Government Medical College Kottayam was established in 1962. The institute is run by the Government of Kerala which is affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University (earlier known as Gandhiji University). The college was earlier affiliated to the Kerala University of Health Sciences, Thrissur. The district hospital at Kottayam was merged with GMC Kottayam since January 1963. The college started functioning with its first batch of 50 students in the MBBS programme from 1st August, 1961 which has increased to an intake of 100 from 1979-80. The college offers programmes on MBBS, M.D, M.S, M.Ch, D.M, B.Sc, Diploma related to various disciplines.
GMC Kottayam is located in Arpookara, Kerala. The nearest airport to the institute is the Cochin International Airport which is located 83.6 kms away and students can reach the campus in approximately 2 hrs. Students can book a cab and reach the campus from the airport. The nearest railway station is the Kottayam Railway Station which is about 7.7 kms away from the institute. Students can take an auto and reach the campus in approximately 16 mins. Students can also get down at Kottayam Bus Stand which is located 7 kms away from the institute.
17 years of age or above as on 31-Dec of the admission year. The maximum age limit to Study MBBS course is 25 years. All Higher Secondary School Students with 10+2 in science stream including biology or biotechnology along with Physics and Chemistry with a minimum of 50% marks are eligible(In case of SC/ST, 40% in board exams; 45% for OBC Category)