Cabinet approves 5,000 PG and 5,023 MBBS seats in government medical colleges
The Union Cabinet approved on 24 September 2025 Phase III of a centrally sponsored scheme to add 5,000 postgraduate seats and an extension to add 5,023 MBBS seats in government medical institutions, at a total cost of ₹15,034.50 crore.
Summary
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved on 24 September 2025 Phase III of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for strengthening government medical colleges, standalone PG institutes and hospitals to add 5,000 postgraduate seats. It also approved extending the scheme for upgrading government medical colleges to add 5,023 MBBS seats, with an enhanced cost ceiling of ₹1.50 crore per seat. The two schemes will cost ₹15,034.50 crore from 2025-26 to 2028-29, with a central share of ₹10,303.20 crore and a state share of ₹4,731.30 crore. The aim is to increase the availability of doctors and specialists, especially in underserved areas.
Key facts
- Approved
- 24 Sep 2025, Union Cabinet
- PG seats
- 5,000 (Phase III of CSS)
- MBBS seats
- 5,023 (extension of CSS)
- Cost ceiling
- ₹1.50 crore per seat
- Total cost
- ₹15,034.50 crore, 2025-26 to 2028-29
- Shares
- Centre ₹10,303.20 crore; States ₹4,731.30 crore
Practice MCQs 4 questions
How many postgraduate medical seats will be added under Phase III of the centrally sponsored scheme approved on 24 September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 5,000
Phase III will add 5,000 PG seats; a separate extension will add 5,023 MBBS seats.
What is the enhanced cost ceiling per seat under the medical seat expansion schemes approved in September 2025?
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Correct answer: A — ₹1.50 crore
The schemes have an enhanced cost ceiling of ₹1.50 crore per seat.
What is the total financial implication of the two medical seat schemes approved on 24 September 2025?
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Correct answer: C — ₹15,034.50 crore
The total is ₹15,034.50 crore for 2025-26 to 2028-29: ₹10,303.20 crore central and ₹4,731.30 crore state share.
Consider the following statements about the medical seat schemes approved in September 2025: 1. The schemes will add 5,023 PG seats and 5,000 MBBS seats. 2. The Centre will bear the entire cost. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong: the schemes add 5,000 PG and 5,023 MBBS seats, and the cost is shared – ₹10,303.20 crore Centre and ₹4,731.30 crore States.