test at 42 centres. In Madurai and Coimbatore, more than 14,000 students took the exam, while in Trichy, around 6,000 appeared for the entrance test. In Salem, two students — Sanjeevi from Salem and Ganesh Babu from Mettur Dam area — reached their exam centre in Belur at around 1.50pm and were not allowed to enter the exam hall as the gates were closed by 1.30pm. They said the delay was caused due to an error in a navigation app. 

In Chennai, Avani Tripathi of Maharishi Vidya Mandir Higher Secondary School, who wrote the exam in Army Public School in Nandambakkam, said the biology questions were very easy. “If we know lessons in NCERT textbooks, all questions in the biology section were easy. I found some physics questions time-consuming, but they were better than last year,” she said. 

Gokul from Velammal School, who wrote the exam at Chennai Boys Higher Secondary School in Nungambakkam, said the question paper was easy except for a few questions in chemistry. “The physics questions were not as tough as last year. I expect more students to get high scores this year,” he said. 

Tanushka from Jaigopal Garodia Govt Girls Higher Secondary School in Virugambakkam said she attended all questions in the biology section and found physics and chemistry questions tough. “I attended a one-month crash course. If I had prepared for two years, I would have done very well,” she said. 

Experts said the questions were lengthy. “Chemistry was lengthy and physics had more calculation-based questions. But, there were no twisted questions and most of them were direct. So, I expect the medical cut-off to go up and top scores may breach 700 of 720,” said Sourav Mondal, academic head, FIITJEE Global School. 

Last year, due to a tough NEET question paper, the cutoff for medical admissions dropped by around 100 marks from 650 to 550 marks for general category students. Santosh Singh, academic head, Allen Career Institute, TN and Puducherry, said physics and chemistry questions were balanced this year. “One question in chemistry was debatable. With easy biology questions, we are expecting more students to get above 650 marks,” he said. 

A Few Tricky Questions In Chemistry 

Ragu.Raman@timesofindia.com 04.05.2026

Chennai : Medical aspirants who wrote the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) on Sunday said the question paper was easy compared to last year. Experts rated the question paper as easy to moderate, with a few tricky questions in chemistry. They predict an increase in cut-off marks for MBBS seats in govt medical colleges this year. Overall, more than one lakh students appeared for the NEET exam throughout the state.

In Chennai, more than 20,000 students attended the test at 42 centres. In Madurai and Coimbatore, more than 14,000 students took the exam, while in Trichy, around 6,000 appeared for the entrance test. In Salem, two students — Sanjeevi from Salem and Ganesh Babu from Mettur Dam area — reached their exam centre in Belur at around 1.50pm and were not allowed to enter the exam hall as the gates were closed by 1.30pm. They said the delay was caused due to an error in a navigation app. 

In Chennai, Avani Tripathi of Maharishi Vidya Mandir Higher Secondary School, who wrote the exam in Army Public School in Nandambakkam, said the biology questions were very easy. “If we know lessons in NCERT textbooks, all questions in the biology section were easy. I found some physics questions time-consuming, but they were better than last year,” she said. 

Gokul from Velammal School, who wrote the exam at Chennai Boys Higher Secondary School in Nungambakkam, said the question paper was easy except for a few questions in chemistry. “The physics questions were not as tough as last year. I expect more students to get high scores this year,” he said. 

Tanushka from Jaigopal Garodia Govt Girls Higher Secondary School in Virugambakkam said she attended all questions in the biology section and found physics and chemistry questions tough. “I attended a one-month crash course. If I had prepared for two years, I would have done very well,” she said. 

Experts said the questions were lengthy. “Chemistry was lengthy and physics had more calculation-based questions. But, there were no twisted questions and most of them were direct. So, I expect the medical cut-off to go up and top scores may breach 700 of 720,” said Sourav Mondal, academic head, FIITJEE Global School. 

