IIT Kharagpur moves into Medical education with proposed MD programme

The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur has applied to the National Medical Commission (NMC) to launch a postgraduate Doctor of Medicine (MD) programme , marking its entry into full-fledged clinical postgraduate training . If approved, it would be the first IIT to offer an MD degree , with an initial intake of 20 seats through NEET-PG , not GATE.

This move builds on IIT Kharagpur’s over two-decade foray into medical education , which began in 2001 with the establishment of the School of Medical Science and Technology (SMST) . The institute launched its flagship MMST programme , an MBBS degree recognised by the NMC, but designed with a distinct technology and research orientation . Admissions to MMST are through NEET-UG , in line with national medical standards, unlike other IIT programmes.

Over the years, the institute has scaled up steadily , adding postgraduate and doctoral work in biomedical engineering, medical imaging and healthcare analytics , while strengthening its clinical base. Students train at the Dr B C Roy Multi Specialty Medical Research Centre and the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Super Speciality Hospital , the latter now being expanded into a 220-bed inpatient facility , significantly enhancing clinical exposure and patient care capacity .

Graduates of the MMST programme, who receive a standard MBBS degree , have followed diverse career paths . Many pursue clinical practice after further specialisation , while others move into medical research, healthcare technology, hospital administration, public health and the pharmaceutical sector. The programme’s interdisciplinary nature has also enabled some to enter academia and innovation-driven roles at the intersection of medicine and engineering.

The proposed MD programme is seen as the next logical step , transforming IIT Kharagpur from a technology-led medical education hub into a comprehensive clinical training ecosystem . Institute Director Suman Chakraborty said the proposal has the backing of the Ministry of Education, with final approval resting with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. No timeline has been set, as the decision depends on the NMC and inter-ministerial clearances.

With its established academic base, expanding hospital infrastructure and interdisciplinary approach , IIT Kharagpur’s MD bid signals a significant broadening of the IIT ecosystem into mainstream medical education .