If you are a science student in Nepal, there is one acronym that likely keeps you awake at night: IOM (Maharajgunj Medical Campus).
It stands for the Institute of Medicine, but for thousands ofaspiring doctors, it stands for “The Dream.” Specifically, we are talking about the Maharajgunj Medical Campus (MMC). Whether you call it IOM, MMC, or just “Teaching,” this isn’t just a college. It is the Mecca of medical education in Nepal.
As we look toward the 2026 academic session.VIEW, the competition is getting fiercer, but the rewards are getting better. Based on the latest data released by the Medical Education Commission (MEC), the landscape of seats and scholarships has shifted.
If you are planning to sit for the CEE (Common Entrance Exam) or are a parent trying to understand why your child is obsessed with this specific building in Kathmandu, you are in the right place. We are going to break down everything—from the weather in Maharajgunj to the exact number of seats reserved for specific communities.
1. Why IOM is the “Harvard” of Nepal?
Let’s be real for a second. Why does everyone fight for a seat here? There are 26 medical colleges in Nepal, so why this one?
The TUTH Factor
MMC is attached to the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH). In the medical world, your college is only as good as your hospital. You can learn theory from a book, but you learn medicine from patients. TUTH is one of the busiest hospitals in the country. From the VIP wing to the general wards, you see everything. By the time you are an intern, you will have handled cases that students in private colleges only read about in textbooks.
** The Legacy**
Affiliated with Tribhuvan University (TU), this is the oldest medical institution in Nepal. The alumni network is massive. The doctor treating you at Grande, the specialist at Mediciti, or the researcher in the USA—there is a high probability they walked the halls of Maharajgunj.
The Peer Group
This is the most underrated part. To get into IOM, you need to be in the top rank of the CEE. That means your classmates are the smartest 99 people in the country. You are constantly challenged, pushed, and inspired by the people sitting next to you.
2. The 2026 Seat Matrix: The Numbers You Need to Know
This is where things get interesting. For the 2026 session, the Medical Education Commission has released updated figures.
While many private colleges have 120 or 130 seats, Maharajgunj Medical Campus keeps it exclusive.
- Total MBBS Seats: 100
- Scholarship Seats: 75
- Paying Seats: 25
Pause and read that again.
Out of 100 students, 75 are studying on a full scholarship.
Compare this to private colleges. For example, Nobel Medical College has 130 seats but only 19 scholarships. Manipal has 120 seats with 24 scholarships.
At Maharajgunj, the majority are scholars. This creates an environment where merit is valued above money. If you get in here, you have saved your parents roughly 40 to 50 Lakhs NPR. That is the “IOM Jackpot.”
Breaking Down the Scholarship (The Reservation Math)
TOP 10 MEDICAL COLLEGE OF NEPAL
Nepal’s medical education is becoming more inclusive. If you belong to a specific community, you need to know your odds.
Based on the 2026 distribution, 45% of the total national scholarship seats go to reservations. Since IOM has such a high volume of scholarships (75 seats!), a significant chunk of the national reservation quota lands right here in Maharajgunj.
Here is how the National Percentages apply to the scholarship pool:
- General Scholarship (55%): Open competition. The absolute toppers.
- Reservation Scholarship (45%):
- Female (28%): Ladies, this is your time. With 85 seats nationally allocated to females, a good portion of the top female rankers will choose IOM.
- Khas Arya (17%): A highly competitive reservation cluster.
- Adibasi Janajati (15%): Significant representation.
- Dalit (9%): Including specific quotas for Dalit Females.
- Madheshi (9%) & Madhesi Dalit (3%): Ensuring representation from the Terai region.
- Tharu (4%), Muslim (2%), and others: Every group has a voice here.
Note: If you are from a remote area (Pichhadiye Ko Kshetra), 4% of seats are yours. Do not let these go to waste!
3. The Financials: Paying vs. Scholarship in Maharajgunj Medical Campus
Let’s talk money. Medical school is expensive, but IOM is the exception.
For Scholarship Students
It is virtually free. You might have to pay for your hostel, food, and some minor administrative/exam fees, but the heavy tuition fee is waived. You are essentially being paid by the government (in the form of education) to become a doctor.
For Paying Students (The “NGL” Truth)
There are only roughly 25 paying seats.
- The Cost: The MEC sets a ceiling (usually around NPR 40-42 Lakhs for the total course, though this is subject to slight annual inflation).
- The ROI: Even if you pay full price, an IOM degree carries weight. Plus, the patient flow at TUTH ensures you become a highly skilled doctor, making your post-MBBS career earning potential much higher.
Warning: Getting a paying seat at IOM is almost as hard as getting a scholarship at a private college. You still need a very high rank in the CEE.
