Nepal offers a structured quota system for MBBS scholarships, designed to provide equitable access to medical education for students across the country. For the 2026 academic session, a total of 691 scholarship seats are available, divided into General and Reserved categories to ensure merit-based selection as well as representation for marginalized communities.

These scholarships are available in both government and private medical colleges, and top-ranking candidates can also access international MBBS scholarships offered by foreign governments.

Scholarship Categories

The MBBS scholarships in Nepal are divided into two primary groups:

General Scholarship (55%) – 380 Seats
- Open to all candidates
- Selection is purely based on merit rank in the Common Entrance Examination (MECEE-BL)
Reserved Scholarship (45%) – 311 Seats
- Specifically for candidates from disadvantaged or marginalized groups
- Key subcategories for 2026 include:
  - Female: 85 seats (including Dalit and Muslim females)
  - Khas Arya: 51 seats
  - Adibasi Janajati: 46 seats
  - Madheshi: 28 seats (+10 for Madhesi Dalit)
  - Dalit: 27 seats
  - Other groups: Tharu, Muslim, Backward Regions, Persons with Disabilities, Families of Martyrs

The allocation ensures a fair distribution of scholarship opportunities among underrepresented communities.

Government vs Private Medical College Scholarships

While both government and private institutions offer scholarship seats, government medical colleges and health science academies generally provide a higher proportion of scholarships. Key institutions include:

Government Institution	Affiliation	Total Seats	Scholarship Seats
Maharajgunj Medical Campus	TU	100	75
BP Koirala Institute (BPKIHS)	BPKIHS	100	75
Patan Academy (PAHS)	PAHS	65	49
Karnali Academy (KAHS)	KAHS	50	37
Madan Bhandari Academy (MBAHS)	MBAHS	50	37
Pokhara Academy (PoAHS)	PoAHS	50	37

Students should note that scholarship seats in government colleges often require a service bond after graduation.

Eligibility & Application Criteria

To qualify for MBBS scholarships in Nepal, candidates must meet the following conditions:

Academic Qualification: Completion of 10+2 (Science) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology; minimum 50% aggregate marks
Entrance Exam: Pass the MECEE-BL conducted by the Medical Education Commission (MEC); selection is merit-based according to rank
Service Bond: Candidates receiving government scholarships must sign a 2-year service contract to work in public hospitals or rural areas after graduation

Reserved Quota Eligibility

Priority is often given to students who completed Grade 6–10 in a government/community school
Selection within a quota is strictly competitive, ranked by Common Entrance Examination score
Certain academies have specialized regional quotas, for example:
- Karnali Academy (KAHS): Seats for students from backward regions such as Humla, Jumla, Mugu, Kalikot, Dolpa, Jajarkot, Bajhang, Bajura, and Achham
- Patan Academy (PAHS): Focuses on students willing to serve in rural community health settings

International Scholarship Opportunities

Nepali students with high ranks in the MECEE-BL may also be eligible for foreign government MBBS scholarships, including:

Bangladesh (SAARC): 19–22 fully-funded seats annually
India: Self-Finance and Golden Jubilee schemes via the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu
China & Egypt: Periodic seats for top-ranking candidates

These international scholarships are highly competitive and primarily merit-based.

Reserved Quota Seat Breakdown (311 Seats – 2026)

Reservation Category	Allocation %	Seats
Female (Total)	33%	85 (+ Dalit/Muslim)
Khas Arya	17%	51
Adibasi Janajati	15%	46
Madheshi	12%	28 (+10 Madhesi Dalit)
Dalit	9%	27
Backward Areas	4%	12
Tharu	4%	12
Muslim	2%	7
Persons with Disabilities	2%	8
Martyrs/Conflict Victims	2%	7

Within the 33% female quota, 3% is for Dalit women and 2% for Muslim women.

Important Notes

Merit Within Quotas: Even in reserved categories, candidates are ranked and selected strictly based on exam performance
Service Bond: MBBS scholarship recipients from government institutions must serve for 2 years in government hospitals or rural areas after graduation
Equitable Access: The quota system ensures students from marginalized, backward, and remote regions have access to medical education