The Tamil Nadu government has announced a series of measures covering milk procurement, health insurance, healthcare infrastructure and medical education, with the decisions aimed at supporting dairy producers while expanding access to treatment and increasing the number of seats in medical and allied health courses. The announcements were made in the state Assembly on Wednesday and include an increase in the milk procurement price from Rs 38 to Rs 41 per litre, along with a higher government incentive for procurement. The changes are expected to benefit more than 3.16 lakh milk producers, while the increase in procurement expenditure is estimated to cost the government an additional Rs 30 crore every month, or about Rs 360 crore a year. 

On the healthcare side, the government has proposed a major increase in the annual treatment limit under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme. The cover is set to rise from the existing Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh, potentially providing greater financial protection to beneficiaries facing costly medical treatment. The package also includes additional medical and surgical services for transgender persons through government facilities in Chennai and several districts. At the same time, the state plans to strengthen healthcare infrastructure with the construction of a 400-bed multi-speciality hospital in Perambalur at an estimated cost of Rs 300 crore. The hospital is expected to provide advanced treatment facilities and reduce the need for patients in the region to travel elsewhere for specialised care. 

Medical education is another major part of the announcement. The government has earmarked Rs 351 crore to increase admission capacity in government medical and related institutions, with a total of 6,098 additional seats planned across medical, nursing and paramedical courses. The expansion includes 660 B.Sc Nursing seats, 1,925 seats in nursing colleges and schools, 2,778 seats across 12 paramedical courses and another 735 seats in medical courses. Seven new government nursing colleges are also planned. The move comes as demand for trained healthcare professionals continues to grow, while expanding government institutions could provide more students with opportunities to enter medical and allied health professions. 

The milk procurement decision comes amid concerns over supplies to Aavin, the state-run dairy cooperative. Recent reports had indicated a decline in daily procurement, putting pressure on the cooperative to encourage farmers to supply more milk. The higher procurement rate is intended to improve returns for producers and strengthen the supply chain. The government incentive for procurement is also being increased from Rs 3 to Rs 5 per litre, adding another layer of support for dairy producers. The decision is significant because Aavin’s procurement network directly affects both farmers and the availability of milk through the cooperative system. 

Taken together, the announcements cover several areas of public policy rather than a single sector. Higher milk procurement prices are aimed at producers, while the proposed health insurance expansion targets patients facing major medical expenses. The additional medical and nursing seats focus on building the state’s healthcare workforce, and the new hospital is expected to strengthen treatment capacity. The scale of the measures will now depend on implementation, including the rollout of the insurance changes, creation of the additional seats and construction of the Perambalur hospital. For now, the announcements mark a broad welfare and healthcare push by the Tamil Nadu government, alongside steps to address concerns in the state’s dairy procurement system.

New Delhi: The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has commenced the Round 1 registration process for NEET UG Counselling 2026 from August 5, 2026. Candidates who qualified the NEET UG 2026 examination can now register online through the official MCC website to participate in the admission process for MBBS, BDS and other undergraduate medical courses under the All India Quota (AIQ) and other participating institutions.

According to the counselling schedule released by MCC, the registration window will remain open until August 12, 2026. Eligible candidates are advised to complete the registration process well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues. After registration, applicants will be required to participate in the choice-filling and choice-locking process, which plays a crucial role in seat allotment.

The choice-filling process will begin on August 6 and continue until August 13, 2026. During this period, candidates can select and arrange their preferred medical and dental colleges in order of priority. The choice-locking facility will be available from August 12 to August 13, after which no further modifications will be allowed. MCC has advised candidates to carefully review and lock their choices before the deadline to ensure their preferences are considered during seat allotment.

Following the completion of registration and choice filling, the seat allotment process for Round 1 will be conducted between August 13 and August 16, 2026. The Round 1 seat allotment result is scheduled to be announced on August 17, 2026. Candidates who receive a seat will have to report to their allotted institutions between August 18 and August 22 to complete the admission formalities. The verification of admitted candidates by participating institutes will take place on August 23, 2026.

Only candidates who have successfully qualified the NEET UG 2026 examination are eligible to participate in the counselling process. Admissions will be conducted for seats under the 15% All India Quota, Central Universities, Deemed Universities, AIIMS, JIPMER, ESIC institutions, Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), and other participating colleges under MCC.

