In a notable shift, the number of candidates applying for MBBS seats under the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) quota in Punjab has surged dramatically this year. The increase follows recent changes to the eligibility criteria by the state government.
This year’s first-round counseling at Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS) saw a significant rise in registrations, with 120 candidates vying for 183 available NRI quota seats. This marks a sharp increase from last year’s figures, where only 39 candidates participated in the initial round of counseling.
The change in dynamics comes after the Department of Medical Education and Research (DMER) issued a revised notification on August 20, amending the eligibility requirements for NRI quota seats. Initially, the eligibility criteria restricted applicants to NRIs or their children from Punjab and other states. The updated criteria, however, expanded eligibility to include those with first-degree NRI relatives such as cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.
The relaxation in criteria, coupled with an extension of the application deadline to August 21, has contributed to the notable rise in candidates. The initial deadline for applications was August 19, as set out in a notification issued on August 9.
Sources within the DMER indicate that the primary goal behind broadening the eligibility criteria is to maximize seat occupancy, as each NRI quota seat generates substantial revenue for medical institutions. The course fee for an MBBS seat under the NRI quota stands at approximately Rs 93 lakh, significantly higher than the Rs 9.5 lakh charged by government colleges and Rs 58.02 lakh by private medical colleges.
In total, Punjab has 183 NRI quota seats distributed between four government colleges and six private institutions. Government colleges account for 64 seats, while private institutions offer 119 seats.
The expansion of eligibility criteria is expected to further impact the enrollment landscape, making MBBS programs more accessible to a broader pool of NRI candidates.