Last year, due to a tough NEET question paper, the cutoff for medical admissions dropped by around 100 marks from 650 to 550 marks for general category students. Santosh Singh, academic head, Allen Career Institute, TN and Puducherry, said physics and chemistry questions were balanced this year. “One question in chemistry was debatable. With easy biology questions, we are expecting more students to get above 650 marks,” he said. 

NEET NOT Mandatory for Physiotherapy, occupational therapy admissions this year, requirement deferred to 2027-28

NEET NOT Mandatory for Physiotherapy, occupational therapy admissions this year, requirement deferred to 2027-28 

Written By : Adity Saha Published On 6 Mar 2026 12:47 PM  |  Updated On 6 Mar 2026 12:47 PM

New Delhi: The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) has announced that appearing in the National Eligibility-Entrance Test (NEET UG) will not be mandatory for admission to Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) undergraduate programmes for the academic year 2026-27.

In a letter issued to the University Grants Commission (UGC) on March 2nd, the Commission stated that the earlier decision to conduct admissions to these courses through NEET has been deferred to the next academic year 2027–28.

Earlier, the Commission had proposed that admissions to BPT and BOT courses, which fall under the schedule of the NCAHP Act, 2021, should be conducted through NEET.

Medical Dialogues in 2024 reported that NEET was made a mandatory entry requirement for admission to Undergraduate-level Physiotherapy courses. Releasing the draft curriculum of Physiotherapy, the Interim Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (ICAHP) had mentioned that the students entering the Physiotherapy program, "must have appeared in National eligibility entrance test (NEET)."

However, the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed that the NEET-UG 2026 examination is already in an advanced stage of preparation. Including BPT and BOT courses in NEET this year could lead to a sudden increase in the number of candidates and create logistical challenges in conducting the exam.

Considering the logistical issues, NCAHP decided to postpone the mandatory NEET requirement for these courses for one year.

"Further, vide Ref (1) above, it was informed that, the admission in Physiotherapy Under-Graduate (UG) programmes i.e. Bachelor of Physiotherapy (B.PT) and Occupational Therapy Under-Graduate (UG) programmes i.e. Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (B. OT) listed in Categories 3 and 6 respectively of the Schedule of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021 shall be through National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET).

In this regard, vide Ref (2) & (3), the National Testing Agency (NTA) and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have informed that the NEET (UG)-2026 is at its advance stage and inclusion of Bachelor of Physiotherapy (B.PT) and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (B. OT) may lead to an unexpected increase in the number of candidates, potentially creating logistical challenges in the conduct of the examination.

Considering the logistic issues, as intimated vide letter Ref (2) & (3) of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) respectively, the Commission hereby notifies that the admission process for Bachelor of Physiotherapy (B.PT) and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (B. OT) Under-Graduate programme’s mandatory requirement of appearance in NEET (UG)-2026 examination, be deferred till next academic year 2027-28," mentioned the letter.

However, the admission to these programmes will be conducted based on the marks obtained in Physics, Chemistry and Biology (PCB) in the Class 12 examination, as per the eligibility criteria already notified earlier.

As per the criteria, candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry and Biology (or Botany and Zoology) along with English. Students from the General and EWS categories must secure at least 50% aggregate marks in PCB, while SC, ST and OBC (NCL) candidates require a minimum of 40% marks. The minimum marks for PwD candidates are also 40% in the qualifying examination.

The Commission clarified that all other eligibility conditions for admission to these programmes will remain the same, except the requirement of appearing in NEET for the academic year 2026–27.

"The admission in these programmes shall be in accordance with the basic eligibility criteria and other common criteria, as notified earlier vide Ref (1) above, for the Academic Year 2026-27, except the mandatory requirement of appearance in NEET (UG) examination. Accordingly, the merit list to be prepared on the basis of aggregate marks obtained in Physics, Chemistry and Biology (PCB) in 12th standard examination, with minimum 50% marks i.e. “Candidate must have passed Senior Secondary (10+2) or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry & Biology (or Botany & Zoology) with 50% aggregate with English pass. However, in respect of the candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, or Other Backward Classes (NCL), the minimum marks obtained in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are taken together in the qualifying examination shall be 40% marks instead of 50% marks for Unreserved and General-EWS Candidates. In respect of PwBD/PwD candidates the minimum marks in the qualifying examination in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (or Botany & Zoology) taken together shall be 40% instead of 50%. English pass required for all categories," added the letter.

