Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) in Jammu has submitted a fresh application to the National Medical Commission (NMC) seeking permission to restart its MBBS programme for the 2026–27 academic year. The institute has requested approval for 50 MBBS seats after addressing deficiencies earlier highlighted by the regulator.
Officials confirmed that the institute has completed the required formalities and submitted an online application to the commission, including payment of approximately INR 8 lakh towards inspection and processing fees.
NMC Earlier Revoked MBBS Course Approval
The development comes months after the National Medical Commission withdrew the Letter of Permission granted to the institute. The decision was taken after the regulator identified several deficiencies related to infrastructure, faculty strength, and availability of clinical material.
Following the withdrawal of approval, the institute asked students to vacate the campus on 07 January 2026. At the time, the college had admitted its first-ever MBBS batch with 50 students for the 2025–26 academic session.
To ensure continuity of medical education, authorities relocated all students to other recognised government medical colleges across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Students Shifted to Other Medical Colleges in Jammu and Kashmir
After the course approval was withdrawn, the 50 students admitted in the first MBBS batch were transferred to newly established government medical colleges in the region. The students were distributed among multiple institutions as follows.
|
Region |
Number of Colleges |
Students Accommodated |
|
Kashmir Valley |
3 colleges |
22 students |
|
Jammu Region |
4 colleges |
28 students |
These colleges ensured that students could continue their MBBS studies without interruption.
Infrastructure Strengthening Ahead of NMC Inspection
Officials stated that the institute has reviewed the deficiencies identified earlier and taken steps to improve facilities before applying again for approval.
The college currently has one main academic building ready for classes and is planning further expansion of infrastructure and faculty strength. Authorities expect the NMC inspection to take place around April–May 2026 as part of the approval process. In addition to infrastructure upgrades, the institute is working to strengthen its clinical training facilities.
Plan to Integrate Narayana Superspecialty Hospital
As part of its expansion plan, the institute is expected to integrate the Narayana Superspecialty Hospital located at Kakryal near Katra. The management of the hospital is likely to be taken over by the institute to improve the availability of clinical material and teaching staff.
Sources indicated that the transition process has begun and that hospital staff, including doctors, may come under the institute’s management from 01 April 2026.
The hospital was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2016 and currently provides treatment across more than 20 medical specialities, which could significantly strengthen the institute’s clinical training infrastructure.
Future Expansion Plans for MBBS Intake
Officials said the institute aims to secure approval again from the NMC and restart the MBBS programme from the 2026–27 academic year.
In the long term, the management also plans to expand the institute’s capacity beyond the current proposal of 50 MBBS seats, with a target to increase the intake to 100 seats once infrastructure and faculty requirements are fully met.
The decision of the National Medical Commission following its inspection and review process will determine whether the institute receives permission to resume admissions for the upcoming academic session.