Introduction
Tamil Nadu has become one of the top choices for students—especially NRIs—looking to pursue an MBBS degree in India. With its well-established healthcare infrastructure, experienced faculty, and high standards of education, the state draws interest from students across the country and abroad. One of the best things about Tamil Nadu is that it is an “open state,” which means students from other Indian states can also apply for MBBS seats under the Management and NRI quota in private medical colleges.
Admission Process and Eligibility
To get into an MBBS program in Tamil Nadu, students must qualify the NEET-UG exam, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). If you are applying under the NRI quota, you must either be an NRI or the child of an NRI. Even NRI-sponsored candidates are eligible, although they may be considered with slightly lower preference. The good news is that both Tamil Nadu residents and NRIs from other states can apply under this quota.
Number of Seats Available
There are so many NRI quota seats available across Tamil Nadu’s government and private medical colleges. These seats are allotted through the Tamil Nadu NEET UG counselling process, which is managed by the Directorate of Medical Education. The process is centralized, transparent, and based on merit.
Fees and Additional Expenses
Studying MBBS under the NRI quota is more expensive than the regular government quota, but it is still much more affordable compared to studying medicine abroad. The exact fee varies depending on the college, but in addition to tuition, students should budget for hostel fees, exam charges, lab expenses, and other day-to-day costs.
Documents You will Need
When applying, students need to submit a valid NEET scorecard, proof of NRI status (like a passport or visa), and—if you are applying through sponsorship—a relationship certificate. If you are not a Tamil Nadu resident but your parents own property in the state, you will need documents to prove that as well.
Why Choose Tamil Nadu?
The state has 39 government, 26 private and 11 deemed medical colleges, and they all are recognized by national authorities. Tamil Nadu is known for producing top-tier medical professionals, thanks to its excellent teaching and hands-on clinical exposure. Plus, a degree from here is recognized globally—including by the World Health Organization (WHO)—which opens doors to practice both in India and abroad.
A Great Opportunity for NRIs
For NRI students, Tamil Nadu offers a perfect balance of quality education, affordable costs, and international recognition. With well-equipped hospitals, experienced faculty, and a student-friendly environment, it is no wonder Tamil Nadu is a top destination for NRI medical aspirants.
Number of seats
Here is the list of colleges along with their total intake and the number of seats allocated under the NRI quota:
Government Medical Colleges
| S. No. | College Name | Estd | Total Intake | NRI Seats |
| 1 | AIIMS Madurai | 2021 | 50 | 5 |
| 2 | Annaii Medical College and Hospital, Kancheepuram District | 2024 | 100 | 10 |
| 3 | Chengalpattu Medical College, Chengalpattu | 1965 | 100 | 10 |
| 4 | Coimbatore Medical College, Coimbatore | 1966 | 200 | 20 |
| 5 | ESIC Medical College & Hospital, K.K. Nagar, Chennai (formerly PGIMSR) | 2013 | 150 | 15 |
| 6 | Government Medical College, Ariyalur | 2021 | 150 | 15 |
| 7 | Government Dharmapuri Medical College, Dharmapuri | 2008 | 100 | 10 |
| 8 | Government Erode Medical College & Hospital, Perundurai (formerly IRT Perundurai Medical College) | 1992 | 100 | 10 |
| 9 | Government Medical College & ESIC Hospital, Coimbatore | 2016 | 100 | 10 |
| 10 | Government Medical College, Dindigul | 2021 | 150 | 15 |
| 11 | Government Medical College, Kallakurichi | 2021 | 150 | 15 |
| 12 | Government Medical College, Karur | 2019 | 150 | 15 |
| 13 | Government Medical College, Krishnagiri | 2021 | 150 | 15 |
| 14 | Government Medical College, Nagapattinam | 2021 | 150 | 15 |
| 15 | Government Medical College, Namakkal | 2021 | 100 | 10 |
| 16 | Government Medical College, Omandurar | 2015 | 100 | 10 |
| 17 | Government Medical College, Pudukottai | 2017 | 150 | 15 |
| 18 | Government Medical College, Ramanathapuram | 2021 | 100 | 10 |
| 19 | Government Sivaganga Medical College, Sivaganga | 2012 | 100 | 10 |
| 20 | Government Medical College, Tiruppur | 2021 | 100 | 10 |
| 21 | Government Medical College, The Nilgiris | 2021 | 150 | 15 |
| 22 | Government Medical College, Thiruvallur | 2021 | 100 | 10 |
