Medical aspirants preparing for NEET counselling in 2026 face soaring tuition fees as 46 deemed medical universities across India have crossed the Rs 1 crore mark for the entire MBBS course. This sharp increase includes two Tamil Nadu colleges that recently gained deemed-university status, raising their fees by as much as 363% compared to previous years.
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) oversees admissions through the All India Quota (AIQ), and the rising costs are a significant concern for students and families nationwide.
Understanding Deemed Medical Universities and Fee Structures
Deemed universities are private institutions granted autonomy by the government, allowing them to set their own fee structures without state fee caps. Unlike government-affiliated medical colleges, these universities charge uniform fees for all students regardless of caste or category. The MBBS program typically spans four and a half years, with fees covering tuition, registration, exams, books, uniforms, and research development charges. However, hostel and mess fees are separate and vary by institution.
In many deemed universities, fees increase annually by 2.5% to 15%, adding to the financial burden. Non-resident Indian (NRI) candidates face even higher charges, with 15% of seats reserved for them at these colleges.
Key Facts on MBBS Fees for NEET 2026 Counselling
- Out of 62 deemed medical colleges reviewed, 46 have total MBBS fees exceeding Rs 1 crore for the 2026-27 academic year.
- Two Tamil Nadu colleges, Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College (Perambalur) and Srinivasan Medical College (Tiruchirapalli), recently raised annual fees to Rs 24 lakh and Rs 25 lakh respectively, up from Rs 5.4 lakh and Rs 16.2 lakh previously.
- The Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER) in Chennai remains the most expensive, with total fees climbing to Rs 1.58 crore after increasing annual fees from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 35 lakh.
- Other costly institutions include Sree Balaji Medical College, SRM Medical College, Saveetha Medical College in Tamil Nadu, and Mahatma Gandhi Medical College in Puducherry.
- Some colleges in Odisha, such as Siksha 'O' Anusandhan University and Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, recently crossed the Rs 1 crore threshold with fee hikes of 21% to 29%.
- Conversely, a few institutes like Symbiosis Medical College for Women in Pune and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham in Kochi have reduced their fees or kept them stable.
Why Rising Fees at Deemed Universities Matter for Medical Students
The steep increase in fees at deemed medical universities poses a major challenge for aspiring doctors, especially those from middle-class families. With limited government regulation over these private institutions, fees have escalated unchecked, making medical education less accessible.
Experts and counsellors advocate for government intervention to cap fees and introduce uniform annual charges to prevent unpredictable hikes. The National Medical Commission (NMC) had proposed guidelines in 2022 to regulate fees for private deemed universities, but these measures have faced legal challenges and remain stalled.
The concentration of expensive deemed medical colleges in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Puducherry highlights regional disparities in medical education costs. This trend could influence students’ choices and impact the diversity of medical professionals across India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are deemed medical universities?
A: Deemed medical universities are private institutions granted autonomy to set their own courses and fees, independent of state university regulations.
Q: Why have MBBS fees increased so much at these colleges?
A: These colleges face little government fee regulation, allowing them to raise tuition and other charges significantly, sometimes by over 300%.
Q: Are hostel and mess fees included in the Rs 1 crore MBBS fees?
A: No, the reported fees cover tuition and academic-related charges but exclude hostel and mess fees, which vary by institution and accommodation type.
