Mysore Medical College and Research Institute: Karnataka’s First Medical College with a Rich Legacy
Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMC&RI), located in the heart of Mysuru, holds the honour of being Karnataka’s first medical college and one of the oldest in India. Established in 1924, MMC&RI has played a pioneering role in medical education, public healthcare, and research, making it a significant institution not just in Karnataka, but across the country.
Early Origins and Historical Roots
The story of medical education in Karnataka traces its origins to the visionary rulers of the Wadiyar dynasty. As early as 1833, Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar III introduced Western medicine to the region by setting up a “Vaidyashala” or medical school. Over the following decades, this initiative expanded, with dedicated centres for leprosy care established by 1845, and mental health facilities operational by 1850.
The formal journey toward a structured medical college began in 1917 with a medical school near Victoria Hospital in Bangalore, which trained Licensed Medical Practitioners (LMPs). By June–July 1924, this was upgraded to a full-fledged medical college—making it the first of its kind in any princely state in India. Although the college initially operated from Bangalore, it was shifted to Mysore in 1930 under the directive of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, despite opposition from some in the medical community.
In its early years in Mysore, the college functioned temporarily from the Chamarajendra Technical Institute and was called the University Medical College (UMC). The college’s first principal after the relocation was Dr. J.F. Robison, a British surgeon affiliated with the prestigious Mayo Clinic, who also served as palace surgeon and head of Krishnarajendra Hospital.
Academic Programs and Affiliations
Today, MMC&RI offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate medical programs. The college admits 150 students annually to its MBBS course through NEET-UG. Additionally, over 120 seats are available for MD and MS specialisations through NEET-PG, with half reserved under the All India Quota.
Originally affiliated with the University of Mysore, MMC&RI is now governed academically by Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), Bengaluru, since its establishment in 1996.
Admission Process and Domicile Quota
Admissions to MMC&RI are based entirely on merit through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). For MBBS seats, students must qualify NEET-UG and participate in the Karnataka counselling process run by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). Around 50% of MBBS seats are reserved under the Karnataka state quota, benefiting domicile students, while the remaining are allocated through the All India Quota.
As a government medical college, MMC&RI maintains a highly subsidised fee structure, especially for general category students. This makes it one of the most affordable medical colleges in the country. Those interested in detailed, course-wise fee breakdowns can refer to the college’s official website.
Teaching Hospitals and Clinical Infrastructure
MMC&RI’s students benefit from clinical training at two major teaching hospitals—Krishnarajendra Hospital (KR Hospital) and Cheluvamba Hospital.
KR Hospital, built in 1927, started as a 100-bed facility and has since evolved into a multi-speciality general hospital, playing a central role in clinical education for MMC&RI students. It remains a crucial centre for public healthcare in Mysore.
Cheluvamba Hospital, established in 1889 and expanded in 1939, is dedicated exclusively to women and children. With more than 400 beds, this hospital is known for its advanced paediatric and gynaecological services, including a busy labour ward that handles over 40 childbirths daily and a well-equipped Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
With over a century of medical service, education, and research, Mysore Medical College and Research Institute continues to be a beacon of excellence. From its royal roots and historic milestones to its modern facilities and academic rigor, MMC&RI has earned its place as one of India’s most respected government medical institutions—offering both heritage and hope for future generations of healthcare professionals.
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