How to Apply for MCC NEET UG Counselling 2026 Round 1

Candidates can complete their registration by following these steps:

1. Visit the official MCC website.
2. Click on the UG Medical Counselling section.
3. Select the Round 1 Registration link.
4. Register using the required credentials.
5. Fill in the application form carefully.
6. Upload the required details and complete the registration.
7. Pay the counselling registration fee online.
8. Submit the application and download the confirmation page for future reference.

Counselling Registration Fee

Candidates will have to pay a non-refundable registration fee along with a refundable security deposit at the time of registration.

For General (UR) and EWS candidates:

• Registration Fee: ₹1,000
• Refundable Security Deposit: ₹10,000

For SC, ST, OBC and PwD candidates:

• Registration Fee: ₹500
• Refundable Security Deposit: ₹5,000

Accordingly, a General or EWS candidate applying under eligible institutions will pay ₹11,000, while candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC or PwD categories will pay ₹5,500 during registration.

To help students navigate the counselling process, MCC has also released a video tutorial explaining each stage of registration, choice filling, document submission and seat allotment. Candidates are encouraged to watch the tutorial before beginning the application process to avoid common mistakes.

In case of any technical issues or counselling-related queries, MCC has provided a 24×7 toll-free helpline and an official email support system. Candidates seeking assistance should keep their application details ready while contacting the helpdesk to ensure faster resolution of their queries.

Six NEET aspirants have approached the Supreme Court alleging discrepancies between the answers they marked on their original OMR sheets and the scanned copies uploaded by the National Testing Agency (NTA), claiming the mismatch could adversely affect their medical admissions.

The petition comes at a crucial stage as the NEET counselling process is already underway, prompting the students to seek an urgent hearing before the apex court.

Supreme Court Agrees to List Matter

The matter was mentioned before a Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohan.

Appearing for the petitioners, counsel urged the court to hear the matter on priority, stating that only six students were involved and that counselling had already begun.

Responding to the request, the Chief Justice said, "We will list it," indicating that the matter would be taken up for hearing.

Students Allege OMR Discrepancies

According to the petition, the candidates found differences between the responses they had marked in the examination and those reflected in the scanned OMR sheets uploaded by the NTA.

The petitioners contend that the alleged discrepancies have resulted in lower scores, potentially affecting their eligibility for admission to medical colleges.

Their counsel informed the court that all six students had expected scores in the range of 600 to 650 marks, making the alleged errors significant in determining their final ranks and admission prospects.

Alleged Response from NTA

The students claim they repeatedly contacted the NTA through emails and also visited its office seeking correction of the alleged discrepancies.

However, according to the petition, their representations were not acted upon.

The counsel further alleged that an NTA official told the students, "Go to the Supreme Court. We don't bother about this," after they raised concerns regarding the OMR sheets.

The NTA has not publicly responded to these specific allegations.

Issue Surfaces During Counselling

The plea assumes significance as medical admissions based on NEET scores are currently in progress across the country.

The petitioners have argued that any delay in resolving the issue could cause irreversible prejudice to their admission opportunities.

NEET Reforms Under Judicial Scrutiny

The latest petition comes amid broader judicial scrutiny of the NEET examination process following the 2026 paper leak controversy.

The Supreme Court has recently emphasised the need for systemic and institutional reforms within the National Testing Agency to improve transparency and examination integrity.

Earlier, the NTA had released scanned copies of candidates' OMR answer sheets and provided an objection window before announcing the final results.

Meanwhile, similar disputes are also pending before other courts. The Bombay High Court is hearing a petition alleging discrepancies between expected and declared NEET scores, while the Delhi High Court is examining a case in which a student claimed that his score changed multiple times on the NTA portal.

The Supreme Court's decision in the present matter could have implications for the affected candidates as the counselling process continues.

Internship doctors at Shyam Shah Medical College (SSM), Rewa, continued their protest on Tuesday, demanding the implementation of a 'One Stipend' policy across all government medical colleges in Madhya Pradesh and a significant increase in their monthly stipend.

Gathering inside the college campus, the interns raised slogans and urged the state government to introduce a uniform stipend structure, arguing that the existing disparity among government medical colleges is unfair.

At present, intern doctors at SSM Medical College receive a monthly stipend of ₹14,000. The protesters are demanding that it be increased to ₹30,000, saying the current amount is insufficient to meet basic living expenses during their internship.

