More than 2 million students appeared for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) this year, chasing a limited number of medical seats that remain stubbornly out of reach for most. Of these, 1,236,531 qualified—only to confront the harsh reality that qualifying doesn’t guarantee admission.
In Madhya Pradesh alone, 121,501 students registered for NEET. Of these, 118,244 turned up for the test, and 60,346 managed to clear it. Yet the state offers only 5,200 MBBS seats—2,700 in government colleges and 2,500 in private medical institutes—highlighting the magnitude of the competition.
Across India, 776 medical institutions together offer just 117,881 MBBS seats under NEET-UG 2025. The gap between successful candidates and available seats continues to widen, pushing thousands into another year of coaching. These repeat aspirants, often called “droppersâ€, make up a growing demographic trapped in a cycle of preparation, pressure and postponement.
The cost of pursuing medical education adds yet another barrier. In 2024, government colleges charged Rs 1.14 lakh per year for the 4.5-year MBBS programme, followed by a compulsory internship lasting six months to a year. Total expenses usually exceed Rs 5 lakh. Private colleges, meanwhile, charge around Rs 11.15 lakh annually. The complete cost often ranges from Rs 67 lakh to Rs 1 crore, especially when factoring in capitation and donation fees.
For many, clearing NEET is just the beginning of an even steeper climb. Those unable to secure seats in government colleges often face the harsh choice between abandoning their ambitions or bearing the crushing costs of private or overseas education.
“I scored 430 marks but couldn’t get a seat,†said one student, requesting anonymity. “Everyone notices your score. No one acknowledges how much effort went into it. Even after 78 years of independence, we have only 434 government medical colleges—fewer than the total Lok Sabha seats. Politicians just pass the buck while students pay the price.â€
Shailendra, a NEET aspirant who has been preparing for over three years, has now decided to quit. “I don’t want to waste another year,†he said. “We talk about becoming a global leader, but in truth, we’re far from it. Countries like China and the United States have around 3.4 to 3.6 doctors per 1,000 people. India has just one for every 1,236.â€
Umesh Kushwah, now enrolled in a Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS) programme, said his family spent more than Rs 15 lakh over four years of NEET preparation. “I always wanted to become an MBBS doctor,†he said. “But now, I don’t have the resources or energy left. If there had been more seats, I would have made it. Everything feels like it’s gone to waste.â€
Repeat aspirant Reetu Yadav raised concerns about the booming coaching industry that thrives on the shortfall in medical seats. “There’s no official count, but I can guarantee there are more coaching institutes in India than government medical colleges,†she said. “That’s why both patients and students continue to suffer.â€
Coaching for NEET preparation is an expensive affair. The average annual fee is about Rs 1 lakh. In cities such as Bhopal, Kota and Indore—home to top coaching brands like ALLEN and Resonance—each batch may include 150 to 200 students. These centres cater to school students from Classes 10, 11 and 12, as well as those taking a gap year to reattempt NEET.
Every year, thousands walk into these classrooms with hope. A few succeed. Most continue the cycle of preparation and disappointment—until their time, money, or motivation runs out.
