Maharashtra's State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has released the category-wise State Merit List closing ranks for Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy (Skin & VD) across multiple counselling rounds for NEET-PG 2026. Dermatology remains one of the most competitive clinical specialities in India, with extremely tight cutoffs at premier government colleges. Understanding how closing ranks shift across Round 1, Round 2, and Round 3 is critical for MBBS doctors planning their choice-filling strategy and assessing realistic college options. This analysis helps aspirants benchmark their own rank against historical data and anticipate seat availability in later rounds.
Dermatology closing ranks in Maharashtra show dramatic variation across counselling rounds—top colleges like GSMC remain highly competitive (rank 12 in Round 1, 64.1 in Round 3), while private institutions see much larger rank movements, offering better chances for lower-ranked candidates in later rounds.
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Unlock My College ListWhat Are State Merit List Closing Ranks and Why They Matter for Dermatology
The State Merit List (SML) closing rank is the final rank at which a seat is filled in a given college and category during each counselling round. For Maharashtra NEET-PG 2026, the CET Cell publishes these ranks to show which candidates were allotted seats under the 50% state quota in government, corporation, and private/deemed institutions. Dermatology is among the most sought-after clinical branches in India because of its perceived lifestyle, earning potential, and competitive nature of the field.
Tracking closing ranks across all three counselling rounds is essential because seats do not fill uniformly. In Round 1, only the most competitive candidates secure seats at top colleges. As candidates join their allotted seats or withdraw, subsequent rounds open up positions at higher rank thresholds, creating opportunities for doctors with lower ranks. Understanding this pattern helps you decide whether to accept a seat in Round 1 or wait for a better college in a later round—a decision that carries real risk.
Round 1 Dermatology Closing Ranks: The Most Competitive Snapshot
In Round 1, Seth GS Medical College (GSMC) in Mumbai was the most competitive institution for Dermatology, with both opening and closing ranks at 12. This means only the top 12 candidates in the state merit list could secure an MD seat there. Other premier government colleges also showed extremely tight cutoffs: LTMC closed at rank 34, BJMC at 46, and GMC Mumbai at 65. These figures underscore the reality that Dermatology seats at top-tier government colleges are accessible only to candidates in the top 1–2% of the NEET-PG merit list.
Private and deemed institutions showed more accessible closing ranks in Round 1. MIMER closed at 265, PDMC at 383, and MIMSR at 395. Vedanta Medical College, a private institution, closed at 944 in Round 1—a significant gap from the government colleges but still representing a highly competitive rank. The data reveals a clear two-tier structure: government colleges with ranks under 100, and private colleges with ranks ranging from 200 to 1,000.
- GSMC (top): rank 12
- LTMC: rank 34
- BJMC: rank 46
- GMC Mumbai: rank 65
- MIMER: rank 265
- PDMC: rank 383
- Vedanta MC: rank 944
Round 2 Dermatology Cutoffs: Modest Shifts at Government Colleges
Round 2 closing ranks show relatively modest movement at government colleges compared to private institutions. GMC Mumbai remained at rank 65, GMC Nagpur at 77, and PCMC PGM I moved slightly to 84. This stability at top government colleges reflects two factors: first, very few candidates with ranks in the top 100 withdraw from their Round 1 allotments, and second, the pool of eligible candidates for these seats is extremely limited. The lack of significant rank movement suggests that if you do not secure a government college seat in Round 1, your chances in Round 2 are minimal unless you are willing to accept a college further down the merit list.
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Private colleges, however, showed more substantial shifts. MIMER's closing rank increased from 265 in Round 1 to 435 in Round 2, PDMC from 383 to 575, and MIMSR from 395 to 700. These increases indicate that candidates with lower ranks are progressively filling seats as higher-ranked candidates join their Round 1 allotments. Vedanta Medical College jumped from 944 to 1,517, a significant movement that suggests meaningful seat availability for candidates in the 1,000–1,500 rank range.