| 23 | Govt. Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College, Salem | 1986 | 100 | 10 |
| 24 | Government Thiruvannamalai Medical College, Thiruvannamalai | 2013 | 100 | 10 |
| 25 | Government Vellore Medical College, Vellore | 2005 | 100 | 10 |
| 26 | Government Villupuram Medical College, Villupuram | 2010 | 100 | 10 |
| 27 | Government Medical College, Virudhunagar | 2021 | 150 | 15 |
| 28 | Kanyakumari Government Medical College, Asaripallam | 2003 | 150 | 15 |
| 29 | K.A.P. Viswanatham Government Medical College, Tiruchirappalli | 1998 | 150 | 15 |
| 30 | Kilpauk Medical College, Chennai | 1960 | 150 | 15 |
| 31 | Madras Medical College, Chennai | 1835 | 250 | 25 |
| 32 | Madurai Medical College, Madurai | 1954 | 250 | 25 |
| 33 | Rajah Muthiah Medical College, Annamalainagar | 1985 | 150 | 15 |
| 34 | Stanley Medical College, Chennai | 1838 | 250 | 15 |
| 35 | Thanjavur Medical College, Thanjavur | 1959 | 150 | 15 |
| 36 | Theni Government Medical College, Theni | 2006 | 100 | 10 |
| 37 | Thiruvarur Government Medical College, Thiruvarur | 2010 | 100 | 10 |
| 38 | Thoothukudi Medical College, Thoothukudi | 2000 | 150 | 15 |
| 39 | Tirunelveli Medical College, Tirunelveli | 1965 | 250 | 25 |
Private Medical Colleges
| S. No. | College Name | Estd | Total Intake | NRI Seats |
| 1 | Annapoorna Medical College and Hospital, Salem District (Telugu Linguistic Minority) | 2011 | 150 | 22 |
| 2 | Arunai Medical College and Hospital, Mathur, Tiruvannamalai | 2021 | 150 | 22 |
| 3 | Christian Medical College, Vellore (Christian Minority) | 1942 | 100 | 15 |
| 4 | Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College, Perambalur District (Telugu Minority - Private Univ.) | 2023 | 150 | 22 |
| 5 | Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College and Hospital, Perambalur (Telugu Linguistic Minority) | 2011 | 250 | 38 |
| 6 | Faculty of Medicine, Sri Lalithambigai Medical College, and Hospital, Maduravoyal, Chennai | 2021 | 150 | 22 |
| 7 | Indira Medical College & Hospitals, Thiruvallur | 2020 | 150 | 22 |
| 8 | Kanyakumari Medical Mission Research Centre, Kalkulam Taluk, Kanyakumari District | 2024 | 100 | 15 |
| 9 | Karpagam Faculty of Medical Sciences & Research, Coimbatore (Telugu Linguistic Minority) | 2012 | 150 | 22 |
| 10 | Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Medical Sciences, Madhuranthagam | 2009 | 150 | 22 |
| 11 | KMCH Institute of Health Sciences & Research, Coimbatore | 2019 | 150 | 22 |
| 12 | Madha Medical College and Hospital, Thandalam, Chennai (Christian Minority) | 2011 | 150 | 22 |
| 13 | Melmaruvathur Adiparashakti Institute of Medical Sciences & Research | 2008 | 150 | 22 |
| 14 | Nandha Medical College & Hospital, Erode | 2023 | 150 | 22 |
| 15 | Panimalar Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, Chennai (Christian Minority) | 2020 | 150 | 22 |
| 16 | PSG Institute of Medical Sciences, Coimbatore | 1985 | 250 | 38 |
| 17 | PSP Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, T. Nagar, Chennai | 2023 | 150 | 22 |
| 18 | Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences, Kanyakumari (Malayalam Linguistic Minority) | 2006 | 150 | 22 |
| 19 | Sri Muthukumaran Medical College, Chennai (Telugu Linguistic Minority) | 2010 | 150 | 22 |
| 20 | Srinivasan Medical College and Hospital, Samayapuram, Tiruchirappalli (Telugu Minority - Pvt Univ.) | 2021 | 150 | 22 |
| 21 | Sri Venkateswaraa Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai (Telugu - Pvt Univ.) | 2022 | 150 | 22 |
| 22 | St. Peters Medical College, Hospital and Research Institute, Hosur, Krishnagiri | 2021 | 150 | 22 |
| 23 | Swamy Vivekananda Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, Tiruchengode, Namakkal | 2021 | 150 | 22 |
| 24 | Tagore Medical College & Hospital, Chennai | 2010 | 150 | 22 |
| 25 | Trichy SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Trichy (Telugu Linguistic Minority) | 2009 | 250 | 38 |
| 26 | Velammal Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, Madurai | 2013 | 150 | 22 |
Deemed Medical Colleges
| S. No. | College Name | Estd | Total Intake | NRI Seats |
| 1 | ACS Medical College & Hospital (Dr. MGR Educational & Research Institute), Chennai | 2008 | 250 | 25 |
| 2 | Bhaarat Medical College & Hospital, Selaiyur | 2020 | 150 | 15 |
| 3 | Chettinad Hospital & Research Institute, Kanchipuram | 2006 | 250 | 25 |
| 4 | Meenakshi Medical College & Research Institute, Kanchipuram | 2003 | 250 | 25 |
| 5 | Saveetha Medical College & Hospital, Kanchipuram | 2008 | 250 | 25 |
