Alva's Medical College Opens in Moodbidri, Bringing Medical Education Closer to Home

Alva's Education Foundation has opened its medical college — Alva's Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre — in Moodbidri, adding a new option for students who want to study medicine in coastal Karnataka. The college was inaugurated on 21 September 2026 by Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi, who also said Alva's would soon receive deemed-university status.

Key facts

• 150 MBBS seats, approved by the National Medical Commission from the 2026–27 academic year (Udayavani).
• Affiliated to the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS).
• 54 seats for Tulu speakers, according to foundation chairman Dr. M. Mohan Alva (Udayavani).
• Official website: aimsarc.org

A new chapter for Moodbidri

Moodbidri is already known across the state as an education hub, with schools, colleges and professional institutions on the Alva's campus. The foundation is also known for its cultural festivals such as Alva's Virasat and Alva's Nudisiri. The medical college adds medical education to that list.

What it means for students

For many families in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and nearby districts, studying medicine has meant moving far from home. A medical college closer to home can mean:

• Lower living costs for students who can stay with or near family.
• Easier access for students from rural and semi-urban areas of the region.
• 150 more MBBS seats for aspiring doctors from the coast and the rest of the state.

What it means for the region

A medical college usually comes with a teaching hospital. That can mean more specialist doctors and better access to treatment for people in and around Moodbidri, along with new jobs for nurses, technicians and support staff.

How admission to MBBS works

Admission to MBBS courses in India is based on the NEET-UG exam. After results are announced, seats are allotted through counselling:

1. Register for counselling with the authority that handles the seat you want — the Karnataka Examinations Authority for state counselling, or the Medical Counselling Committee for all-India counselling.
2. Fill in your choices of colleges and courses in order of preference.
3. Report to the allotted college with your documents within the deadline.

Always check the official counselling websites for the latest eligibility rules, fees and dates.

Preparing for NEET

If you hope to study medicine, start early:

• Master the NCERT textbooks for Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
• Take regular mock tests under exam conditions.
• Review your mistakes every week.

Read our 60-day board exam study plan for a routine that also works for NEET revision.

Also read: Alva's Medical College aims to produce compassionate doctors: Dr. Mohan Alva.