Katra (Jammu & Kashmir), September 2025 — In a major boost to medical education and healthcare infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) has been officially allotted 50 MBBS seats by the National Medical Commission (NMC) for the upcoming academic year 2025-26.
The approval marks the beginning of the institute’s journey as a teaching hospital, with its first batch of medical students set to be admitted this year.
Strengthening Healthcare in the Region
Located near the revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra, SMVDIME has been envisioned as a state-of-the-art facility offering both quality medical education and advanced healthcare services.
Officials emphasized that the institute will not only create opportunities for aspiring doctors in Jammu & Kashmir but also reduce patient load on existing government hospitals in the Union Territory by expanding access to specialized care.
Government’s Commitment
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha welcomed the development, thanking the Prime Minister and the Union Health Ministry for supporting the institute.
“The sanctioning of MBBS seats at SMVDIME is a landmark step towards building a stronger healthcare system in J&K. It will nurture a new generation of medical professionals while providing modern healthcare facilities to people in the region,” the LG said.
Admission Process
- The 50 MBBS seats will be filled through NEET-UG 2025 counselling, under both All India Quota (AIQ) and state quota allocations.
- The institute is expected to issue its seat matrix and counselling guidelines in coordination with the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and the J&K Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (JKBOPEE).
- Students can register through the official MCC portal and JKBOPEE’s counselling portal once the process begins.
Long-Term Vision
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, which has developed the project, aims to gradually expand the institute’s capacity with additional MBBS and postgraduate seats in the coming years. Alongside academics, SMVDIME will function as a multi-specialty hospital, serving pilgrims and the local population.
Significance for J&K
- Educational Impact: SMVDIME becomes one of the few premier medical colleges in Jammu & Kashmir, offering local students a chance to pursue MBBS closer to home.
- Healthcare Reach: The institute’s hospital is expected to enhance tertiary care facilities, especially in cardiology, oncology, and trauma care.
- Employment Generation: Beyond medical seats, the institute will create jobs for faculty, healthcare professionals, and support staff.
Looking Ahead
The allotment of 50 MBBS seats at SMVDIME aligns with the Union Government’s broader plan to increase medical seats nationwide by 60,000 in the next four years, bridging the doctor-population gap and strengthening rural healthcare.
With its first MBBS batch set to begin classes later this year, SMVDIME is poised to emerge as a hub of medical education and healthcare excellence in North India.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is based on official announcements and reports available as of September 2025. Admission to MBBS seats at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) will be subject to guidelines issued by the National Medical Commission (NMC), the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), and the Jammu & Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (JKBOPEE). Aspirants are advised to regularly check official portals for the latest updates, notifications, and counselling procedures. The publisher assumes no responsibility for any changes, errors, or omissions in the information presented.