Demand Pending for Long

The protesting interns said they have repeatedly placed their demands before the college administration and the state government over an extended period. However, they alleged that despite several representations, no concrete decision has been taken.

According to the students, they have received only assurances so far. They warned that if their demands are not addressed soon, the agitation could be intensified in the coming days.

Uniform Stipend Across Medical Colleges

The interns stressed that government medical colleges across Madhya Pradesh currently provide different stipend amounts to MBBS interns, creating inequality among students pursuing the same internship program.

They said the implementation of a uniform stipend policy would eliminate these disparities and ensure equal treatment for intern doctors irrespective of the institution where they are enrolled.

Allege High Fees, Low Stipend

The protesting doctors also claimed that SSM Medical College charges one of the highest medical education fees in the state while offering one of the lowest internship stipends.

They pointed out that interns play a vital role in patient care by working regularly in hospital departments and assisting healthcare services. Despite these responsibilities, they said the present stipend is inadequate to cover accommodation, food, transportation and other essential expenses.

Administration Assures to Forward Demands

During the protest, representatives of the intern doctors submitted their demands to the college administration.

College authorities reportedly assured the students that their concerns would be forwarded to the state government for consideration.

However, the interns maintained that assurances alone would not resolve the issue. They reiterated that the protest would continue until a formal decision is taken to enhance the stipend and implement the proposed 'One Stipend' policy across all government medical colleges in Madhya Pradesh.

The students also warned that they would intensify their agitation if no concrete action is announced in the near future.

The Chhattisgarh High Court has taken a stern view of the state government's failure to implement its judgment striking down 100% reservation for women in nursing college teaching posts. The court has issued contempt notices to the State Health Secretary Amit Kataria and Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC) Secretary D. Rahul Venkat for allegedly ignoring its directions for nearly three years.

The division bench had earlier declared exclusive reservation for women in nursing college faculty recruitment unconstitutional and directed the state to allow eligible male candidates to participate in the selection process. Despite the ruling, the recruitment process has not been revised, prompting aggrieved candidates to move the High Court through a contempt petition.

Recruitment Rule Challenged

The dispute dates back to December 8, 2021, when the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission issued a recruitment notification for the posts of Demonstrator and Assistant Professor in government nursing colleges.

Under Rule 5 and Schedule-III of the 2013 recruitment rules, only women candidates were permitted to apply, effectively excluding qualified male nursing graduates from the selection process.

Male Candidates Approached High Court

A group of petitioners, including Abhay Kumar Kispotta, Dr. Ajay Tripathi, Elyus Ekka, and Aditya Singh, challenged the recruitment rules before the High Court in 2021.

The petitioners argued that both men and women are admitted to B.Sc. Nursing and M.Sc. Nursing courses without discrimination. Therefore, preventing male candidates from applying for teaching positions after completing the same qualifications violated the constitutional guarantee of equality.

Government Defended Women-Only Policy

During the hearing, the state government defended the policy by arguing that nursing services are largely provided by women and cited Article 15(3) of the Constitution, which allows the state to make special provisions for women and children.

However, the High Court held that reserving 100% of teaching posts exclusively for women was unconstitutional and directed the authorities to modify the recruitment process to include male candidates.

Court Order Yet to Be Implemented

According to the contempt petition, despite the High Court's ruling in March 2023, the Health Department and the Directorate of Medical Education have not amended the recruitment rules or issued a revised advertisement permitting male applicants.

The petition also states that six days after the judgment, on March 15, 2023, the CGPSC Deputy Secretary wrote to the Medical Education Department seeking revised recruitment proposals to proceed with fresh appointments. Despite the communication and subsequent representations by candidates, no corrective action was taken.

Contractual Recruitment Sparks Fresh Dispute

Instead of initiating regular recruitment in compliance with the High Court's order, the Medical Education Department issued a fresh advertisement on June 22, 2026, inviting applications on a contractual basis for the posts of Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, and Demonstrator in government nursing colleges.

The move prompted the petitioners to file a contempt plea, alleging deliberate non-compliance with the court's earlier directions.

Taking note of the allegations, the High Court has now issued contempt notices to the Health Secretary and the CGPSC Secretary. The matter has been listed for further hearing after five weeks, during which the state government is expected to explain why the court's directions remain unimplemented.

The outcome of the case is likely to have significant implications for future recruitment in government nursing colleges and could determine whether male nursing professionals receive equal opportunities in teaching positions across Chhattisgarh.