4. Location, Weather, and Lifestyle
Location:
Maharajgunj is in the heart of Kathmandu (Ward No. 3). It is prestigious, busy, and noisy.
- The Vibe: It’s strictly academic but chaotic. The area is surrounded by pharmacies, clinics, bookshops, and consultancies.
- Access: It is right on the Ring Road. You can get a “Micro” (bus) to anywhere in Kathmandu from here.
The Weather:
Kathmandu weather is generally lovely, but you need to be prepared.
- Summer (May-Aug): It gets warm (28°C – 30°C), but it’s the humidity and the monsoon rain that will get you. You will be walking to wards in the rain. Buy a solid raincoat; umbrellas don’t survive Kathmandu winds.
- Winter (Nov-Feb): It gets cold (down to 2°C or 3°C in the morning). The hostel rooms usually don’t have central heating. You will need thick jackets and thermal wear. Studying anatomy at 2 AM in January is a test of willpower!
Accommodation:
- Hostels: IOM has hostels (separate for boys and girls) within the compound. They are affordable and save you from Kathmandu traffic. However, they are old. Do not expect luxury. You are there to study, not vacation.
- Renting: Many students rent flats in areas like Panipokhari, Bansbari, or Chappal Karkhana. Rent is moderately high because it’s a prime area.
5. Academic Life: Is it really that hard?
Yes. And no.
The “Top Study” Environment:
The professors are the authors of the guidelines used nationally. You are learning from the source. The curriculum is integrated and rigorous.
- First 2 Years: Basic Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochem, Pathology, etc.). It’s a lot of reading.
- Clinical Years: This is where IOM shines. You will be posted in TUTH wards. You will take histories from real patients. You will stand in OTs (Operation Theatres) for hours.
Other Studies on Campus:
IOM isn’t just for MBBS. It is a health sciences hub. You will interact with students from:
- BDS (Dentistry)
- B.Sc. Nursing & BNS
- BPH (Public Health)
- B.Optom (Optometry)
- BASLP (Audiology)
This interdisciplinary environment is great. You realize that healthcare is a team sport, not a solo show.
6. How to Get In (The CEE Strategy)
To get one of those 100 seats in 2026, you must crack the Medical Education Commission (MEC) CEE.
- The Cutoff: For a General Scholarship at IOM, you typically need to be in the Top 50-80 ranks nationwide.
- The Syllabus: Based on Class 11 and 12 science (NCERT/NEB).
- The Strategy:
- Biology: Must be at your fingertips.
- Physics/Chemistry: This is the rank decider. Everyone knows Bio; the toppers ace Physics.
- MAT (Mental Agility): Don’t ignore this. It can boost your score significantly.
Pro Tip: If you have a reservation (Dalit, Janajati, Khas Arya), ensure your paperwork is 100% valid and updated. That certificate is worth gold.
7. The Human Side: Pros and Cons
I want to be 100% honest with you. It’s not all sunshine and stethoscopes.
The Pros:
- Respect: Wearing an IOM apron gives you immediate respect in society.
- Cost: If you are a scholar, it’s financially stress-free.
- Experience: You see rare diseases you won’t see elsewhere.
The Cons:
- Politics: It is a government campus. Sometimes student politics (strikes, unions) can disrupt schedules.
- Infrastructure: The buildings are old. The toilets might not always be sparkling clean. It doesn’t look like a 5-star hotel (unlike some private colleges).
- Pressure: The imposter syndrome is real. Everyone around you was a school topper. It can be mentally draining.
Final Verdict of Maharajgunj Medical Campus
Maharajgunj Medical Campus remains the Gold Standard of medical education in Nepal.
With the 2026 scholarship count rising to 691 nationally and IOM retaining its massive 75% scholarship ratio, this is the best time to aim for it.
If you are willing to sacrifice sleep, study harder than you ever have, and deal with the chaos of a government hospital, IOM will transform you. It won’t just make you a doctor; it will make you a clinician who can work anywhere in the world.
Are you ready to wear the apron? The library at Maharajgunj is waiting.
FAQs for the Busy Student
Q: Can I get admission to IOM with a low rank?
A: No. Even for paying seats, the cutoff is very high.
Q: Is the degree recognized internationally?
A: Yes, TU is recognized globally (USMLE, PLAB, etc.).
Q: Does IOM have a gym or sports?
A: Yes, there are sports weeks and a playground, but academics take priority.
Q: What is the total duration?
A: 4.5 Years of study + 1 Year Internship = 5.5 Years.
Disclaimer: Data regarding seat distribution (2026) is based on the latest available projections provided by the user. Always check the official MEC website for the final notice before counseling.