Google launches AI powered NEET practice tests on Gemini

Google launches AI powered NEET practice tests on Gemini 

Written By : MD Bureau Published On 14 Apr 2026 4:30 PM  |  Updated On 14 Apr 2026 4:30 PM

New Delhi: In a move set to reshape exam preparation for medical aspirants,

 Google has introduced full-length NEET UG practice tests on its AI platform, Gemini.

The feature aims to simulate real exam conditions while offering personalised, AI-driven feedback to help students refine their preparation strategies.

The rollout marks a significant expansion of Google’s AI-led education tools in India, with the platform enabling users to take structured mock tests, receive instant performance insights, and generate customised study plans. Designed to bridge gaps in self-assessment and accessibility, the initiative targets lakhs of NEET aspirants seeking more adaptive and data-driven learning support.

According to recent IANS report, Tech giant Google has expanded its AI-powered learning tools by introducing full-length practice tests for NEET UG on its Gemini platform, aiming to support medical aspirants with exam-like preparation.

The new feature builds on the company’s earlier rollout of mock tests for competitive exams and is designed to provide students with a more structured and realistic preparation experience.

Also Read:AIIMS notifies 2779 vacancies for NORCET 10 The practice tests are based on rigorously vetted content from several education platforms.

Moreover, students or users can access the feature by prompting Gemini with a request to ‘Take a NEET mock test’.

The tests are currently available in English and are accessible to users with Google accounts as well as Workspace subscribers, the company noted.

The platform also offers instant feedback after test completion, highlighting strengths and areas that require improvement.

Students can further ask the AI assistant to explain answers and generate customised study plans based on their performance, helping them identify knowledge gaps and improve outcomes, the tech firm said, quotes IANS

The expansion into NEET preparation follows Google’s earlier announcement of AI-driven tools for students and educators in India.

These include full-length practice tests for engineering entrance exams like JEE Main, as well as AI-powered features that allow users to create study guides, quizzes and learning material through its search-based AI tools.

In addition to student-focussed features, the company had introduced AI capabilities for educators, enabling them to draft assignments, summarise student performance and provide personalised feedback.

Integrated audio, video and screen recording tools also allow teachers and students to interact more effectively within digital classrooms.

Google has also said that it is responsible for AI deployment, introducing tools to help users identify AI-generated content and ensure transparency in digital learning environments.

It further stated that these initiatives are aimed at enhancing personalised learning and improving accessibility for students preparing for competitive exams.

39 govt MBBS NRI seats go for ₹25L to non-NRI students in Karnataka

39 govt MBBS NRI seats go for ₹25L to non-NRI students in Karnataka 

Sruthy Susan Ullas and Sandeep Moudgal 01.02.2026

TNN Bengaluru : A political and ethical storm has erupted in Karnataka over the state govt’s decision to open MBBS admissions in govt medical colleges under the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) quota — a move that critics allege has resulted in affordable govt seats being effectively sold at a premium. 

During NEET-2025 counselling, 57 MBBS seats were earmarked under the NRI category in govt medical colleges. However, only 18 eligible NRI candidates took up these seats. The remaining 39 were subsequently allotted to non NRI students at a steep fee of Rs 25 lakh per year. The decision has triggered criticism from political leaders and stakeholders in medical education, who argue meritorious students are being priced out of govt institutions. 

