In a major development for India's higher education and healthcare sectors, IIT Kharagpur has become the first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) to introduce postgraduate medical degree programmes accredited by the National Medical Commission (NMC).

Starting with the 2026–27 academic session, the institute will admit its first batch of MD students at the Dr B C Roy Multi-Speciality Medical Research Centre. The move marks a significant expansion of the IIT system into postgraduate medical education, bringing together medicine, engineering, artificial intelligence (AI), biomedical sciences and translational research.

The initiative aims to create an interdisciplinary learning environment that goes beyond conventional clinical training, enabling students to explore how technology and scientific research can address emerging healthcare challenges.

SIX MD SPECIALISATIONS WITH 12 SEATS

The institute will offer postgraduate medical programmes across six specialisations, with two seats in each discipline, taking the total intake to 12 students for the inaugural academic session.

The programmes on offer include:

MD General Medicine – 2 seats

MD Radiology – 2 seats

MD Physiology – 2 seats

MD Pathology – 2 seats

MD Community Medicine – 2 seats

MD Biochemistry – 2 seats

Admissions for the 2026–27 academic session will be conducted through the NEET-PG 2026 online counselling process. Candidates will be able to consider these programmes during Round 2, subject to the official counselling schedule, eligibility criteria and availability of seats.

MEDICAL EDUCATION MEETS ENGINEERING AND AI

The introduction of these programmes comes at a time when technology is increasingly transforming healthcare. Artificial intelligence is changing diagnostic practices, advanced imaging is improving disease detection, and biomedical engineering is opening new possibilities in treatment and patient care.

The institute aims to bring these developments closer to medical education by creating opportunities for students to engage with the institute's existing research and technological capabilities.

Through the Dr B C Roy Multi-Speciality Medical Research Centre, students will have opportunities for interdisciplinary exposure to areas such as AI-assisted clinical decision-making, advanced medical imaging, computational pathology, biomedical devices, molecular diagnostics, precision medicine and population health.

The institute's research strengths in bioengineering, microfluidics, healthcare diagnostics, artificial intelligence and computational sciences are expected to support this approach.

The broader objective is to develop physician-scientists and clinician-innovators who combine clinical expertise with research capabilities and technological understanding. Research-led learning and opportunities for international academic exposure are also expected to contribute to the proposed academic environment.

IIT KHARAGPUR'S 75-YEAR LEGACY AND A NEW CHAPTER IN MEDICINE

Established in 1951, IIT Kharagpur was India's first IIT and played a key role in shaping the country's technological education system. Its entry into postgraduate medical education marks another milestone, reflecting the growing need to bring healthcare, engineering, artificial intelligence and research together.

The initiative also aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, which emphasises accessible, affordable and technology-enabled healthcare, particularly for underserved communities.

IIT Kharagpur Director Professor Suman Chakraborty said the institute aims to create an ecosystem where clinical excellence meets engineering, AI and translational research.

He added that the goal is to develop not just skilled medical specialists but also innovators capable of addressing major healthcare challenges.

HOW TO APPLY

Eligible candidates can apply for the six MD programmes for the 2026–27 academic session through the second round of NEET-PG 2026 online counselling. IIT Kharagpur is offering 12 seats across six specialisations at its Dr B C Roy Multi-Speciality Medical Research Centre.

Admission updates and seat details are available on the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and IIT Kharagpur websites. Candidates should check the MCC portal for the latest information on seat availability, choice filling, eligibility criteria, counselling dates and admission procedures.

With this initiative, IIT Kharagpur is expanding its academic footprint beyond engineering and technology into specialised medical education. Although the first batch will comprise just 12 students, the move could open new avenues for integrating clinical practice, scientific research and technological innovation in India's healthcare sector.

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