Jharkhand Nearly Triples MBBS Seats in Seven Years, Rising from 580 to 1,650

Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari says expansion of medical education remains a government priority; Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar Singh stresses quality training and infrastructure

Ranchi: Jharkhand has witnessed a significant expansion in medical education over the past seven years, with the number of MBBS seats in government and private medical colleges increasing from 580 in the 2019-20 financial year to 1,650 in 2026-27, according to figures provided by the state. This represents nearly a threefold increase in the availability of medical education opportunities.

In the 2019-20 financial year, Shaheed Nirmal Mahto Medical College and Hospital in Dhanbad and MGM Medical College and Hospital in Jamshedpur had 50 MBBS seats each. Phulo Jhano Medical College and Hospital in Dumka, Medinirai Medical College and Hospital in Palamu, and Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College and Hospital in Hazaribagh had 100 seats each. Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, had 180 seats.

By 2026-27, the number of MBBS seats at Shaheed Nirmal Mahto Medical College and Hospital had increased to 100, while MGM Medical College and Hospital had expanded its intake to 150. The colleges in Dumka, Palamu and Hazaribagh continued to have 100 seats each. RIMS increased its MBBS intake from 180 to 250 seats.

The entry and subsequent expansion of private medical colleges have also contributed to the increase in medical education opportunities in the state.

Manipal Tata Medical College in Jamshedpur began offering medical education with 150 MBBS seats in 2021-22. Lakshmi Chandravanshi Medical College in Palamu added 100 seats in 2022-23, followed by Netaji Subhas Medical College and Hospital in Seraikela, which started with 100 seats in 2025-26.

In 2026-27, the MBBS intake at Manipal Tata Medical College increased to 250 seats, while Lakshmi Chandravanshi Medical College expanded to 150 seats. Netaji Subhas Medical College and Hospital increased its intake to 200 seats.

Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari said expanding medical education and strengthening healthcare services were among the government's priorities.

“The increase in MBBS seats in Jharkhand is an important step in this direction. Our effort is to provide students from the state with more opportunities to pursue medical education within Jharkhand and to improve the availability of doctors in the future,” he said.

He added that alongside the expansion of medical education, it was essential to ensure better hospital facilities, adequate resources and quality treatment for patients.

Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar Singh emphasised the need to strengthen academic standards, hospital infrastructure, medical resources and practical training in line with the growing number of seats.

“Expanding MBBS seats is an important step towards widening access to medical education. However, the objective is not merely to increase the number of doctors but also to prepare competent and skilled medical professionals who can provide better healthcare services to the people,” he said.

With the total number of MBBS seats in government and private medical colleges reported at 1,650 for the 2026-27 financial year, Jharkhand is continuing to expand its medical education capacity. The state government has also highlighted the importance of ensuring that this growth is accompanied by improvements in training quality, infrastructure and healthcare delivery.