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April 29, 2025 – Jammu & Kashmir:
With the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2025 just days away, thousands of medical aspirants in Jammu & Kashmir are pinning their hopes on the possibility of an increase in MBBS seats across the region’s government medical colleges.
Currently, Jammu & Kashmir offers a total of 1,339 MBBS seats, including those at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jammu and Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences (ASCOMS) Jammu, a private institution. Out of these seats, 15 percent are reserved for the All India Quota and 4 percent are allocated for candidates from the Ladakh Union Territory. The remaining seats are distributed among various categories, with many students voicing concerns about the limited number of seats available in the unreserved pool.
Government’s Response and Ongoing Efforts
Sakina Itoo, the J&K Minister of Health and Medical Education, has acknowledged the concerns of aspiring medical students. She emphasized that the state government is making concerted efforts to meet the standards set by the National Medical Commission (NMC), which include improvements in staff strength, library resources, laboratory facilities, and classroom infrastructure.
Speaking to Greater Kashmir, Itoo stated, “We are positive we will be able to get a nod for 50 additional seats in each of the nine government medical colleges of J&K.” She added that both the Health and Medical Education Department and the administrations of the medical colleges have been instructed to take aggressive steps to secure the necessary Letter of Permission from the NMC.
Aspirants Remain Hopeful
With the NEET-UG exam scheduled for May 4, 2025, and the final selection process set to unfold over the coming months, aspirants are anxiously awaiting any official announcement regarding the increase in seats. Many believe that additional seats would significantly enhance their chances of selection and help address the growing demand for medical education in the region.
Looking Ahead
As the exam date draws near, all eyes are on the authorities to see if their efforts will bear fruit in time for the 2025 admissions cycle. An increase in seats would not only benefit this year’s candidates but also contribute to strengthening the healthcare workforce in Jammu & Kashmir in the long run.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information available as of April 29, 2025, including statements from officials and media reports. The final decision regarding the increase in medical seats is subject to approval by the National Medical Commission and may change. Aspirants are advised to refer to official notifications for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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