Both Other Backward Classes (OBCs) as well as Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) will now enjoy reservation in medical colleges, it was announced. As a part of the All India Quota Scheme for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, the former will enjoy 27 percent reservation and the latter 10 percent, said PM Narendra Modi.

The reservation will be applicable to MBBS, MD, BDS, MDS and diploma medical programmes from this year. As many as 5,550 seats will fall under this order for the above-mentioned communities. The announcement will impact about 1500 OBC students enrolled for MBBS and 2500 OBC students studying their post-graduation. As many as 550 EWS students enrolled in MBBS and 1000 EWS pupils in post-graduation will also benefit, estimates the Health Ministry.