Gandaki Medical College (GMC) stands as one of the leading institutions for medical education in Nepal. Located in the serene and scenic city of Pokhara, the college offers an inspiring environment for aspiring doctors and healthcare professionals. Established with a vision to deliver world-class medical education and healthcare services, Gandaki Medical College has grown into a trusted name in Nepal’s medical academic landscape.
The college operates under the affiliation of Tribhuvan University (TU), one of Nepal’s most prestigious academic institutions. Over the years, GMC has earned recognition not only for its academic excellence but also for its dedication to community health, ethical practices, and advanced clinical exposure.
Nestled in the heart of Pokhara, Gandaki Medical College boasts a picturesque setting surrounded by lush green hills and panoramic mountain views. The tranquil atmosphere of Pokhara offers students an ideal environment for study and reflection. The campus is well-structured, with modern academic blocks, laboratories, lecture halls, and clinical facilities integrated into a single ecosystem designed for effective learning.
The hospital associated with the college — Gandaki Medical College Teaching Hospital (GMCTH) — serves as a crucial training ground for students. It offers comprehensive healthcare services to the community while providing hands-on exposure to medical students.
Gandaki Medical College was established in 2007 with a clear mission to bridge the gap between theory and practice in medical education. It was founded by a group of visionary doctors, academicians, and entrepreneurs determined to create a center of excellence in Western Nepal.
Since its inception, the college has maintained high educational standards, blending academic rigor with compassionate patient care. Over the years, GMC has expanded its infrastructure, introduced new academic programs, and strengthened its research and clinical training facilities.
The flagship course at Gandaki Medical College is the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). This program is designed following the guidelines of Tribhuvan University and the Nepal Medical Council (NMC).
The MBBS program at GMC spans five and a half years, including one year of compulsory internship. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical exposure, ensuring students gain a holistic understanding of the human body, diseases, and treatment methodologies.
Pre-Clinical Phase: Covers subjects like Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, and Community Medicine.
Para-Clinical Phase: Focuses on Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, and Forensic Medicine.
Clinical Phase: Provides hands-on training in Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Orthopedics, Psychiatry, and other specialties.
Students undergo rotations in various hospital departments, gaining real-life exposure to patient management, diagnosis, and treatment procedures.
Apart from the MBBS course, Gandaki Medical College also offers programs in Nursing, Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Technology (BMLT), and Bachelor in Pharmacy (BPharm).
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc Nursing) program trains students to provide holistic nursing care. The course emphasizes clinical skills, leadership, and ethical nursing practices. Graduates are well-prepared to serve in hospitals, community health centers, and educational institutions.
BMLT: Focuses on laboratory diagnostics, biomedical techniques, and research-based approaches.
BPharm: Prepares students for careers in pharmaceuticals, research, and clinical pharmacy.
These programs strengthen the college’s multidisciplinary healthcare education model, fostering collaboration among future doctors, nurses, and technicians.
Gandaki Medical College provides a modern academic infrastructure designed to support innovative learning.
The lecture halls are equipped with advanced audio-visual aids to facilitate interactive sessions. Laboratories are modern and fully equipped to meet the standards required for pre-clinical and para-clinical training.
The college library houses an extensive collection of medical books, journals, research papers, and online databases. It provides a quiet, resource-rich environment for self-study and research activities.
Research is an integral part of GMC’s academic philosophy. Students and faculty are encouraged to engage in projects focusing on public health, clinical innovation, and community welfare. The college’s research cell provides guidance and funding for promising studies.
The Gandaki Medical College Teaching Hospital (GMCTH) serves as a key pillar of the institution.
With a capacity of over 750 beds, the hospital provides tertiary-level healthcare services in various specialties such as general medicine, surgery, orthopedics, gynecology, pediatrics, ENT, dermatology, and psychiatry.
Students gain extensive clinical experience by participating in ward rounds, outpatient care, emergency management, and surgical procedures under faculty supervision. This real-world exposure ensures they develop confidence and competence before entering professional practice.
To enroll in the MBBS program at Gandaki Medical College, candidates must:
Have completed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as major subjects.
Obtain a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate.
Qualify in the entrance examination conducted by Tribhuvan University (TU).
