Thousands of medical seats are going vacant: What’s really wrong with MBBS admissions in India?

Despite a 39% rise in MBBS seats in India from 2020–21 to 2024–25, over 2,800 seats remain vacant. Data tabled in the Lok Sabha reveals gaps linked to high private fees, complex counselling, and low uptake in newer colleges. While infrastructure expands, persistent underutilisation raises concerns about accessibility, affordability, and systemic inefficiencies in medical admissions.