The state of Bihar is poised for a significant upgrade in its public healthcare education infrastructure with the addition of two new government medical colleges. This expansion will bring the total number of state-run medical colleges in Bihar to 15, a substantial leap from just seven institutions a little over a decade ago.
Details of the Upcoming Institutions
According to health department officials, the two new colleges are set to begin operations in January 2026. One is located in Mahua, within the Vaishali district, and the other is the Veer Kunwar Singh Medical College and Hospital in Ara, Bhojpur district. The construction of these institutions represents a major investment, with costs pegged at Rs 500 crore and Rs 543 crore respectively.
Each medical college will be a substantial healthcare hub, featuring a capacity of 500 beds. On the academic front, 100 MBBS students will be admitted annually to each college. The facilities will operate in strict compliance with the norms laid down by the National Medical Council (NMC).
Comprehensive Facilities for Patients and Students
The colleges are designed to offer a wide range of medical services. Key departments will include general medicine, surgery, pediatrics, gynecology, and intensive care units (ICUs). Patients will have access to comprehensive care covering indoor and outdoor treatment, diagnostic tests, and medicines.
For students and faculty, the infrastructure is equally robust. The campuses will house:
- Demonstration rooms and museums for academic purposes.
- Fully equipped autopsy blocks.
- Hostel buildings for all students.
- Separate accommodation facilities for doctors and staff members.
A Decade of Rapid Growth in Medical Education
The upcoming additions are part of a sustained push to enhance medical education in Bihar. Until about 11 years ago, the state had only seven government medical colleges. The existing 13 operational colleges are spread across 11 districts, with three located in the capital, Patna.
The six colleges added in the last decade are:
- Jananayak Karpuri Thakur Medical College and Hospital, Madhepura
- Government Medical College and Hospital, Bettiah
- Bhagwan Mahavir Institute of Medical Sciences, Pawapuri (Nalanda)
- Government Medical College and Hospital, Chhapra (Saran)
- Government Medical College and Hospital, Purnia
- Shriram Janki Medical College and Hospital, Samastipur
Future Plans and the Current Landscape
The state's ambition does not stop here. Health officials revealed a plan to construct at least one medical college in each of the remaining districts within the next five years. Construction is already advancing in several areas:
- Siwan and Begusarai: 45-50% work completed.
- Buxar and Madhubani: 60-80% work completed.
Beyond the government sector, Bihar also has nine recognised private medical colleges, offering approximately 1,350 MBBS seats. Admissions to all MBBS courses, in both government and private colleges, are conducted strictly based on NEET UG scores through the Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (BCECEB). The state also boasts an AIIMS institution located in Phulwarisharif, Patna.
The launch of these two new colleges in 2026 marks a critical step in bridging the healthcare infrastructure gap in Bihar, promising better medical access for its citizens and more opportunities for aspiring doctors.