- GMC Mumbai: stable at rank 65
- GMC Nagpur: stable at rank 77
- MIMER: 265 → 435 (+170)
- PDMC: 383 → 575 (+192)
- Vedanta MC: 944 → 1,517 (+573)
Round 3 Dermatology Ranks: Largest Opportunities for Lower-Ranked Candidates
Round 3 closing ranks reveal the most dramatic shifts, particularly at private institutions. Vedanta Medical College's closing rank surged to 2,816.1, an increase of 1,872.1 points from Round 1. This massive movement indicates that by Round 3, candidates with ranks in the 2,000–2,800 range had realistic chances of securing a Dermatology seat at this college. Similarly, BK Walawal's closing rank reached 1,669 (a +1,086 movement from Round 2), and MIMSR closed at 1,119 (a +724 movement from Round 2). These data points are crucial for candidates with ranks outside the top 500–1,000 range, as they demonstrate that persistence through multiple rounds can yield results.
Government colleges, while showing some rank movement, remained far more competitive. GSMC's closing rank moved to 64.1 (a +52.1 increase from Round 1), GMC Mumbai to 77 (+12), and GMC Nagpur to 193 (+115). Even in Round 3, securing a Dermatology seat at a premier government college required a rank well under 200. The data suggests a clear strategy: if your rank is under 200, focus on government colleges across all three rounds; if your rank is 200–1,000, target private colleges in Rounds 2 and 3; if your rank exceeds 1,000, Round 3 at private institutions offers the best opportunity.
- GSMC: 12 → 64.1 (+52.1 total movement)
- GMC Mumbai: 65 → 77 (+12 total)
- GMC Nagpur: 78 → 193 (+115 total)
- Vedanta MC: 944 → 2,816.1 (+1,872.1 total)
- BK Walawal: 583 → 1,669 (+1,086 from R2)
- MIMSR: 395 → 1,119 (+724 total)
Rank Movement Patterns: What They Reveal About Seat Dynamics
The data reveals two distinct patterns in rank movement. Private and deemed institutions show exponential rank expansion across rounds, while government colleges show minimal movement. Vedanta Medical College exemplifies the private college pattern: its closing rank nearly tripled from Round 1 to Round 3. This occurs because private colleges have larger seat pools, attract candidates across a wider rank spectrum, and experience higher withdrawal rates as candidates secure government college seats in earlier rounds. For an MBBS doctor with a rank of 1,500–2,500, this pattern is encouraging: it suggests that waiting through multiple rounds at private colleges significantly improves your chances of admission.
Government colleges, by contrast, show minimal rank movement because their seat pools are smaller and their prestige means candidates rarely withdraw. GSMC's movement of only 52.1 ranks across three rounds, despite being the most competitive college, reflects the reality that top-ranked candidates secure seats in Round 1 and remain committed. This stability is both a challenge and a clarity: if you miss a government college seat in Round 1, your chances in later rounds are slim unless you are willing to accept a college ranked significantly lower in the state hierarchy. The practical takeaway is that your choice-filling strategy must account for this asymmetry—aggressive choice-filling in Round 1 at government colleges is justified, but waiting for a better government college in Round 2 or 3 is rarely rewarded.
- Private colleges: exponential rank expansion (Vedanta +1,872 points)
- Government colleges: minimal movement (GSMC +52 points)
- Larger seat pools at private colleges enable higher rank thresholds in later rounds
- Candidate withdrawal patterns differ: government college allottees rarely withdraw; private college allottees often do
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Counselling Timeline and Registration Deadlines for Maharashtra NEET-PG 2026
The Maharashtra CET Cell has set a structured timeline for NEET-PG 2026 counselling. Online registration and session application opened on 17 October 2026 and closed on 23 October 2026 at 11:59 PM. The registration fee of ₹3,000 (non-refundable) and any applicable security deposit had to be paid by 24 October 2026 at 5:00 PM. Document upload and verification occurred between 17–27 October 2026. The registered candidate list was revealed on 28 October 2026, followed by the provisional merit list on the same date. The final provisional state merit list and in-service state merit list were published on 1 November 2026.
The seat matrix for CAP (Centralized Admission Process) Round 1 was released on 1 November 2026, and choice-form filling for Round 1 took place from 2–4 November 2026 at 11:59 PM. The first selection list (Round 1 results) was declared on 5 November 2026, with physical joining and other prerequisites to be completed between 6–10 November 2026 by 5:30 PM. Candidates can access the counselling portal at medical2026.mahacet.org or mahacet.org. If you have not yet registered or filled your choices, verify the current status of these dates with the CET Cell, as timelines may have been extended or modified.
