IIT Kharagpur is preparing to introduce its first Doctor of Medicine (MD) program after receiving approval from the National Medical Commission (NMC). The development marks a major milestone for the institute as it moves toward integrating advanced medical education with technology-driven research.

First-of-its-Kind Initiative at IIT Kharagpur

The introduction of an MD program at IIT Kharagpur represents a significant step in expanding the institute’s academic portfolio beyond engineering and technology. The program will be hosted at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, which functions under the institute’s umbrella. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between medicine and technology, fostering innovation in clinical practice and biomedical research.

Clinical Training at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Institute

According to the approved plan, clinical training for MD students will take place at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Institute of Medical Sciences. The facility has been expanding its infrastructure to accommodate inpatient services, surgical units, and specialized diagnostic facilities. These improvements are designed to ensure that postgraduate trainees receive comprehensive exposure to both patient care and applied medical technologies.

MBBS Program Put on Hold

While the MD initiative moves forward, IIT Kharagpur’s proposed Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program remains paused. The decision stems from current limitations in infrastructure that do not yet meet the standards required for undergraduate medical training. The institute has indicated that it will revisit the MBBS plan once adequate facilities are developed to support large-scale student intake and clinical rotations.

Integrating Technology with Medical Education

A key objective behind launching the MD program is to merge IIT Kharagpur’s technological expertise with medical science education. The curriculum is expected to emphasize interdisciplinary learning, encouraging collaboration between engineers, clinicians, and researchers. This approach aligns with global trends in digital health, where data analytics, artificial intelligence, and biomedical engineering play an increasingly central role in diagnosis and treatment innovation.

Expanding Research Opportunities

The new postgraduate course is also intended to strengthen research capabilities within the institute’s medical sciences division. Faculty members anticipate that this integration will lead to advancements in areas such as medical imaging, robotics-assisted surgery, and healthcare informatics. By combining engineering precision with clinical insight, IIT Kharagpur aims to contribute meaningfully to India’s evolving healthcare ecosystem.

The launch of IIT Kharagpur’s first MD program underscores a broader vision of blending science, medicine, and technology under one academic framework. Although its MBBS plan remains on hold pending infrastructure upgrades, the institute’s focus on postgraduate education signals a strategic shift toward high-impact medical research and innovation-driven healthcare training. With NMC approval secured, this initiative positions IIT Kharagpur as a pioneer among India’s technical institutions venturing into advanced medical education.