Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMC&RI) stands as a historic pillar of Karnataka’s medical education system. Established in 1924, MMC&RI is the first and oldest medical college in Karnataka, serving as the sole medical institution in the state until 1952. Located in the heart of Mysuru, it continues to play a vital role in shaping the healthcare landscape of the region.

A Legacy Rooted in Royal Patronage

The foundation of Western medical education in Karnataka can be traced back to the visionary leadership of the Wadiyars. In 1833, Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar III laid the groundwork by initiating a "Vaidyashala" to offer medical services rooted in Western practices. Over time, the Mysore Samsthana expanded healthcare services by establishing dedicated centres for treating leprosy in 1845 and mental health disorders by 1850.

In 1917, a medical school in Bangalore began training Licensed Medical Practitioners (LMPs). This institution was elevated in 1924 into a full-fledged medical college, becoming the first such institution in any princely state. Though it started in Bangalore, it was relocated to Mysore in 1930 under the directive of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, who believed the cultural capital of the state deserved a premier medical institution.

Historic Firsts and Pioneering Faculty

After its relocation to Mysore, the college came to be known as the University Medical College (UMC). It initially operated out of the Chamarajendra Technical Institute. Dr. JF Robison, a British surgeon and former Fellow at the Mayo Clinic, was appointed the first principal. He also served as the palace surgeon and superintendent of the Krishnarajendra Hospital, one of the teaching hospitals attached to the college.

Academic Excellence and Admissions

Today, MMC&RI is affiliated with the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), Bengaluru, and offers comprehensive medical education:

150 MBBS seats (via NEET-UG)
Over 120 MD/MS postgraduate seats (via NEET-PG, including 50% AIQ)
Admission is purely based on merit through NEET exams.
50% of MBBS seats are reserved under the Karnataka domicile quota, with the remaining allocated through the All India Quota (AIQ).

Being a government medical college, tuition fees are subsidized, making it one of the most affordable choices for aspiring doctors in India.

Clinical Training and Teaching Hospitals

MMC&RI is supported by two major teaching hospitals:

Krishnarajendra Hospital (KR Hospital): Established in 1927 with 100 beds, KR Hospital now provides multispeciality services and serves as the primary hospital for clinical teaching.
Cheluvamba Hospital: Originating in 1889 and expanded in 1939, it is dedicated to maternal and child healthcare. With more than 400 beds, it includes advanced departments such as NICU and handles over 40 childbirths daily.

Why MMC&RI Stands Out

First government medical college in Karnataka
Over 100 years of heritage and medical education
Strong infrastructure and public hospital network
Accessible and affordable medical education

Conclusion

Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMC&RI) is more than just a medical college—it's a cornerstone in Karnataka’s public healthcare and education. With a century-long legacy, modern facilities, and a commitment to excellence, MMC&RI continues to produce top-tier medical professionals who serve across India and beyond.

Karnataka’s First Medical College: A Look Into the Legacy of Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMC&RI)