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) is expected to conduct NEET UG 2026 counselling in multiple phases, including Round 1, Round 2, the Mop-Up Round and the Stray Vacancy Round. While the detailed counselling schedule is awaited, officials have indicated that all announcements and notifications will be released through the official MCC portal.

The Stray Vacancy Round is conducted to fill seats that remain vacant after all regular counselling rounds are completed. These seats may arise because candidates fail to report, withdraw before the final deadline, or because some institutions continue to have unfilled vacancies after the Mop-Up Round.

Unlike the earlier rounds, the Stray Vacancy Round comes with stricter eligibility conditions. Candidates who have already joined a medical college through previous counselling rounds are generally not eligible to participate. The round is primarily meant for students who are still without an allotted seat and meet the eligibility criteria prescribed by the counselling authorities.

Candidates are advised to carefully read the counselling bulletin before registering because the rules governing participation, seat acceptance and reporting differ from earlier rounds. Missing deadlines or failing to comply with reporting requirements may result in the loss of the allotted seat, while applicable security deposit rules may also come into effect depending on the counselling authority's regulations.

The counselling process generally begins with online registration, followed by payment of the prescribed fee, choice filling, choice locking, seat allotment and physical reporting at the allotted institute. Once the Stray Vacancy Round concludes, the admission process for the academic session is considered complete and no further regular counselling rounds are conducted.

Medical education experts advise candidates to prepare all required documents well in advance. These typically include the NEET UG admit card, scorecard, counselling registration documents, identity proof, Class 10 and 12 certificates, category certificates wherever applicable, domicile documents, photographs and other certificates specified by the counselling authority. Any discrepancy during verification may affect admission.

Students should also remember that the Stray Vacancy Round usually offers limited choices because only the remaining vacant seats are available. As a result, flexibility while filling preferences can significantly improve the chances of securing a seat.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) and MCC have repeatedly emphasised that admissions must strictly follow the notified counselling schedule and approved guidelines. Candidates have been advised not to rely on unofficial information circulating on social media and instead monitor only official notifications for updates regarding counselling dates, eligibility and reporting instructions.

With NEET UG 2026 admissions entering their final stages in the coming weeks, the Stray Vacancy Round is expected to become a crucial opportunity for thousands of aspirants still hoping to secure admission into medical colleges across the country.

A student of Delhi Public School (DPS), Varanasi, Aryan said his dream of becoming a doctor was shaped much earlier than his board examinations. According to him, the decision was made while he was studying in Class 9, giving him a clear academic goal that guided his preparation over the following years.

Rather than relying on shortcuts or memorisation, Aryan focused on building strong conceptual understanding in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. He believes mastering concepts made it easier to solve complex questions during the examination and reduced dependence on rote learning.

His preparation routine remained disciplined throughout the last two years. Aryan studied for nearly eight to ten hours daily, balancing coaching classes with self-study. He reportedly devoted additional time to revising previously completed topics and solving mock tests to improve both speed and accuracy.

Speaking about his strategy, Aryan said consistency mattered more than studying for extremely long hours on a few days. He maintained a structured timetable, revised regularly and analysed mistakes made during practice tests before moving on to new topics. Music also helped him remain focused during long study sessions, according to accounts of his preparation journey.

Family support played a significant role in his success. Reports said his parents encouraged him throughout the preparation phase and ensured he had an environment suitable for focused study. Aryan has acknowledged that emotional support at home helped him stay motivated during the demanding preparation period.

The NEET UG 2026 examination was conducted after an earlier paper was cancelled following the nationwide paper leak controversy. The National Testing Agency (NTA) later held the re-examination before announcing the final results. More than 11 lakh candidates qualified this year, with Aryan Gupta of Punjab and Panshul Bansal of Haryana jointly securing AIR 1.

Aryan's achievement has drawn attention across Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Varanasi, where educational institutions and coaching centres have praised his performance. His success has also become a source of inspiration for students preparing for highly competitive medical entrance examinations.

Sharing advice for future aspirants, Aryan emphasised that students should avoid comparing themselves with others and instead focus on strengthening their own fundamentals. He suggested revising consistently, solving previous years' question papers and maintaining confidence throughout the preparation journey.