The entrance exam assesses students’ knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English. Admission is based on merit, ensuring only qualified candidates secure a seat. International students can also apply through a separate quota, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
Applicants must submit:
Academic transcripts and certificates
Citizenship or passport copies
Medical fitness certificates
Entrance examination scorecards
The admission committee evaluates applications carefully to maintain the institution’s academic integrity and competitiveness.
The atmosphere at GMC is dynamic, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating. Students come from diverse regions of Nepal and abroad, creating a multicultural learning environment.
The college encourages students to participate in extracurricular and co-curricular activities such as sports, debates, cultural programs, and community outreach. Annual festivals and medical exhibitions foster creativity and leadership among students.
A dedicated counseling unit helps students navigate academic challenges and personal growth. Faculty mentors provide academic guidance and encourage research participation.
Gandaki Medical College offers comfortable and secure hostel accommodation for both male and female students. Rooms are well-furnished and equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity. The mess provides hygienic and nutritious meals, catering to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences.
The college maintains strict discipline to ensure a safe and respectful environment. Security personnel and surveillance systems are in place to safeguard the campus and hostels.
Being affiliated with Tribhuvan University, GMC follows a globally accepted curriculum, ensuring its degrees are recognized both in Nepal and abroad.
Gandaki Medical College is recognized by:
Nepal Medical Council (NMC)
Ministry of Education, Nepal
World Health Organization (WHO)
Medical Council of India (MCI) — now replaced by the National Medical Commission (NMC India)
These accreditations enable graduates to pursue higher education and medical careers globally, including in India, the US, the UK, and other countries.
GMC actively participates in community health programs. Faculty and students conduct health camps in rural and underserved areas, offering free consultations, medicines, and health awareness sessions.
The institution encourages research aimed at solving local health challenges such as maternal health, infectious diseases, and environmental sanitation. Students are trained to integrate public health principles with clinical practice.
Gandaki Medical College emphasizes ethical practice and social accountability. By engaging in outreach and charity programs, it instills compassion and responsibility in future healthcare professionals.
Upon completion of the MBBS program, graduates undergo a one-year compulsory internship at the GMC Teaching Hospital. This period allows them to refine their clinical skills and apply their academic knowledge in real settings.
Graduates can work in hospitals, research institutions, or pursue postgraduate studies in various specialties such as Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, or Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Owing to its international recognition, graduates from Gandaki Medical College are eligible to appear for licensing exams such as USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), FMGE/NExT (India), and AMC (Australia). Many alumni have established successful medical careers worldwide.
The college upholds academic rigor with an emphasis on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
The teaching staff comprises highly qualified doctors, professors, and researchers dedicated to mentoring students and promoting academic innovation.
Compared to many international medical universities, GMC offers quality education at a reasonable cost, making it accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds.
From digital classrooms to advanced simulation labs and a fully functional teaching hospital, the facilities meet international educational standards.
The institution provides a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to excel academically and personally while embracing teamwork and empathy.
GMC graduates have made significant contributions to healthcare both in Nepal and internationally. Many serve as specialists, researchers, and educators in renowned hospitals and institutions.
The GMC Alumni Association connects graduates across the globe, fostering professional networking and collaboration. It organizes events, workshops, and continuing medical education (CME) sessions to promote lifelong learning.
The college plans to introduce postgraduate programs (MD/MS) in multiple specialties, strengthening its position as a comprehensive medical university.
Plans are underway to establish research centers focusing on advanced medical sciences, biotechnology, and epidemiology to contribute to Nepal’s healthcare innovation.
GMC aims to partner with global medical universities for academic exchange, collaborative research, and faculty development programs, enhancing the international exposure of students and staff.
Gandaki Medical College, with its unwavering commitment to quality education, community service, and ethical medical practice, has become a pillar of medical excellence in Nepal. Its strategic location in Pokhara, state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and strong academic foundation make it an ideal destination for aspiring doctors.
Whether you’re a Nepali student aiming for a reputable medical degree or an international applicant seeking a globally recognized education at an affordable cost, Gandaki Medical College offers a pathway to a rewarding and impactful medical career.