- Registration deadline: 23 October 2026, 11:59 PM
- Fee payment deadline: 24 October 2026, 5:00 PM (₹3,000 non-refundable)
- Document verification: 17–27 October 2026
- Final merit list: 1 November 2026
- Choice-form filling (Round 1): 2–4 November 2026, 11:59 PM
- Round 1 results: 5 November 2026
- Physical joining deadline: 10 November 2026, 5:30 PM
- Portal: medical2026.mahacet.org or mahacet.org
How to Use This Data for Your Choice-Filling Strategy
Your rank relative to these closing ranks should directly inform your choice-filling decisions. If your rank is under 50, you have realistic chances at GSMC, LTMC, or BJMC in Round 1—but only if you fill these choices. If your rank is 50–150, target GMC Mumbai, PCMC PGM I, and GMC Nagpur. If your rank is 150–400, focus on MIMER, PDMC, and MIMSR. If your rank exceeds 400, private colleges like Vedanta Medical College become your primary target, with realistic chances emerging in Round 2 and especially Round 3. The key principle is to fill your choice form with colleges where your rank falls between the opening and closing ranks from the previous year's Round 1—this maximizes your chances of allotment in Round 1.
However, do not rely solely on Round 1 data. If you do not secure a seat in Round 1, Round 2 and Round 3 offer meaningful opportunities, particularly at private institutions. The data shows that closing ranks at private colleges can increase by 500–1,800 points across rounds, meaning a rank that seemed out of reach in Round 1 may be competitive in Round 3. This is especially true for Dermatology, where the speciality's popularity ensures continuous seat availability. Your decision to accept or reject a Round 1 allotment should weigh the certainty of that seat against the risk of waiting for a better college in a later round—a calculation that depends on your personal priorities and risk tolerance.
- Rank under 50: target GSMC, LTMC, BJMC in Round 1
- Rank 50–150: target GMC Mumbai, PCMC PGM I, GMC Nagpur
- Rank 150–400: target MIMER, PDMC, MIMSR
- Rank over 400: focus on private colleges; expect realistic chances in Round 2–3
- Fill choices where your rank falls between opening and closing ranks from previous Round 1
- Do not reject a Round 1 allotment lightly; waiting for later rounds carries real risk of not securing any seat
Key Takeaway: Dermatology Remains Highly Competitive; Plan Accordingly
Dermatology in Maharashtra is accessible only to candidates with strong ranks. The data unambiguously shows that government college seats are reserved for the top 1–2% of the merit list, while private colleges offer a broader but still competitive pathway. The dramatic rank movements at private institutions across counselling rounds provide hope for candidates outside the top 500 ranks, but this hope should not translate into complacency. Waiting for later rounds is a valid strategy only if you have a clear backup plan and are prepared to accept a private college if necessary.
Your next step is to cross-reference your own rank with these closing ranks, identify 5–7 colleges where you have realistic chances, and prepare your choice form accordingly. Consult your mentors or counsellors to stress-test your strategy, and be prepared to make quick decisions during choice-filling windows. The counselling portal is your primary resource; monitor it closely for any updates or changes to timelines or seat matrices.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is a State Merit List (SML) closing rank in Maharashtra NEET-PG counselling?
The State Merit List closing rank is the final rank at which a seat is filled in a given college and category during each counselling round. It represents the lowest-ranked candidate who secured admission in that round. For example, if GSMC's closing rank in Round 1 is 12, it means the 12th-ranked candidate in the state merit list was the last person allotted a seat there. Closing ranks vary across rounds because seats become available as higher-ranked candidates join their allotments or withdraw.
Why do Dermatology closing ranks in Maharashtra differ so much between government and private colleges?
Government colleges have limited seat pools and high prestige, so only top-ranked candidates secure seats and rarely withdraw. This keeps closing ranks stable and extremely competitive (e.g., GSMC at rank 12). Private colleges have larger seat pools and attract candidates across a wider rank spectrum. As higher-ranked candidates join government college seats in earlier rounds, private college seats become available to progressively lower-ranked candidates, causing closing ranks to expand dramatically (e.g., Vedanta from 944 in Round 1 to 2,816 in Round 3).
