Only 63 applicants in fray for 431 NRI MBBS, BDS s

**Punjab's Medical Colleges Face Crunch as Only 63 Applicants Qualify for 431 NRI MBBS and BDS Seats** The merit list released by Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS) has left Punjab's medical colleges in a precarious situation, with only 63 applicants vying for 431 seats reserved under the Nationality of Residence (NRI) quota. This admission session, the shortage of eligible candidates is set to impact the revenue streams of private medical and dental colleges in the state. **A Shortage of Qualified Candidates** The university's merit list reveals a concerning trend, with many of the 63 candidates scoring less than 250 marks out of 720 in NEET-2026. This raises questions about the quality of applicants and whether they meet the expected standards for general category admissions. The NRI quota operates under separate eligibility norms, but the low scores suggest that colleges may end up admitting candidates who do not meet the typical threshold. **A Lucrative Revenue Stream Under Threat** The NRI quota is a significant source of revenue for private medical and dental colleges in Punjab, with steep tuition fees attached to these seats. An MBBS seat costs US $1.10 lakh, while a BDS seat costs US $44,000 – sums considerably higher than what is charged under management and government quotas. With only 63 applicants this year, colleges relying on NRI quota revenue are likely to experience a decline unless the shortfall is addressed in subsequent counselling rounds. **A Crisis for Colleges** The shortage of qualified candidates has left medical colleges with limited options. Some may need to relax cut-offs further or risk letting a large chunk of the quota go vacant and then emerge into general category seats. This could have far-reaching consequences, not only for the colleges but also for the students who are waiting to be admitted. **A Call for Action** The government and medical authorities must take immediate action to address this crisis. They need to review the eligibility criteria and ensure that the NRI quota is filled with qualified candidates. Additionally, measures should be taken to increase awareness about the importance of NEET-2026 among aspiring students. Only then can the revenue streams of private medical and dental colleges in Punjab be secured. **Keywords:** Punjab Medical Colleges, NRI Quota, NEET-2026