Patna: In a significant relief for medical aspirants in Bihar, the state government has drastically reduced the annual fees for 50% of MBBS seats in all private medical colleges and deemed universities. According to a resolution passed by the Health Department, these seats — referred to as government quota seats — will now follow the same fee structure as government medical colleges.
This move, which aligns with National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines, could slash fees by up to 95%, bringing much-needed financial respite to thousands of students and their families.
New Fee Structure: Drastic Drop from Lakhs to Thousands
Under the new policy, tuition fees for government quota seats in private medical colleges will now be:
- Tuition fee: ₹9,000 per year
- Hostel fee: ₹12,000 per year
- Other fees: Approximately ₹7,600
- Total annual expense: Around ₹28,600
This is in stark contrast to the current fee structure in private medical institutions, which ranges from ₹5 lakh to over ₹28 lakh per year.
Existing Fee Structures in Private Medical Colleges (Management Quota):
- Katihar Medical College: ₹28.12 lakh at the time of admission
- Netaji Subhash Medical College: Tuition ₹16.25 lakh + ₹3.60 lakh (hostel & mess) per year
- Narayan Medical College: Tuition ₹12.25 lakh + ₹3.20 lakh (hostel & mess) per year
- Mata Gujri Memorial Medical College: Tuition ₹9.63 lakh + ₹2 lakh (hostel) per year
- Buddha Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital: Annual fee ₹5 lakh
Students securing admission under the remaining 50% seats (management quota) will still have to pay these higher fees as prescribed by the individual colleges.
Wider Impact and Reactions
The decision is expected to make medical education more accessible for students from economically weaker backgrounds. It also aims to curb the dominance of private institutions in charging exorbitant fees, which has long been a barrier for deserving students.
Medical education experts and student groups have welcomed the decision, calling it a “game-changer” for NEET UG aspirants in Bihar.
Implementation and Compliance
The Health Department has directed all private medical colleges and deemed universities in the state to comply with the revised fee structure with immediate effect. Institutions failing to do so may face action under the Bihar Private Universities Act and other regulatory frameworks.
The policy shift is part of the state government’s broader effort to promote equitable access to professional education, especially in high-demand fields like medicine.
As the NEET UG admission process progresses, the fee reduction is likely to influence students’ choices and bring greater transparency and fairness to medical college admissions across Bihar.
