Bengaluru, Jun 29 (DHNS): The fee for MBBS courses in government and private medical colleges is set to increase by 10% a year over the next three academic years.

The decision was taken at a meeting on Wednesday between representatives of private medical colleges and medical education minister Dr Sharanprakash Patil.

For 2017-18 academic year, the MBBS course fees in government colleges and for students allotted government-quota seats in private colleges is expected to increase from Rs 70,000 to Rs 77,000. Similarly, the fee in private medical colleges may increase from Rs 5.75 lakh to Rs 6.35 lakh.

No decision was arrived at on increasing fee for dental courses and it would be decided at another meeting to be held within two to three days.

“In other states, the MBBS course fee is more than Rs 10 lakh. Pointing this out, private medical colleges sought an increase in the fee. However, it was decided to increase it only by 10%,” Dr Patil said.

He added that admissions would be based on the state merit list of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and preparations were on to begin counselling by July 5.

Counselling for seats in government, private and religious and linguistic minority colleges will be conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). In the case of deemed universities, counselling will be conducted by Directorate General Of Health Services (DGHS).

This year, additional 350 seats will be available in government medical colleges for MBBS aspirants.

The number of seats has increased from 100 to 150 in government medical colleges in Shivamogga, Hassan, Bidar, Belagavi, Raichur and Mandya. At Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubballi, the intake will increase from 150 to 200 seats.