800 NEET PG aspirants shifted from India to NRI, Other Book, 

 MLA alleges fund diversion from varsity 

BJP MLA Y Bharath Shetty alleged funds were being diverted from RGUHS to start new medical colleges. “While Ramanagara college is run directly by RGUHS, why is money being diverted from the university for Kanakapura and Bagalkot medical colleges? Should the govt not be earmarking money for the specific purpose?” Shetty said, claiming Rs 500 crore was utilised for the new colleges. 

Officials cite similar models in other states . The policy was announced in September 2025, when the state govt declared that 15% of seats in govt medical colleges would be reserved for NRIs at higher fees — a practice until then limited to private medical colleges. While a regular govt MBBS seat costs Rs 64,350 annually, an NRI quota seat carries a price tag of Rs 25 lakh per year. By comparison, NRI seats in private medical colleges in Karnataka cost up to Rs 45 lakh annually. 

The govt’s stated objective behind the move was to make govt medical colleges financially selfreliant and reduce dependence on state grants. However, the timing of the policy proved crucial. By the time the NRI quota was introduced, the seat matrix for the first round of counselling had already been finalised. As a result, the quota was applied only to 252 additional seats created across 10 govt medical colleges, of which 57 fell under the NRI category. 

Data from the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) shows that only 18 eligible NRI candidates applied and were allotted seats. As per rules, the remaining 39 seats were then offered to other eligible applicants in the nonNRI category who were willing to pay NRI fees — a move that sparked the controversy. The issue was raised in the legislative assembly earlier this week by BJP MLA Y Bharath Shetty from Mangaluru North. “For the first time in India, Karnataka is selling govt medical seats for Rs 25 lakh per year,” Shetty alleged. “A seat, which was meant to be affordable for a meritorious Kannadiga student at Rs 1-1.5 lakh per year, is now being sold by the govt [at a much higher price],” he added. Govt officials, however, defended the policy, stating that similar models are followed in Gujarat and Rajasthan. 

“This proposal has existed since 2005. It is a way for colleges to generate funds to develop infrastructure, improve facilities, and ensure student welfare,” a govt official said. He argued that with the National Medical Commission (NMC) increasing the number of seats in govt colleges, general category students would not lose out.

CM opposes NEET for allied and health care courses

CM opposes NEET for allied and health care courses

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin says NEET has forced students to rely on expensive coaching classes.Getty Images

The Hindu Bureau

Chennai  25.01.2026

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Saturday said admission modalities for allied and health care courses (AHCs) fall within the jurisdiction of the State government and that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) should be kept out of these admissions.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said the National Commission for Allied and Health Care Professions (NCAHP) making NEET mandatory for admission to two undergraduate degree courses — Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) — had made a “hasty and ad hoc decision” with “multiple deleterious consequences”.

Pointing out that Tamil Nadu had consistently opposed NEET for MBBS admissions and had repeatedly cautioned against the danger of its extension to other courses, Mr. Stalin said the State’s worst apprehensions had now come true. “It is evident from recent communications from the Union Health Ministry that NEET is being prescribed for these two courses as the first step in a larger plan to make it mandatory for all Allied and Health Care Courses in the future. This attempt, being made without due consultation with State Governments — who are constitutionally responsible for both the health and education sectors — is totally unacceptable to us,” he said.

Mr. Stalin said that the introduction of NEET for MBBS admissions had forced 1.4 lakh students to rely on expensive coaching classes and sit for the examination to compete for just 12,000 seats.

“This has created unnecessary costs, stress and anxiety for families, and has rendered performance in school examinations redundant. Extending this flawed model to a wider range of AHCs will only aggravate the situation,” he said. He noted that Tamil Nadu had over 50,000 seats in Allied and Health Care Courses, and lakhs of aspirants for these programmes came from far poorer socio-economic backgrounds than MBBS candidates. “Hence, forcing these families to spend money on NEET coaching would amount to a gross injustice,” he said.

Mr. Stalin said the mandate needed to be reviewed and the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) instructed to withdraw the decision immediately. “Given the urgency of the issue, I look forward to your personal intervention,” he added.

