DESPITE securing good marks in NEET-UG 2026, as many as 138 medical aspirants in Chhattisgarh have declined admission to MBBS courses during the 2026-27 academic session due to limited government seats and the high fee structure of private medical colleges. The opening of four new government medical colleges has failed to provide the expected relief, particularly to general-category students. While government medical colleges have limited seats, private institutions charge fees beyond the affordability of many middle-class families. Most of the aspirants who skipped MBBS admission have opted for alternative courses such as BDS in government dental colleges and Ayurveda. Others are preparing for NEET-UG 2027 in the hope of securing higher scores and admission to government medical colleges in the State or elsewhere under the All India Quota.According to National Medical Commission (NMC) MedicalUG admission data, Chhattisgarh has reported fewer students declining MBBS admission in private medical colleges compared to several other States. However, the situation highlights the financial difficulties faced by students who qualify for NEET but cannot afford private medical education. “I scored 395 marks in NEET-UG 2026 but could not secure admission to an MBBS course in any government medical college under either the State or All India Quota.

 

Private medical colleges in Raipur and Bhilai Nagar have high fee structures even for open-category students. Although we do not belong to the Economically Weaker Section, my family cannot afford such expenses for the MBBS course,” said Ritesh Williamson, a medical aspirant from Bhilai Nagar. He has now taken admission to a government dental college to pursue BDS. Apart from management quota seats, private medical colleges also charge substantial fees for open-category admissions. Students from middle-class families are particularly affected when they fail to secure sufficiently high NEET scores for government seats. “Limited seats in government medical colleges remain a major concern. Shortcomings in infrastructure and faculty strength have also invited strict NMC action, including reductions in MBBS seats and even a complete halt to admissions for an academic session,” said Dr A Chandrakar, a retired medical professor. An executive of a private medical college in Raipur said institutions had to comply with NMC norms and maintain the required infrastructure. “We are helpless. There are strict NMC regulations, and we cannot reduce medical fees,” the executive said. For these aspirants, qualifying NEET has not been enough to fulfill their MBBS dream, with affordability emerging as a major barrier to medical education.