Medical Colleges in India 2026: State-Wise MBBS Colleges List, Seats, Government & Private Colleges

By: Career Marg Team | on February 19, 2026

India has approximately 818 medical colleges with over 1.28 lakh MBBS seats available annually through NEET UG counselling in 2026, according to the latest government update presented to Parliament. This expansion has improved accessibility to medical education and increased opportunities for NEET aspirants across government and private institutions nationwide.

Understanding the state-wise distribution of medical colleges, seat availability, admission process, and counselling system is essential for students planning MBBS admission in India. This article provides a complete and updated guide to medical colleges in India, helping students choose the right college based on rank, budget, and career goals.

How Many Medical Colleges Are There in India in 2026?

As of 2026, India has approximately 818 medical colleges with more than 1,28,000 MBBS seats available annually through NEET UG counselling. These colleges include government institutions, AIIMS, private medical colleges, and deemed universities regulated by the National Medical Commission (NMC). States such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka have the highest number of medical colleges.

India Medical Colleges 2026 — Key Highlights

States With Highest Number of Medical Colleges in India

Some states dominate medical education due to strong infrastructure investment.

These states provide the highest MBBS admission opportunities in India.

Government vs Private Medical Colleges in India

Medical colleges in India are categorized into government and private institutions.

Government Medical Colleges

Examples include AIIMS, ESIC, and state medical colleges.

Advantages:

• Low tuition fees (₹10,000 – ₹1.5 lakh per year)
• High patient exposure
• Strong academic reputation
• Better postgraduate opportunities

Private Medical Colleges

Includes deemed universities and trust-run institutions.

Advantages:

• More seat availability
• Moderate NEET cutoff
• Modern infrastructure

Fees range between ₹8 lakh to ₹25 lakh per year depending on the college.

State-Wise Medical Colleges in India (Major States Overview)

India has medical colleges across all states and union territories.

Major medical education states include:

1. Uttar Pradesh
2. Maharashtra
3. Tamil Nadu
4. Karnataka
5. Rajasthan
6. Gujarat
7. Madhya Pradesh
8. Bihar
9. Kerala
10. West Bengal
11. Telangana
12. Andhra Pradesh
13. Delhi
14. Punjab
15. Haryana
16. Odisha
17. Jharkhand
18. Assam
19. Himachal Pradesh
20. Uttarakhand
21. Jammu & Kashmir
22. Chhattisgarh
23. Goa
24. Tripura
25. Manipur
26. Meghalaya
27. Mizoram
28. Nagaland
29. Puducherry

Each state offers MBBS seats through NEET counselling under All India Quota and State Quota systems.

MBBS Admission Process in India 2026

Admission into all medical colleges is based on NEET UG.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Qualify NEET UG examination
2. Register for counselling (MCC or State authority)
3. Fill college preferences
4. Seat allotment result
5. Document verification
6. Report to allotted government colleges, which are highly affordable compared to private institutions.

MBBS Fees in India

Government colleges are highly affordable compared to private institutions.

NEET Score vs MBBS Admission Chances 2026

This table helps students understand admission probability.

Students scoring between 350–550 marks now have better chances due to increased seat availability.

Why Medical Colleges Are Increasing in India

The increase to 818 colleges is due to:

• Government healthcare initiatives
• Expansion of AIIMS institutions
• State medical college projects
• Private sector investment
• Need to improve doctor-patient ratio

India aims to meet WHO healthcare standards through this expansion.

Benefits for NEET Aspirants

The growing number of colleges provides:

• Higher admission chances
• More state quota options
• Increased private seat availability
• Reduced competition pressure
• Less dependency on MBBS abroad

Top Medical Colleges in India

Some of the most reputed institutions include:

• AIIMS New Delhi
• Maulana Azad Medical College
• King George Medical University
• Madras Medical College
• Grant Medical College Mumbai
• JIPMER Puducherry

These colleges have high NEET cutoffs and strong academic reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many medical colleges are there in India in 2026?   
India has approximately 818 medical colleges with more than 1,28,000 MBBS seats available annually through NEET UG counselling.

Which state has the highest number of medical colleges?   
Uttar Pradesh has the highest number, followed by Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

Is NEET compulsory for MBBS admission in India?   
Yes, NEET is mandatory for admission into all government, private, and deemed medical colleges in India.

Can I get MBBS with 400 marks in NEET?   
Yes, students scoring around 400 marks may get private colleges or some state quota seats depending on category and counselling rounds.

What is the minimum NEET score for government medical college?   
Generally, students need 550+ marks for government colleges, but cutoff varies by state and category.

Who regulates medical colleges in India?   
All medical colleges are regulated by the National Medical Commission (NMC), which ensures quality education standards and recognition.

Conclusion

India’s medical education sector is expanding rapidly with increasing medical colleges and MBBS seats every year. With proper NEET preparation, counselling strategy, and college selection planning, students now have more opportunities than ever to secure MBBS admission in India.

CareerMarg help students understand NEET counselling, college options, fees structure, and admission procedures with expert guidance, making the admission journey easier and more transparent for aspiring medical students.