UP Deputy CM Urges PG Medical Seat Increase After Record NEET UG 2025 Registrations

According to data from the National Medical Commission (NMC), Uttar Pradesh currently has around 3,378 postgraduate medical (MD/MS/Diploma) seats in government and private institutions.

With more than 220,000 students set to appear for the 2025 NEET undergraduate exam, and thousands of them qualifying in Uttar Pradesh alone, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak has called for a substantial increase in postgraduate medical seats across the state. This measure seeks to strengthen the healthcare system and ensure academic progression for a growing number of medical graduates.

At a recent event in Lucknow, Pathak emphasized the urgent need to expand the state's postgraduate medical education infrastructure. "We are producing a large number of MBBS doctors each year, but our postgraduate capacity remains insufficient. This obstacle not only limits students' professional growth but also affects the availability of specialists in public hospitals," he stated.

Current landscape of medical education in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh currently has around 3,378 PG medical seats (MD/MS/Diploma) across government and private institutions, according to data from the National Medical Commission (NMC). However, this number falls short when compared to the state’s annual MBBS output, which crossed 9,253 seats in 2024.

Pathak highlighted the state's efforts to expand undergraduate medical education by creating new medical schools, but noted that similar efforts are now needed at the graduate level. "If we want to retain talent and ensure equitable health services in both urban and rural areas, increasing postgraduate positions is critical," he stated.

India’s Total Medical Seat Status

As of 2024-25 academic year, India has approximately:

1,09,145 MBBS seats (undergraduate level)

70,674 PG medical seats (including MD, MS, and PG diploma)

Despite the steady annual growth in undergraduate medical places, the expansion of postgraduate programs has not kept pace, leading to intense competition. Thousands of medical graduates face long waits for admission to postgraduate programs or opt for alternative career paths due to limited availability.

NEET UG 2025: Record Participation, Competitive Cut-Offs

The National Eligibility Test for Undergraduate Studies (NEET UG) 2025 was held on May 4, with over 22.7 million students registering, the highest number to date. Approximately 21.9 million candidates appeared for the exam.

The results were announced on June 14, 2025, by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Unlike previous years, no student obtained a perfect score of 720. This year's highest score was 686, which contributed to a slight decrease in the cut-off scores, especially in the unreserved and EWS categories.

What Lies Ahead: MCC & State Counselling

Following the results, qualified candidates will participate in the Medical Advisory Committee's (MCC) All-India Quota (AIQ) counseling for 15% of MBBS and BDS seats. State-level counseling has also begun for the remaining 85%, including Uttar Pradesh.

However, with more than 100,000 qualified MBBS applicants, the gap between undergraduate and postgraduate places remains a major concern. Experts warn that unless postgraduate medical training is significantly expanded, India could continue to face a shortage of specialists, especially in public institutions.

Brajesh Pathak's call for more postgraduate places is part of a broader effort by several state governments to align medical education capacity with national health goals. If implemented, this measure could not only improve the availability of specialist doctors in India but also provide better academic opportunities for thousands of deserving students.