The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur has submitted a proposal to the National Medical Commission (NMC) seeking permission to introduce its first postgraduate Doctor of Medicine (MD) programme. The institute has planned an initial intake of 20 seats, subject to regulatory approval.
IIT Kharagpur has formally approached the National Medical Commission to begin a postgraduate MD programme at its campus. This will be the institute’s first MD-level course and is expected to expand its existing footprint in medical education and research.
Suman Chakraborty, Director of Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, told Metro, that the institute plans to submit its application to the National Medical Commission by March 31 for approval.
We will be the first IIT to start a postgraduate medical programme.Suman Chakraborty, Director of Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
The programme will be conducted under the institute’s School of Medical Science and Technology (SMST), which already supports interdisciplinary teaching and research in healthcare-related fields.
Suman Chakraborty stated that although the proposal has received support from the Ministry of Education, the final approval lies with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, as it involves a decision between multiple ministries.
As reported by the Print, he told,
We have already appointed 20 doctors for teaching students in the MD programme,Suman Chakraborty, Director of Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
Suman Chakraborty declined to specify a timeline for the proposal, stating that its progress depends on the response from the National Medical Commission.
The proposal was initially presented to the institute’s Board of Governors for approval on September 23, 2025.
The proposed MD programme will have 20 seats in its initial phase. The structure of the course will follow guidelines laid down by the National Medical Commission. These guidelines include requirements for qualified faculty, adequate infrastructure, and access to clinical training facilities.
Students enrolled in the programme will undergo a combination of classroom-based learning, clinical training, and supervised patient care, as mandated by NMC norms.
The MD programme is planned to be offered at IIT Kharagpur’s campus in West Bengal. The exact timeline for its launch depends on approval from the National Medical Commission. Admissions can begin only after the regulatory body grants clearance.
As reported by the Telegraph, an institute official stated that students will be trained at a medical college named after Bidhan Chandra Roy, who had donated the land for establishing the country’s first IIT. This medical college is situated within the IIT Kharagpur campus.
The official added that practical clinical training will be provided at a hospital developed by the institute in Balarampur, located on the outskirts of the campus.
To start a medical programme, an institute must have a medical college supported by a hospital. We have both. If the council permits us, IIT will start the programme from this academic year. We are ready.Suman Chakraborty, Director of Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
IIT Kharagpur aims to contribute to medical education while integrating it with technological research.
We are focusing on technology-empowered postgraduate medical education. We plan to make some changes to the MD curriculum by exercising our autonomy. We will start some dual degree programmes, like in engineering.Suman Chakraborty, Director of Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
The institute has already been involved in areas such as biomedical engineering, digital health systems, and medical device innovation. The proposed MD programme is expected to support these efforts by adding clinical training to its academic framework.
A new class of technology-empowered medical education and research programme will emerge out of it. With the basic MD programme in mind, we want to bring certain technology-empowered elements to it.Suman Chakraborty, Director of Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
The proposal is currently under review by the National Medical Commission. A final decision is awaited. If approved, IIT Kharagpur will join the list of institutions offering postgraduate medical education, marking a new development in its academic expansion into the healthcare sector.
(Rh/SS/MSM)