Over 400 MBBS seats remain unfilled after special vacancy round

A total of 411 MBBS seats went unallotted after the Medical Counselling Committee's special stray vacancy round. Out of 948 vacant seats, only 537 were filled, raising concerns about the affordability of medical education in private colleges. High fee structures, which have reportedly increased from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 30 lakh, may have deterred NEET-qualified candidates from accepting these seats. The health ministry noted that last year, only 60-70 MBBS seats remained vacant. Despite conducting a fifth round of counselling, the number of unfilled seats remains significant. Government medical college seats and those in reputed private institutions are being filled, while vacancies are concentrated in certain private colleges. Officials suggest that these institutions should reassess their fee structures and the quality of education they provide.