In a major boost to medical education and healthcare in Jammu and Kashmir, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has cleared 190 additional MBBS seats across five government medical colleges in the Union Territory.

With this expansion, the UT’s overall intake capacity in government colleges has surged from 1,185 to 1,375 seats — a significant relief for thousands of aspiring doctors facing stiff competition for limited opportunities.

According to the Department of Information and Public Relations, 50 new seats have been allotted each to Government Medical Colleges in Baramulla, Doda, and Kathua. Meanwhile, Government Medical College Jammu and Government Medical College Srinagar have been granted 20 seats each.

Officials said the move will not only open more doors for local students but also help strengthen the region’s healthcare system by ensuring a larger pool of trained professionals in the years ahead. Further approvals are likely ahead of the upcoming third round of counselling.

Chief Secretary of J&K lauded the Health and Medical Education Department for securing the enhancement, and credited the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the NMC, and Dr. V K Bal role in shaping health reforms in the UT, is expected to continue driving transformative initiatives to improve care delivery and medical training in J&K.