The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has granted permission to Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (SMSIMSR) located in Muddenahalli at Chikballapur to occupy 50% of government quota medical seats without charging any fees, provided that the students commit to serving at the institute for 5 years.
In response to a proposal from the State government, the KEA has facilitated SMSIMSR’s initiative to offer free medical education for government quota seats. This opportunity is available to students who adhere to the institute’s conditions and guidelines.
The SMSIMSR administration had initially planned to provide free medical education for 40% of government quota seats, along with 60% of management and other quota seats. They also proposed that 40% of government quota seats be reserved for Karnataka students who have studied qualifying exams at educational institutions affiliated with the Sri Satya Sai University for Human Excellence or its sponsoring body, through the Special Free of Cost Admission Reservation Policy (SFCARP).
Given the time constraints of introducing a separate policy, the government instructed the KEA to permit SMSIMSR to offer free medical education for students who choose the institute, along with the associated conditions, within the government quota seats.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) approved a total of 100 seats for the academic year 2023-24. However, SMSIMSR has decided to limit the number of available seats to 50 for this year.
The seat distribution at SMSIMSR reveals that the institution will allocate 40% (20 seats) for government quota, which will be provided free of cost, and another 40% (20 seats) for private or payment seats, also with no fees. Candidates who secure these seats won’t need to pay any form of tuition fee. The remaining 15% (7 seats) will be for NRI quota, and 5% (3 seats) for management quota, both of which will require a fee of ₹40 lakh per year.
Ramya. S., the Executive Director of KEA, stated, “Based on the government’s proposal, we have permitted SMSIMSR to offer free medical education for government quota seats. We will allocate these seats in accordance with the roster policy and other criteria, and students will be required to sign a terms and conditions agreement.”
Students who choose to pursue cost-free medical education at the institute must reside in the institution’s hostel for the duration of their medical education course and commit to serving for five years in one of the free hospitals established by Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence. During this service period, the university will provide a salary.
In cases where a candidate secures a postgraduate seat at another college, they will be allowed to pursue the course. However, upon completing the PG course, whether within the same institute or another, the candidate will be obligated to fulfill the remaining period of compulsory service within the university’s hospitals.