High fees leave MBBS seats vacant in Karnataka and across India
Approximately 2,000 medical seats remained unfilled nationwide after counselling sessions due to the high cost of private education.
Nearly 2,000 MBBS seats across India remained vacant after this year's counselling sessions, according to The Times of India. In Karnataka, 191 seats were left without takers despite the state having the highest number of MBBS seats in the country at 15,745 across 76 colleges.
The high cost of private medical education is a significant factor. Annual fees in private colleges range from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 45 lakh, with some courses costing over Rs 2 crore for the 4.5-year degree. In Karnataka, 11,145 private MBBS seats account for about 71 per cent of the state's total capacity.
Dr Bhagavan BC, VC of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, said that while MBBS is a preferred profession, high costs are a hindrance. He noted that medical colleges must be watchful of the fees they charge.
The Medical Counselling Committee announced a nationwide special stray vacancy round of counselling on October 30 to fill the vacant seats. In Karnataka, the Examinations Authority conducted seven rounds of counselling this year, with some colleges reducing fees at the end of the process to attract students.
Career counsellor Al Khwaja, founder of Banjara Academy, said many aspirants are opting for BDS instead, noting that all dentistry seats were filled this year. He said BDS is becoming a more affordable option for those seeking the doctor tag.