If I have a rank of 1,500, what are my realistic chances of securing a Dermatology seat in Maharashtra?
With a rank of 1,500, you have minimal chances at government colleges even in Round 3. However, private colleges like Vedanta Medical College, BK Walawal, and MIMSR show closing ranks in the 1,500–2,800 range by Round 3, making them realistic targets. Your strategy should be to fill these private colleges in your choice form and be prepared to accept a seat in Round 2 or 3 if offered. Waiting for a government college seat is not advisable at this rank.
Should I accept a Dermatology seat at a private college in Round 1, or wait for a better college in Round 2 or 3?
This depends on your rank and priorities. If your rank is under 200, waiting for a government college in later rounds is justified because government college closing ranks remain stable and competitive. If your rank is 200–1,000, accepting a private college seat in Round 1 is safer than waiting, because while closing ranks do expand in later rounds, there is no guarantee you will secure a seat. If your rank exceeds 1,000, accept any seat offered in Round 1 or 2, as waiting for Round 3 carries significant risk. Always weigh the certainty of a current allotment against the uncertainty of a future round.
What does the data show about rank movement from Round 1 to Round 3 for Dermatology in Maharashtra?
The data reveals two patterns. Private colleges show exponential rank expansion: Vedanta Medical College's closing rank increased by 1,872 points (from 944 to 2,816), BK Walawal by 1,086 points, and MIMSR by 724 points. Government colleges show minimal movement: GSMC increased by only 52 points, GMC Mumbai by 12 points, and GMC Nagpur by 115 points. This asymmetry means private colleges offer significantly better chances for lower-ranked candidates in later rounds, while government colleges remain consistently competitive.
How should I use these closing rank tables to fill my choice form?
Identify colleges where your rank falls between the opening and closing ranks from the previous year's Round 1. For example, if your rank is 300, target colleges with Round 1 closing ranks between 250 and 350. Fill your choice form with 5–7 such colleges, prioritizing government colleges first (if your rank qualifies), then private colleges. This strategy maximizes your chances of allotment in Round 1. If you do not secure a seat in Round 1, use Round 2 and 3 closing ranks to reassess your options for later rounds.
What is the registration deadline and fee for Maharashtra NEET-PG 2026 counselling?
Online registration and session application closed on 23 October 2026 at 11:59 PM. The registration fee of ₹3,000 (non-refundable) and any applicable security deposit had to be paid by 24 October 2026 at 5:00 PM. If you have not yet registered, contact the CET Cell immediately to check if late registration is permitted. The counselling portal is available at medical2026.mahacet.org or mahacet.org.
Which government colleges in Maharashtra have the most competitive Dermatology closing ranks?
Seth GS Medical College (GSMC) in Mumbai is the most competitive, with a Round 1 closing rank of 12. Other highly competitive government colleges include LTMC (rank 34), BJMC (rank 46), and GMC Mumbai (rank 65). These colleges remain competitive even in Round 3, with GSMC closing at 64.1. If your rank is under 100, these colleges should be your primary targets; if your rank exceeds 100, focus on other government colleges like GMC Nagpur or GMC Sambhajinagar.
What does the data suggest about the likelihood of securing a Dermatology seat in later counselling rounds?
The data strongly suggests that later rounds offer meaningful opportunities, particularly at private colleges. Closing ranks at private institutions expand significantly from Round 1 to Round 3, indicating that seats remain available for progressively lower-ranked candidates. However, government college closing ranks remain stable, meaning if you miss a government college in Round 1, your chances in later rounds are minimal. The practical implication is that if you do not secure a seat in Round 1, do not lose hope—Round 2 and 3 at private colleges can yield results, especially if your rank is in the 500–2,000 range.
Use these closing rank tables as a benchmark for your choice-filling strategy, but remember that they reflect previous years' data and may shift in 2026. Cross-reference your rank with the colleges listed, prioritize government colleges if your rank qualifies, and be prepared to make quick decisions during choice-filling windows. Monitor the CET Cell portal (medical2026.mahacet.org) for any updates to timelines or seat matrices, and consult your mentors to validate your strategy before submitting your choices.
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