15% NRI quota in government medical colleges, proposes Karnataka

The Karnataka government has officially requested approval from the Centre to set up additional supernumerary MBBS seats in government medical colleges, starting in the academic year 2025-26. This initiative directs an introduction to the NRI quota, amplifying financial inflow and educational quality in the state's medical institutions.

Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil has announced that he has reached out to the Chairman of the National Medical Commission (NMC) to request the establishment of 508 supernumerary MBBS seats in 22 government medical colleges across Karnataka. The proposal includes a 15 percent quota for NRI students, as outlined in the state's submission.

Patil cited UGC guidelines and the National Education Policy 2020 to justify the initiative, highlighting the significance of international student intake for global engagement. He pointed out that Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab already have NRI quotas in their government medical colleges.

Despite current budgetary provisions and other income sources, Karnataka's autonomous medical institutions face funding challenges. Patil emphasized the need for additional funds to elevate these centers into institutions of excellence, enhancing infrastructure, faculty, research, and the overall quality of education.

The minister noted that implementing an NRI quota within the existing annual seat intake is impractical, as it could limit opportunities for underprivileged students and lead to protests. Instead, he proposed an annual fee of Rs 25 lakh per NRI student, which could generate significant revenue.

Patil expressed confidence that the Centre would approve the state's request, enabling the introduction of a 15 percent NRI quota in government medical colleges starting from the 2025-26 academic year.