Govt: 1.28 Lakh MBBS Seats for 2025-26; Entrance Exam Reforms Eyed

• India has 128,875 MBBS and 80,291 PG medical seats for the 2025-26 academic year, as per a central government report.
• MBBS seats are split with 65,193 in government colleges and 63,682 in private/deemed universities, indicating a significant rise in the private sector's share.
• Despite extensive counseling, 72 MBBS seats remained vacant after four rounds, including 26 in government and 46 in deemed universities.
• An expert committee proposed reforms for entrance exams like NEET, suggesting conducting them in 11th grade and twice a year to reduce student stress.
• Other proposed exam reforms include limiting coaching hours, linking board marks to entrance results, and introducing aptitude tests.

Why It Matters: India's medical seat data and proposed exam reforms shape future doctors' paths.