MYSURU

A year after increasing its MBBS intake from 150 to 200, the Mysuru Medical College and Research Institute (MMCRI)—one of India’s oldest and most prestigious medical colleges—has submitted a fresh proposal to the National Medical Commission (NMC) seeking approval to raise the intake to 250 for the academic year 2025–26.

The proposal holds significance amid rising demand for medical education and intense competition for government college seats, which remain affordable and highly sought after.

MMCRI Dean and Director K.R. Dakshayani said that the college had formally requested the NMC to conduct an assessment of its infrastructure and resources to evaluate its eligibility for the increased intake.

“The college is well-equipped and meets all the requirements, especially after the extensive infrastructure development carried out during our centenary celebrations,” she said.

The institute currently has a total of 2,300 beds across its affiliated teaching hospitals—K.R. Hospital, Cheluvamba Hospital, and PKTB Sanatorium. These facilities collectively cater to around 2,300 outpatients daily, strengthening the college’s case for expansion.

Dr. Dakshayani emphasised that significant upgrades had been made over the past two years. These include the construction of two new hostels, one each for boys and girls, with 150 rooms apiece, and each room featuring attached restrooms and the capacity to comfortably accommodate three students. The hostels are located on the PKTB Hospital campus on KRS Road.

In addition, the MMCRI has built a new lecture complex, with three classrooms that can each seat 300 students, and two examination halls with a 500-student capacity each. Both undergraduate and postgraduate libraries have also been upgraded as part of the expansion efforts.

“Our request to increase the MBBS intake is backed by robust infrastructure and consistent patient load,” said Dr. Dakshayani. “We are confident of securing approval from the NMC, having fulfilled all necessary criteria outlined in the revised seat expansion guidelines,” she added.

Among government medical colleges in Karnataka, the MMCRI, apart from the Bangalore Medical College (BMC), remains a leading institution. The increase in seats, if approved, will further bolster its role in producing competent medical professionals to meet the growing healthcare needs of the nation. Only the BMC has 250 intake, while other older government medical colleges have an intake of 200 seats.

Importantly, the NIMHANS-type institute in Mysuru is being established at the MMCRI, which is part of the Department of Medical Education (DME). It was announced in the State Budget by the Chief Minister.

Another key Budget announcement is the establishment of the Regional Endocrinology Centre in Mysuru. The centre will be established in the MMCRI and be part of the DME. Karnataka Institute of Endocrinology and Research, which serves as the main centre in Bengaluru, and these centres are expected to function as its branches.

Cases of hormonal imbalances, gland issues, thyroid problems, and diabetes are handled by the institute. With the rise in cases related to endocrinology and diabetes, patients will benefit from it, doctors said.