422 Additional PG Medical Seats, Minister terms Diwali Gift

Bengaluru Express
Bengaluru, Oct 18: Karnataka has received its Diwali cheer — 422 additional postgraduate (PG) medical seats have been sanctioned in government medical colleges for the academic year 2025–26. A long-standing demand has finally been met, said Dr. Sharanprakash R. Patil, Minister for Medical Education, Skill Development, Livelihood, and In-charge of Raichur district.

Speaking at a press conference held at Vikas Soudha on Saturday, the minister shared detailed information about the development and reaffirmed that the government’s objective is to ensure high-quality higher education.

Dr. Patil said the increase of 422 seats covers pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical disciplines. PG seats have been sanctioned in over 20 departments, including Pediatrics, Anesthesiology, Forensic Medicine, and Microbiology, he added.

Demand as for 572 seats
“As in previous years, there was a strong demand for PG courses this year as well. We had requested approval for 572 seats, of which 422 have been granted. Last year, there were 1,694 PG seats; with this year’s addition, the total will rise to 2,116 seats. This is truly a Diwali gift for students,” Dr. Patil said with delight.

He also noted that the National Medical Commission (NMC) has already approved an increase of 450 undergraduate medical seats in the state. For the first time, 15% of seats in government medical colleges will be reserved for Non-Resident Indians (NRI quota), he said.

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