Despite Poor MBBS Pass Rate, Centre Approves 50 More Seats for Tripura Medical College
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, November 4, 2025
In a major development for medical education in Tripura, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has approved the 2nd appeal of Tripura Medical College (TMC) and Dr. B.R.A.M. Teaching Hospital, Agartala, for increasing the intake of MBBS seats from 100 to 150 for the academic year 2025–26. The decision was issued by the Medical Education-I Division of the Ministry through an order dated November 4, 2025, digitally signed by Kumar Rahul, Director (ME).
The approval comes even as the college faced criticism over a poor academic performance this year, where nearly half of the MBBS students reportedly failed to pass their examinations. The decision, however, reflects the central government’s consideration of the submissions made by the college and the assurance from the Government of Tripura that all deficiencies would be rectified promptly.
According to the official order (Ref. No. V.11013/41/2025-ME-I), TMC had filed a second appeal under Section 28(6) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019, seeking permission to raise the intake capacity by 50 seats. The appeal followed a show-cause notice issued by the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) on July 18, 2025, which had found significant deficiencies in the college’s faculty and infrastructure.
The MARB’s inspection report had highlighted a 41.11% deficiency in tutors and residents, along with specific shortages that included:
Senior Residents: 3 in OBGY, 2 in Physiology, 1 in Biochemistry, 2 in Pharmacology, 3 in Forensic Medicine, 3 in Community Medicine, 2 in Paediatrics, 1 in Dermatology, 3 in Anaesthesiology, 2 in Radiodiagnosis, 3 in General Surgery, 1 in Orthopaedics, and 1 in Ophthalmology.
Tutors: 2 in Physiology, 1 in Biochemistry, 4 in Pathology, 1 in Microbiology, and 1 in Psychiatry.
The college administration, in response, informed the Ministry that efforts were underway to resolve all deficiencies within a short time. It also stated that infrastructural upgrades, including a new lecture theatre, improved hostel facilities, and increased accommodation for students, had been completed in preparation for the proposed intake of 150 MBBS students.
Regarding cadaver shortages for anatomy training, the college reported that the Tripura Health Department had initiated steps to supply unclaimed bodies from various district mortuaries, and a new body was expected from AGMC soon. The government also introduced a body donation program to ensure sustainable cadaver supply for educational purposes.
A letter from the Kiran Gitte, IAS, Secretary, Health, Government of Tripura, dated October 29, 2025, assured the Ministry that the institution was fully prepared for the increased intake and that any remaining deficiencies would be resolved within seven days. The Secretary requested the Central Government to consider the appeal favorably, emphasizing that TMC was equipped with the necessary infrastructure, faculty, and clinical materials to handle 150 students.
After reviewing the documents and the State Government’s assurances, the Central Government accepted the 2nd appeal, allowing Tripura Medical College and Dr. B.R.A.M. Teaching Hospital to increase MBBS seats from 100 to 150 for the 2025–26 academic year.
The order further recommended that the National Medical Commission (NMC) closely monitor the college’s compliance with the required standards and that the Government of Tripura ensure timely provision of adequate facilities and faculty to maintain the quality of education.
This approval is expected to bring relief to aspiring medical students in Tripura, offering more opportunities for local admissions. However, the decision also raises questions about quality assurance and academic performance, given the institution’s recent examination outcomes.
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