Punjab will not be able to establish new government medical colleges for the 2026-27 academic year, missing the January 28 application deadline set by the National Medical Commission. The state government cited a lack of essential certificates and delays in upgrading district hospitals in Hoshiarpur and Kapurthala as reasons for not applying. This setback impacts the AAP government's plan to open 16 medical colleges within its tenure, potentially forcing students to continue seeking MBBS degrees abroad.