High NEET scores, unaffordable fees: Why 824 MBBS seats remain vacant

A total of 824 MBBS seats remain vacant in deemed universities across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry after the final NEET UG 2026 counseling round, largely due to high tuition fees, according to Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) sources. Of the 837 unfilled MBBS seats reported nationwide, including All India Quota seats, these two regions account for the overwhelming majority.

Educationists and industry experts have criticized the absence of a fee cap for deemed universities, arguing that high-scoring NEET candidates are unable to take admission because they cannot afford the cost of medical education. They said the situation undermines the purpose of a merit-based national entrance examination.

P B Prince Gajendra Babu, general secretary of the State Platform for Common School System-Tamil Nadu (SPCSS-TN), said candidates with high NEET scores may choose not to participate in counseling if their financial circumstances prevent them from paying the fees charged by private institutions.

“The lesser scorer who is financially sound applies and secures the seat,” he said, adding, “NEET failed in both of its objectives — neither ensure merit nor curb commercialisation of medical education.”

Babu argued that private medical institutions, including deemed universities, should not continue operating if they cannot reduce their fees and leave seats vacant. He also called for state governments to be encouraged to establish an adequate number of medical colleges wherever required.

Industry experts have also identified high annual tuition costs as a major factor behind the unfilled seats. A Srinath, a higher education career counselor for students in the city, said annual MBBS tuition fees at deemed universities in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry range from ₹25 lakh to ₹35 lakh.

Students must also pay between ₹1.2 lakh and ₹2.5 lakh annually for hostel accommodation and meals at private institutions, Srinath said. These additional expenses increase the overall cost of pursuing a medical degree.

“In contrast, the average annual fee across other parts of India in private institutions stands at around Rs 17 lakh, resulting in a substantial fee disparity over the four and a half year duration of the course,” he said.

The fee difference can add considerably to the financial burden over the four-and-a-half-year MBBS course, potentially putting seats beyond the reach of students who qualify through NEET but cannot afford the charges.

With hundreds of seats still vacant after the final counseling round, another round of counseling may be considered. However, the MCC has yet to decide whether to conduct an additional round, Srinath said.