Patna, September 8: Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH) has recorded only seven MBBS admissions against 200 available seats in the first counselling round for the 2026-27 academic session.
The first round of counselling was held from August 28 to September 1, marking the first admission cycle in which the Patna-based medical college is offering its expanded intake of 200 MBBS seats.
The number of admissions in the first round is low compared with the total number of seats available. However, the college is awaiting the schedule for the second and subsequent rounds of counselling, through which more students are expected to be admitted.
NMCH MBBS Intake Increased By 50 Seats
NMCH previously had 150 MBBS seats. The addition of 50 seats this year has increased the total intake to 200.
College principal Prof Dr Usha Kumari said seven students were admitted during the first counselling round.
She also said the admission of one differently abled candidate could not be completed because the candidate’s disability certificate was found to be incorrect during document verification.
More Counselling Rounds Yet To Come
The first-round admission figures do not represent the final intake for the academic year. The college is waiting for the dates of the next counselling rounds, which will determine further admissions against the remaining seats.
The admission process is taking place later than usual this year. According to the college administration, the academic session is likely to begin in October, compared with the usual July start.
The delay has been attributed to the timing of the NEET results and the subsequent admission process.
College Says Facilities Have Been Expanded
The increase in seats comes as the college has made changes to its infrastructure and arrangements.
According to the college administration, students joining NMCH will have access to more facilities than in previous years. The expansion is part of efforts to support the increased MBBS intake and improve the academic environment.
The college is now preparing for the arrival of students through the subsequent counselling rounds.
Low First-Round Admissions Do Not Yet Explain Final Response
While only seven students joined in the first round, the available information does not establish a specific reason for the low number of admissions.
The remaining counselling rounds will be important in determining how many of the 200 seats are eventually filled.
The final admission position is therefore likely to become clearer after the complete counselling process concludes.
Tibbi College Inspection Raises Separate Concerns
Separately, a recent inspection of Government Tibbi College and Hospital in Patna has highlighted several administrative and academic shortcomings.
Vaibhav Chaudhary, Executive Director of the State AYUSH Committee and Additional Secretary in the Health Department, conducted a surprise inspection of the institution.
During the inspection, several patients were reportedly found to have been admitted for long periods, while some patients did not have corresponding entries in the admission register.
Classes, Ward Management Also Flagged
The inspection also reportedly found shortcomings in the functioning of the college and hospital.
Regular classes were not being conducted, according to the inspection findings, while some wards were found to have male and female patients placed together.
Some doctors were also reportedly absent from duty during the inspection.
The findings have prompted directions to improve both academic activities and hospital management.
Similar Deficiencies Found In July
The latest inspection followed another surprise inspection conducted on July 13, when several deficiencies were also reported at the college and hospital.
Following the earlier inspection, authorities had issued directions for improvement. The latest findings have led to renewed instructions for corrective action.
The inspection report has directed the college principal and hospital superintendent to improve coordination, with particular attention to patient admissions, ward management, doctors’ attendance and academic activities.
The developments come as Bihar’s medical education system continues to expand its capacity, while institutions are also being expected to strengthen academic and hospital management standards.
