ArdorComm Media News Network
March 31, 2026
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur has formally applied to the National Medical Council seeking approval to introduce a postgraduate Doctor of Medicine (MD) programme, marking a potential first for the IIT system.
Institute Director Suman Chakraborty confirmed that the application has been submitted ahead of the March 31 deadline. While the Ministry of Education has expressed support, the final approval will depend on the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, as the proposal requires coordination between multiple ministries.
The institute plans to initially offer 20 seats under the MD programme. Preparations are already underway, including the recruitment of 20 doctors who will serve as faculty members.
Training for students will take place at the institute’s medical facilities, including the Dr B C Roy Multi Specialty Medical Research Centre and the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Super Speciality Hospital. Admissions are expected to be conducted through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).
Additionally, the Syama Prasad hospital is being expanded into a 220-bed inpatient department (IPD) facility under a mission-mode initiative, aimed at enhancing healthcare services for the campus and surrounding community.
The proposal was earlier approved by the institute’s Board of Governors in September 2025, but timelines for final approval remain uncertain pending regulatory clearance.
Source: PTI