More Doctors Can Pursue Postgraduate Studies as West Bengal Raises Limits

The West Bengal government has issued a new directive that lifts the ceiling for the trainee‑reserved category of doctors to 662, an increase of 185 positions over the previous limit of 477.

Under this scheme, government‑employed physicians are temporarily relieved from regular duties to undertake a government‑sponsored postgraduate degree or diploma, while remaining on the payroll. The policy is especially geared toward medical officers serving in remote or underserved areas.

The decision, praised by the West Bengal Doctors Forum, is projected to allow a greater number of eligible doctors to secure seats in MD, MS and other postgraduate courses. Consequently, the state anticipates a rise in the number of specialist doctors, which should translate into better health outcomes and more efficient utilization of postgraduate training capacities.