Clinical research no longer optional, to be integrated into MBBS, PG medical curriculum: NMC Chief

Clinical research no longer optional, to be integrated into MBBS, PG medical curriculum: NMC Chief 

Written By : MD Bureau Published On 5 Jan 2026 12:45 PM  

New Delhi: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has decided to integrate clinical research as a core component of medical education, moving it out of the optional category and embedding it into the mainstream clinical curriculum, including assessment and training.

NMC Chairperson and NBEMS President Dr Abhijat Sheth said the decision has been approved in principle by the NMC Board.

A joint committee involving ICMR, IISc, IITs and medical experts will be formed to draft a framework for large-scale integration of clinical research across undergraduate and postgraduate medical education. The initiative is expected to enhance the quality of medical education and foster a stronger culture of clinical research within the medical fraternity.

Speaking to ANI, Dr Abhijat Sheth, Chairperson NMC and President NBEMS said, "Clinical research is an important subject and we realise that it should be integrated into the mainstream part of the clinical medicine rather than optional or side subjects."

Hence, the National Medical Commission has decided that clinical research will be an integral part of clinical medicine, where not only the curriculum, but also curriculum assessment and training will be a part of the medical curriculum, said.

"I am happy to say that recently, the National Medical Commission Board has approved this in principle.Now, we will form a committee with ICMR, with the Indian Institute of Science and Technology and IITs and the experts from the medical fraternity to frame the draft proposal on how we will go for the clinical research on a large scale that includes both, undergraduate as well as postgraduate medical education as well as what ICMR has suggested that they will be very happy to start new PhD courses for clinical research and same also has been expressed by Indian Institute of Science and Technology and few of the Indian Institute of Technologies across India which has already far advanced into innovations and discovery. 

This will be a big advantage in terms of enhancement of quality in the medical education as well as a big advantage to the nation to build up the culture of clinical research amongst the medical fraternity, which is the need of the hour," added Dr Sheth, quotes ANI.

NEET aspirants breathe easy as Court restores 600 withheld MBBS seats

NEET aspirants breathe easy as Court restores 600 withheld MBBS seats

 Ayushi.Gupta1@timesofindia.com 29.09.2025

In a relief to aspirants seeking admission to medical colleges, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has released over 600 seats out of the 1,056 MBBS seats, which were previously withheld due to alleged corruption cases flagged by the CBI in July. The seats have been reinstated after various state High Courts granted interim relief to the institutions concerned. For now, the number of withheld seats is 456, the fate of which will be decided by the NMC when colleges comply with the Minimum Standard Requirements (MSR) 2023 norms.

According to the seat matrix released in September 2025, the NMC had withheld 150 to 200 MBBS seats from several institutions, including Swaminarayan Institute of Medical Sciences & Research (SIMSR) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in Delhi. These actions were based on pending court cases and investigations initiated by the CBI. Dr Abhijat Sheth, chairman, NMC, says, “As per the data collected till September 24, there are only 456 withheld seats. This has been done after approval from the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and the MoHFW.” 

The renewal of MBBS seats in four out of six institutions flagged by the CBI regarding corruption was sooner than expected. Dr B Srinivas, deputy director general, Medical Education, MoHFW says, “The NMC has complied with the instructions issued by the respective state High Courts. As the corruption charges against several medical colleges are still under judicial review and have not been proven, the courts have granted interim relief for the current academic year. 

This relief has allowed the colleges to proceed with MBBS admissions for approximately 600 seats, ensuring minimal disruption for aspirants while the legal process continues.” Besides the restoration of withheld seats, the NMC has announced an increase of 7,375 new MBBS seats for the academic year 2025-26. With this expansion, the total number of MBBS seats available nationwide has increased to 1,23,244, up from 1,17,750 in the 2024-25 academic year. The final seat matrix is expected to reflect only 456 withheld seats, a significant reduction from the initial figure