Updated on 14/07/25
In 2025, over 1 lakh medical graduates were reportedly unemployed despite completing rigorous training. With the annual increase in MBBS seats, India is facing an unprecedented crisis of unemployment of doctors by 2025.
Unemployment of doctors in India is no longer a distant dream. It is a growing crisis that has begun to affect both healthcare professionals and the country’s health infrastructure.
Number of Doctors and Future Requirements
As of 2025, approximately 1.6 million allopathic doctors are working in India. However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), India will need an additional 2.07 million doctors to achieve a 1:1000 doctor-to-population ratio by 2030 [1].
To meet this requirement, the government has increased the number of medical colleges to 780, increasing the number of MBBS seats from 70,012 (2019) to 118,137 (2025).
Read this PDF: The health workforce in India
Doctor-Patient Ratio and State Variations
Unemployment of Doctors in India
As of July 2024, there are about 13.86 lakh allopathic doctors registered with the state medical councils and the National Medical Commission (NMC) in India. If we assume that about 80% of these are actively employed, the number of doctors available will be around 11.09 lakh.
Additionally, there are about 5.65 lakh AYUSH doctors (trained in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy). Combining these figures, the doctor-population ratio in India is about 1:836, which is actually better than the World Health Organization (WHO) standard of 1:1000.
Availability of Doctors till 2024
The Indian government has expanded medical education significantly in recent years. To increase the availability of doctors, the number of medical colleges has increased by 88%, from 387 before 2014 to 731 in 2024. Similarly, the number of MBBS seats has also increased by 118%, from 51,348 to 112,112. The number of postgraduate seats has also increased by 133%, from 31,185 to 72,627.
Major Government Schemes
- 157 new medical colleges have been approved under the centrally sponsored scheme, of which 109 colleges have already become operational.
- Existing government medical colleges are being upgraded to increase the number of MBBS and PG seats.
- 75 super-specialty block projects have been approved under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), of which 66 have been completed.
- The government has set up 22 new AIIMS institutes, of which undergraduate courses have started in 19 institutes.
- DNB (Diploma of National Board) has been recognized for faculty posts to address the shortage of medical teachers.
- The retirement age of medical teachers, deans, and principals has been increased to 70 years to ensure the availability of experienced staff.
Doctor-Patient Ratio in India (by July 2024)
Total registered allopathic doctors:
138,6136 (13.86 lakh) doctors registered with state medical councils and National Medical Commission (NMC)
Estimated active availability:
- Assuming 80% availability, around 11.09 lakh active allopathic doctors
- AYUSH doctors: around 565,000 (5.65 lakhs)
Doctor-population ratio:
- 1:836 (one doctor for every 836 people)
This is better than the World Health Organization standard of 1:1000.
Causes of Doctor Unemployment
1. Lack of government jobs
According to the Indian Medical Association (IMA), around 1.5 lakh junior doctors are unemployed in the country. Lack of new jobs in the government sector and the temporary recruitment of doctors are the main reasons for this problem [2].
Real voices from the field
Here’s a medical professional who shared a post on his Instagram account giving a real-life perspective.
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2. Uneven distribution in urban and rural areas
The distribution of doctors is higher in urban areas, while there is a huge shortage of doctors in rural areas. For example, the doctor-to-population ratio in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka is 1.01 and 0.78, respectively, while in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, this ratio is 0.15 and 0.25, respectively.
3. Uncertainty of employment in the private sector
Many doctors in private hospitals work on a daily wage or short-term contracts. With limited benefits and a lack of job security, these roles often lead to professional dissatisfaction. In addition, many private hospitals are not registered under schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, increasing pressure on government hospitals and reducing employment options.
Possible Solutions
1. Improve the quality of medical education
Along with the increase in the number of medical colleges, it is also necessary to ensure the quality of education. Many new colleges face a shortage of trained faculty and infrastructure issues, which may compromise the quality of their medical education.
2. Incentive for service in rural areas
To encourage the service of doctors in rural areas, it is proposed to give additional marks for rural service in the NEET PG exam. This move may help increase the number of doctors in rural areas.
3. Establishment of National Employment Exchange
The IMA is planning to set up a National Employment Exchange for doctors, which will help provide them with employment opportunities [3].
Conclusion
Unemployment of doctors has become a serious problem in India, which is a matter of concern not only for the doctors but also for the healthcare system of the country. The government and related institutions should pay attention to this issue and find a solution through proper policies.
Encouraging service in rural areas, improving the quality of medical education, and creating new employment opportunities can be important steps in this direction.
FAQ’s
Q1: How many doctors are expected to be unemployed in India by 2025?
Ans: According to the IMA, about 150,000 junior doctors are currently unemployed.
Q2: What is the requirement for doctors in India?
Ans: India needs an additional 20.7 lakh doctors to achieve the WHO standard of 1:1000 doctor-to-population ratio by 2030.
Q3: How can the shortage of doctors in rural areas be addressed?
Ans: The number of doctors in rural areas can be increased through incentives such as giving extra marks in the NEET PG exam for rural service and providing better salaries.
Q4: What is the condition of doctors in private hospitals?
Ans: In many private hospitals, doctors are appointed temporarily and have to work on a daily wage, which is unstable and insecure.
Q5: What steps is the government taking to address this problem?
Ans: The government has increased the number of medical colleges and MBBS seats, and the IMA plans to set up a national employment exchange.