With AIR 7, Aryan is now expected to secure admission to one of India's premier government medical colleges during the upcoming counselling process. His achievement highlights how long-term planning, conceptual clarity and disciplined preparation continue to be key factors in succeeding in one of the country's most competitive entrance examinations.

The siblings — Rajnish Kumar, Sakshi Kumari and Prahlad Kumar — belong to a family supported by a small grocery business. Their father, Rohit Kumar, runs a kirana shop, while their mother, Poonam Devi, stood firmly behind their education despite the family’s limited financial resources. Their success has brought celebrations not only to their home but also across their neighbourhood and village.

The achievement is even more significant because all three prepared without relocating to major coaching hubs. Instead, they continued their studies while staying in Saharsa, relying on local educational support and consistent self-discipline. Their journey has become an example that success in competitive examinations does not always depend on studying in large metropolitan coaching centres.

According to available information, Rajnish and Sakshi secured success in their third attempt at the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET UG), while their younger brother, Prahlad Kumar, cleared the examination in his very first attempt. The differing paths of the three siblings underline the importance of perseverance, with repeated setbacks eventually giving way to success.

The siblings completed their schooling in their home region before preparing for India's highly competitive medical entrance examination. Rajnish and Sakshi studied under both the CBSE and Bihar Board systems during different stages of their education, while Prahlad completed both his matriculation and intermediate studies through the Bihar Board before qualifying for NEET on his first attempt.

Their parents described the result as the reward for years of sacrifice and hard work. Despite financial constraints, the family ensured that education remained the highest priority. Relatives, neighbours and well-wishers have continued visiting their residence since the results were announced to congratulate the family. Local representatives also joined the celebrations to honour the siblings' achievement.

Prahlad Kumar said he now hopes to specialise as an orthopaedic surgeon in the future. Sakshi Kumari expressed her desire to become a paediatrician after completing medical education. Rajnish highlighted that financial limitations should never discourage students from pursuing ambitious goals, adding that determination and disciplined preparation can overcome difficult circumstances.

The success comes at a time when competition in NEET UG continues to intensify each year, with lakhs of students competing for a limited number of medical seats across India. Stories such as this continue to resonate because they demonstrate that persistence, family support and consistent effort remain critical factors behind success in one of the country's toughest entrance examinations.

For many aspiring doctors, the Saharsa siblings' achievement offers a powerful reminder that opportunities can be created even without access to expensive resources, provided the commitment to learning remains strong.

The decision, announced in the Maharashtra Assembly by Health Education Minister Hasan Mushrif, is part of a broader expansion plan that also includes increasing student intake in existing institutions and upgrading General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) schools into degree-granting nursing colleges.

According to the minister, the state has sanctioned a total outlay of ₹558.71 crore for the expansion programme. The initiative comes at a time when Maharashtra’s healthcare sector is witnessing rising demand for qualified nursing staff across government hospitals, medical colleges and private healthcare facilities.

Government data presented in the Assembly showed that Maharashtra had 2,17,640 registered nurses in 2025. Despite this sizeable workforce, authorities believe additional nursing professionals will be required to meet the expanding needs of the healthcare system.

Under the new plan, each of the 10 proposed government BSc Nursing Colleges will have an annual intake capacity of 100 students. The institutions will be established in Chandrapur, Sindhudurg, Yavatmal, Alibag in Raigad district, Ratnagiri, Amravati, Dharashiv, Gadchiroli, Palghar and Ahilyanagar.

Officials said the move is expected to improve access to nursing education in districts that currently have limited opportunities for students seeking professional healthcare training.

The government has approved ₹334.80 crore towards capital expenditure for setting up the new colleges. Three of the proposed institutions—located in Yavatmal, Chandrapur and Sindhudurg—are also expected to receive financial support under a central government nursing education scheme.

The expansion plan extends beyond new institutions. Eight existing government-run GNM schools will be upgraded into full-fledged BSc Nursing Colleges, significantly increasing the number of degree-level nursing seats available in the state.

The institutions identified for upgradation are located at GT Hospital and St. George Hospital in Mumbai, along with centres in Dhule, Solapur, Ambajogai in Beed district, Akola, Nagpur and Sangli.

Following the upgrade, each of these colleges will be able to admit 100 students annually. Under the Centre’s nursing education initiative, every upgraded institution will receive financial assistance of ₹7 crore for infrastructure and academic development.

