Metropolis Healthcare Limited, the second-largest and most reputable pathology laboratory chain in India, led by Ameera Shah, recently announced the opening of its eighth annual “MedEngage Scholarship Programme 2025-26“. The programme will provide research grants and scholarships to 350 medical students nationwide this year, reaffirming Metropolis’ long-standing dedication to developing India’s future generation of physicians, researchers, and healthcare workers. The deadline for applications is December 31, 2025, and it is now open to MD/MS/DNB trainees and interns, as well as MBBS students of all years.

In addition to special provisions for pupils from single-parent households and individuals with disabilities, the 2025–2026 edition places more emphasis on applicants from the 112 aspirational districts that NITI Aayog has designated. These enhancements increase the program’s accessibility to students who might encounter socioeconomic or personal obstacles while pursuing academic and scientific advancement.

Scholarships will continue to be evaluated using a mixed merit-and-need-based approach that takes socioeconomic background, research ability, and academic success into account in order to maintain fairness and openness. The program’s ongoing emphasis on inclusive access was seen in earlier iterations, where approximately 55% of participants came from economically disadvantaged groups, including 41% from aspirational districts. While applicants with limited institutional support or financial difficulty are given preference under the need-based criteria, all applicants are evaluated using a standardised scoring mechanism that considers both academic excellence and the quality of their research proposal.

The MedEngage Scholarship Programme, which was conceived by its founder, Dr Sushil Shah, has developed into one of the biggest private-sector medical outreach programmes in India. Through outreach initiatives, it has helped more than 10,000 students since its founding and developed a strong MedEngage Alumni Network with more than 4,500 members. MedEngage has established itself as a reliable platform for young medical professionals looking for significant academic and research exposure, with a presence in more than 500 medical institutions. The programme offers observerships, exposure to cutting-edge laboratory techniques, and expert-led learning sessions that support the development of clinical and academic competencies, in addition to more than 70 research grants and 1,000 scholarships.

“MedEngage reflects our belief that true impact comes from enabling talent with real opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute,” stated Surendran Chemmenkotil, Managing Director, Metropolis Healthcare Limited, in a statement regarding the launch. We are assisting in the development of professionals who are better equipped to meet the demands of the healthcare system of the future by providing medical students with access to cutting-edge diagnostic settings, professional supervision, and research exposure.

“MedEngage is intended to foster scientific curiosity at an early stage of a student’s academic career,” continued Dr Kirti Chadha, Chief Scientific and Innovation Officer & Group Head – CSR. Young doctors gain a greater understanding of evidence-based practice when they are introduced to research methods, data analysis, and practical laboratory experience. Our goal is to develop them to become creative thinkers and trailblazers who can significantly advance patient care, scientific research, and diagnostics.

In order to guarantee openness and thoroughness in the application evaluation process, Deloitte is the programme’s process partner. Submissions will be evaluated by a distinguished jury made up of top figures from the academic and medical communities. In February 2026, the scholarship beneficiaries will be revealed, and in March 2026, there will be a felicitation celebration.

The goal of MedEngage by Metropolis is still to acknowledge and celebrate the nation’s youthful medical talent. The Healthcare Federation of India’s NATHealth Impact Award, as well as honours from ASSOCHAM and prominent media outlets, are just a few examples of the programme’s widespread recognition for its national impact.