Srinagar, Sep 03 (KNO): In a significant development for Jammu and Kashmir’s Health and Education sector, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has granted a Letter of Permission (LoP) for 190 additional MBBS seats across five medical colleges of the Union Territory for the academic session 2025–26.
Announcing the decision, Health Minister Sakina Itoo, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the approval marks a significant step in strengthening medical education and healthcare infrastructure in J&K. “This milestone has been made possible with the kind intervention and support of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah sahib. It is a big step towards building a stronger healthcare system and producing more qualified doctors from our region,” she stated.
The additional seats will be distributed among five Government Medical Colleges, easing the growing demand for MBBS admissions in the UT.
Officials said this will also help in addressing the shortage of doctors in the coming years, thereby improving patient care facilities in hospitals across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Health Minister added that the government is committed to further expanding medical education opportunities and ensuring that the youth of J&K get better access to professional courses within the Union Territory itself.
She wrote on X: "Pleased to announce that NMC has granted Letter of Permission for 190 additional MBBS seats across 5 Medical Colleges of J&K (UT) for the academic session 2025-26. This milestone has been made possible with the kind intervention & support of Hon’ble CM @OmarAbdullah Sb A big step towards strengthening medical education & healthcare in the region."
Students and parents have welcomed the announcement, expressing hope that the move will open up more opportunities for aspiring doctors who previously had to look outside the region due to limited availability of seats.
Jammu and Kashmir till now has a total of 1,347 MBBS seats across 12 medical colleges for the 2025 academic year, with 1,047 seats in government colleges and 300 in private colleges—(KNO)