| 6 | Shri Sathya Sai Medical College & Research Institute (Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth), Kanchipuram | 2008 | 250 | 25 |
| 7 | Sree Balaji Medical College & Hospital (Bharath University), Chennai | 2003 | 250 | 25 |
| 8 | Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute, Chennai | 1985 | 250 | 25 |
| 9 | SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Kancheepuram | 2005 | 250 | 25 |
| 10 | Vinayaka Missions Kirupananda Variyar Medical College, Salem | 1996 | 150 | 15 |
| 11 | VELS Medical College & Hospital (VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies - VISTAS), Chennai (Deemed to be University) | 2021 | 150 | 15 |
Type of college offering NRI Seats
- Government Medical Colleges: These colleges are run by the state or central government and offer highly subsidized education, making them much more affordable for families. Because of the low fees, there's intense competition—especially among middle-class students—who seek a government medical seat to pursue their dreams without putting a heavy financial burden on their parents. There are 39 government colleges who offer MBBS courses, which is a huge opportunity for students to achieve their dream without giving any financial burden to their parents.
- Private Medical Colleges: These institutions are usually run by private organizations and tend to have higher tuition fees than government colleges. However, many of them offer better infrastructure, modern facilities, and a more personalized learning environment, which some students and parents find worth the extra cost. There are around 26 medical colleges who offer MBBS courses with the best laboratories and infrastructure.
- Deemed Medical Colleges: A deemed university, or deemed-to-be-university, is a higher education institution that is not a traditional university but operates at a very high academic standard in a specific field. These institutions often offer specialized programs and reserve a certain number of seats under the NRI quota. There are a total of 11 deemed universities who offer an MBBS program with a certain number of NRI seats for students from abroad.
Eligibility
Academic Eligibility
- Must have completed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board with:
- Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and English as core subjects.
- Minimum 50% marks in PCB group for general NRI candidates.
- Must have qualified the NEET-UG 2025 examination.
Note: NEET is mandatory for NRI candidates as per NMC guidelines.
NRI Status Eligibility
A candidate must fall into one of the following categories:
- A person who is a citizen of India but residing abroad (NRI).
- Children of NRIs, PIOs, or OCIs.
- Candidates sponsored by an NRI (usually a close relative like parent, uncle, or aunt).
- Foreign nationals of Indian origin.
Sponsorship Requirements
- The NRI sponsor must typically be a first-degree blood relative.
- Proof of relationship is required (e.g., birth certificates, family tree affidavit).
- Sponsorship affidavit must be notarized.
Cut off
Tamil Nadu MBBS Government Medical College All India Quota Cutoff 2024
| Category | ROUND1 | ROUND2 | MOPUP ROUND | STRAY ROUND | SPECIAL STRAY | Last Allotted College |
| AIR | Score | AIR | Score | AIR | Score | AIR | Score | AIR | Score |
| UR | 17245 | 662 | 17279 | 662 | 19420 | 660 | 22531 | 655 | 25037 | 652 | AIIMS, Madurai |
| OBC | 19216 | 660 | 17551 | 662 | 19775 | 659 | 22481 | 655 | 25194 | 652 | Government Medical College, Tirunelveli |
| EWS | 23419 | 655 | 26687 | 650 | 28698 | 647 | 27846 | 649 | 28752 | 647 | AIIMS, Madurai |
| SC | 101119 | 579 | 125103 | 560 | 133013 | 554 | 137624 | 550 | 138065 | 550 | AIIMS, Madurai |
| ST | 145207 | 544 | 155826 | 536 | 145207 | 544 | 145910 | 543 | 168349 | 526 | AIIMS, Madurai |
List of documents
Academic Documents
- Class 10- and 12-Mark Sheets
- Transfer Certificate (TC)
- Migration Certificate
- NEET Admit Card and Scorecard
Identity & Citizenship Proof
- Valid Passport of the candidate
- OCI/PIO Card (if applicable)
- Visa and residence permit of NRI (sponsor)
NRI Sponsor Documents
- Notarized Sponsorship Affidavit
- Relationship Certificate (birth certificate, family tree, etc.)
- Passport and Visa of sponsor
- NRI status proof (e.g., utility bills, employment documents, NRE account statements)
Other Documents
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Domicile certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of address (local and abroad)