Srinagar, August 2, 2025 — Jammu and Kashmir has significantly expanded its medical education infrastructure, adding 250 MBBS seats over the past five years, as per data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). The Union Territory’s MBBS seat count has risen from 1,135 in 2020-21 to 1,385 in 2024-25, reflecting a concerted effort to address the region’s healthcare needs. Additionally, Ladakh has been allocated 100 MBBS seats for the first time, marking the establishment of its inaugural medical college.The increase in J&K’s capacity stems from the establishment of four new medical colleges and the expansion of existing ones under centrally sponsored schemes.
According to a statement tabled in the Lok Sabha on April 4, 2025, the number of medical colleges in J&K grew from 8 in 2019-20 to 12 in 2023-24, boosting the total MBBS seat capacity by over 35%. This development is part of a broader national push to improve the doctor-patient ratio, with India’s current ratio standing at 1:811, including allopathic and AYUSH practitioners, still below the World Health Organization’s recommended standard.A senior health official noted, “This expansion is a major step towards strengthening the healthcare system in both Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, addressing the shortage of medical professionals.”
J&K now ranks around 21st among Indian states and UTs in MBBS seat availability, surpassing smaller states like Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya, but trailing behind leaders like Uttar Pradesh (12,325 seats), Karnataka(12,194), and Tamil Nadu (12,000). The National Medical Commission (NMC) has also introduced guidelines to regulate fees for 50% of seats in private medical colleges, making education more accessible.
The addition of these seats, facilitated through NEET 2025 admissions, is expected to enhance healthcare delivery in J&K’s rural and remote areas, while Ladakh’s new medical college addresses a long-standing demand for local medical education. However, challenges like infrastructure development and faculty recruitment remain critical to sustaining this growth.