The government has also approved an increase in intake capacity at five existing government BSc Nursing Colleges. Institutions in Mumbai, Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Pune and Nanded will see their annual intake rise from 50 seats to 100 seats.

To support the expansion, the state has sanctioned approximately ₹68.43 crore for infrastructure enhancement, equipment procurement and other academic requirements at these colleges.

Officials believe the combined impact of new colleges, upgraded institutions and increased intake capacity will substantially expand Maharashtra’s nursing education ecosystem over the coming years.

Apart from infrastructure funding, the state government has also approved recurring annual expenditure of ₹12.58 crore to support operations. New teaching and non-teaching positions have been sanctioned to ensure adequate faculty strength and administrative support for the expanded network of institutions.

The announcement is expected to be welcomed by students seeking careers in healthcare, particularly those from districts where access to professional nursing education has remained limited.

With healthcare services continuing to expand across Maharashtra, the government views the development of a larger and better-trained nursing workforce as a critical component of strengthening the state's medical infrastructure and improving patient care standards in the years ahead.

The meeting focused on the progress of major public health initiatives being implemented in Kerala, including the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, Free Drugs Service Initiative, Free Diagnostic Service Initiative, and healthcare human resource development under the National Health Mission (NHM).

Officials reviewed the status of healthcare delivery systems in the state and discussed measures aimed at improving access to affordable and quality healthcare services. Medical education, drug regulation, blood bank management, and food safety standards were also among the key issues taken up during the deliberations.

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the discussion emphasized the need to strengthen health infrastructure, ensure the availability of essential medicines and diagnostic facilities, and enhance the efficiency of public healthcare institutions. The meeting also explored ways to improve healthcare manpower and support capacity-building efforts across various levels of the health system.

Kerala Health Minister K. Muraleedharan briefed the Union Minister on the progress of ongoing health programmes in the state. He highlighted measures being undertaken by the state government to improve healthcare delivery and expand access to medical services.

The state minister also outlined certain challenges faced in implementing health initiatives and identified areas where additional support from the Centre could help accelerate progress. He reiterated Kerala’s commitment to working closely with the Union government to achieve national public health goals and improve healthcare outcomes for citizens.

Healthcare cooperation between the Centre and states has remained a key focus area as governments work to strengthen disease surveillance, improve primary healthcare networks, and expand access to critical medical services. Regular review meetings are considered important for monitoring programme implementation and addressing operational challenges.

During the interaction, Nadda appreciated the efforts made by the Kerala government in implementing various health schemes and public welfare programmes. He noted that effective execution of healthcare initiatives requires continuous monitoring, timely interventions, and strong coordination between different levels of government.

The Union Minister also assured the state of the Centre’s continued support in strengthening Kerala’s healthcare ecosystem. He stressed that collaborative efforts between the Union and state governments are essential to ensuring better health outcomes and building a resilient public health system capable of meeting future challenges.

Officials discussed the importance of improving healthcare accessibility, particularly in underserved areas, while ensuring that quality standards are maintained across medical institutions. The role of regulatory mechanisms in pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and food safety was also highlighted as part of efforts to enhance public trust in healthcare services.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the public health system and ensuring that citizens have access to affordable, equitable and high-quality healthcare services. Officials said continued engagement between the Centre and states would remain critical for achieving long-term health objectives and improving overall healthcare delivery across the country.

For students and parents planning higher education, understanding the fee structure of government and private institutions can play a crucial role in making an informed decision.

Engineering Education: Costs Vary Widely Across Institutions

Engineering continues to be one of the most popular career options in India. Students seeking admission to premier institutes such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) generally gain entry through the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced.

For General, OBC, and EWS category students, the total cost of a four-year B.Tech programme at IITs, including hostel and other academic expenses, typically ranges between ₹8.5 lakh and ₹13.5 lakh. Depending on the institute and course, the average expenditure often falls between ₹8 lakh and ₹10 lakh.

National Institutes of Technology (NITs) are comparatively more affordable. The overall cost of a four-year engineering degree at most NITs generally ranges between ₹5 lakh and ₹6 lakh.

Students from economically weaker backgrounds also receive substantial fee concessions. In many IITs and NITs, candidates belonging to families with annual incomes below prescribed limits are eligible for full or partial tuition fee waivers.

Private Engineering Colleges Can Be Expensive

The fee structure in private engineering institutions varies significantly depending on reputation, infrastructure, and placement records.

In several Tier-3 private colleges, particularly in states such as Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, annual tuition fees may range from ₹45,000 to ₹60,000. However, established private engineering colleges often charge between ₹2 lakh and ₹5 lakh per year.

Premium private universities and institutes, including some of India's top-ranked engineering colleges, can charge between ₹18 lakh and ₹22 lakh for a complete four-year programme. As a result, the total cost of engineering education in private institutions can range from ₹8 lakh to over ₹22 lakh.

MBBS in Government Colleges Remains Highly Affordable

Medical education is often perceived as expensive, but government medical colleges remain among the most affordable higher education options in the country.

Several prestigious government institutions, including medical colleges affiliated with Delhi University, charge extremely low tuition fees. In some cases, annual fees begin at just a few thousand rupees.

In states such as Maharashtra, the annual fee for open-category students in government medical colleges is approximately ₹1.6 lakh. Various reservation categories, including SC, ST, and certain socially disadvantaged groups, may receive substantial fee concessions or complete fee waivers depending on state policies.

Because government MBBS seats are heavily subsidized, the total cost of completing the course is often significantly lower than many private professional programmes.

Private MBBS Colleges Are Among the Most Expensive

The financial picture changes dramatically for students enrolling in private medical colleges. Annual MBBS fees in private institutions frequently range from ₹10 lakh to ₹30 lakh or more, depending on the state and institution.

In some deemed universities and private medical colleges, the total cost of completing an MBBS degree can exceed ₹1 crore when tuition fees, hostel charges, and other expenses are included.

As a result, MBBS can be either one of the cheapest professional degrees or one of the most expensive, depending entirely on whether a student secures a government seat.

Career and Earnings Comparison

Engineering graduates typically enter the workforce immediately after completing a four-year degree. Salaries vary widely based on college reputation, specialization, and skills. Graduates from top institutes often receive high-paying domestic and international job offers.

MBBS graduates generally require a longer educational journey. After completing the MBBS degree, many doctors pursue internships, postgraduate specialization, and advanced medical training before reaching their peak earning potential.

While engineers may start earning earlier, medical professionals often achieve higher long-term career stability and income growth after specialization.

Which Course Is More Expensive?

The answer depends on the institution.

Government MBBS colleges are generally cheaper than engineering programmes at top institutes. However, private MBBS colleges are substantially more expensive than most engineering colleges, including premium private engineering universities.

Students should therefore evaluate not only fees but also their interests, aptitude, career goals, and long-term professional aspirations before choosing between Engineering and MBBS.

The recruitment covers positions ranging from Assistant Professor to Professor and includes appointments for both AIIMS New Delhi and the AIIMS-CAPFIMS Centre in Maidan Garhi. The vacancies were spread across more than 50 departments, reflecting one of the institute’s largest faculty hiring exercises in recent years.

According to AIIMS, more than 3,200 candidates applied for the available positions. The recruitment process covered 265 faculty posts at AIIMS New Delhi and 199 posts at AIIMS-CAPFIMS. The selection exercise took nearly six months to complete due to the scale and complexity of the process.

In a first for the institution, AIIMS used blockchain-based digital technology during the recruitment process to enhance transparency, security, and confidentiality. Candidate scores were protected through a one-time password (OTP)-based system, ensuring that evaluation data remained secure throughout the selection process.

The institute said the final merit list was generated through software based on pre-defined criteria and rules, eliminating the need for human intervention in most cases. Manual intervention was limited only to situations where candidates secured identical scores and tie-breaking measures were required.

Officials believe the large-scale recruitment will strengthen patient care services, medical education, and research activities across departments. With more faculty members joining the institution, AIIMS is expected to improve specialist availability, reduce workload pressures, and enhance academic and training programs for medical students.

The issue of faculty shortages has been raised repeatedly in recent years, with concerns over vacant positions affecting healthcare delivery and academic operations. The latest recruitment drive is being viewed as a significant step toward addressing those challenges.

Medical education experts say that strengthening faculty strength at leading institutions such as AIIMS is crucial as India continues to expand its healthcare infrastructure and medical training capacity. Increased faculty availability is expected to contribute to better clinical outcomes, stronger research initiatives, and improved mentoring opportunities for future healthcare professionals.

AIIMS has indicated that the appointment and onboarding process for selected candidates will be carried out in phases, enabling departments to fill long-standing vacancies and further strengthen institutional capacity.