Maharashtra's State Common Entrance Test Cell has released the Round 1 counselling schedule for NEET-PG 2026 (MD/MS) admissions. While the official merit list and seat allocation are yet to come, previous-year data on state merit list opening and closing ranks for popular specialities—General Medicine, General Surgery, ENT, and Orthopedics—is now available. This historical data is crucial for MBBS doctors preparing for Maharashtra state counselling, as it helps estimate which colleges and specialities fall within realistic reach based on your NEET-PG rank. Understanding these trends can guide your choice-filling strategy and help you set realistic expectations before the first round of seat allotment.
Use previous-year state merit list closing ranks to estimate your admission chances at Maharashtra colleges during Round 1 counselling; highly competitive specialities like Medicine and Surgery at top government colleges require ranks in the single to double digits.
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Unlock My College ListMaharashtra NEET-PG 2026 Round 1 Counselling Timeline
The Maharashtra State CET Cell has announced the key dates for NEET-PG 2026 Round 1 (CAP Round 1) counselling. Online registration and session application began on 17 October 2026 and closes on 23 October 2026 by 11:59 PM. Candidates must pay the non-refundable registration fee of ₹3,000 and any applicable security deposit by 24 October 2026 at 5:00 PM through the online payment gateway.
Document upload and verification run concurrently from 17 to 24 October and 18 to 27 October respectively. The provisional merit list will be published on 28 October 2026, followed by the final state merit list on 1 November 2026. The seat matrix for Round 1 will also be released on 1 November, and choice-filling will occur from 2 to 4 November 2026 by 11:59 PM. The first selection list (seat allotment) is scheduled for 5 November 2026, with physical joining and document submission from 6 to 10 November 2026 by 5:30 PM.
Candidates can access all counselling portals and updates at medical2026.mahacet.org or mahacet.org. It is essential to complete each step within the stipulated deadline to avoid forfeiture of your candidacy.
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| Online Registration & Session Apply | 17–23 Oct 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Fee Payment & Security Deposit | 17–24 Oct 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Document Upload | 17–24 Oct 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Document Verification | 18–27 Oct 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Provisional Merit List | 28 Oct 2026 |
| Final State Merit List & Seat Matrix | 1 Nov 2026 |
| Choice-Filling (CAP Round 1) | 2–4 Nov 2026, 11:59 PM |
| First Selection List (Allotment) | 5 Nov 2026 |
| Physical Joining & Prerequisites | 6–10 Nov 2026, 5:30 PM |
Understanding State Merit List (SML) Ranks and Closing Cutoffs
The state merit list (SML) rank is distinct from your all-India NEET-PG rank. Maharashtra conducts separate state-level counselling for candidates who have registered for Maharashtra state quota seats. Your SML rank is determined by your NEET-PG score and is used to allocate state seats during counselling. The 'opening rank' is the best (lowest) rank that secured a seat in a particular speciality at a college in the previous round, while the 'closing rank' is the worst (highest) rank that was allotted a seat.
Closing ranks are the most important benchmark for aspirants. If your SML rank is better than (lower than) the previous year's closing rank for a college–speciality combination, you have a reasonable chance of securing that seat in the current round. However, closing ranks fluctuate year to year based on the number of applicants, their score distribution, and the number of seats available. A rank that was competitive last year may not guarantee admission this year, and vice versa.
General Medicine: Highly Competitive with Top Ranks Required
General Medicine (MD) is one of the most sought-after specialities in Maharashtra. Previous-year data shows that the most prestigious colleges demand exceptionally low ranks. Grant Medical College (GSMC) in Mumbai had an opening and closing rank of 1–5, meaning only the top 5 candidates in the state merit list secured a seat. Lokmanya Tilak Medical College (LTMC) closed at rank 24, and Topiwala National Medical College (TNMC) at rank 27.
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Even mid-tier government colleges like GMC Nagpur closed at rank 64, and GMC Sambhajinagar at rank 88. If your SML rank is below 100, you have a realistic shot at a government college for Medicine in Maharashtra. Ranks between 100 and 300 may secure seats at colleges like IGMC Nagpur, VMMC Solapur, or BHMS Mumbai. Beyond rank 500, options narrow significantly, though private and deemed colleges may still be accessible. The data underscores that Medicine is intensely competitive; aspirants with ranks above 600 should consider other specialities or colleges outside Maharashtra.
- GSMC Mumbai: Rank 1–5
- LTMC: Rank 9–24
- TNMC: Rank 26–27
- GMC Nagpur: Rank 29–64
- GMC Sambhajinagar: Rank 50–88
- BJMC Pune: Rank 92–95
- Ranks above 600 face limited options in government colleges
General Surgery (MS): Competitive but Slightly More Accessible Than Medicine
General Surgery (MS) is also highly competitive but typically offers slightly more seats and lower closing ranks than Medicine at the same colleges. Grant Medical College (GSMC) had an opening rank of 39 and closing rank of 39 for Surgery, compared to 1–5 for Medicine. GMC Mumbai closed at rank 87 for Surgery versus 45–62 for Medicine. This pattern reflects that Surgery has marginally more availability, though it remains a premium speciality.
Candidates with SML ranks between 50 and 200 have reasonable chances at top government colleges. Ranks between 200 and 400 can target mid-tier government institutions like GMC Sambhajinagar (closing rank 296), GMC Miraj (closing rank 393), or PGIMS New Mumbai (closing rank 306). Beyond rank 400, private colleges and deemed universities become the primary option. Notably, some colleges show wide gaps between opening and closing ranks—for example, Vedanta Medical College closed at rank 2,175, indicating that seats filled across multiple rounds or that the college had more vacancies than premium institutions.
- GSMC: Rank 39
- GMC Mumbai: Rank 54–87
- LTMC: Rank 139–172
- BJMC Pune: Rank 112
- Ranks 50–200: Strong chances at top government colleges
- Ranks 200–400: Mid-tier government colleges feasible
- Ranks above 400: Private and deemed colleges primary option
ENT (Otorhinolaryngology): Niche Speciality with Moderate Competition
ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) is a niche speciality with fewer seats than Medicine or Surgery, making it moderately competitive. GMC Mumbai, the most prestigious institution, had an opening and closing rank of 384 for ENT. TNMC closed at rank 593, and BJMC Pune at rank 753. These ranks are significantly higher than Medicine or Surgery at the same colleges, reflecting fewer available seats.
Candidates with SML ranks between 300 and 800 have realistic chances at government colleges for ENT. Ranks between 800 and 1,500 can target mid-tier and peripheral government colleges like MPGIMER Nashik (rank 941), GMC Jalgaon (rank 954), or SRTR Ambajogai (rank 1,011). Beyond rank 1,500, private colleges become the primary avenue. ENT is a good option for aspirants who rank well but not in the top tier; it offers better college choices than Medicine or Surgery at similar ranks.
- GMC Mumbai: Rank 384
- TNMC: Rank 593
- BJMC Pune: Rank 753
- Ranks 300–800: Government colleges feasible
- Ranks 800–1,500: Mid-tier and peripheral colleges
- Ranks above 1,500: Private colleges primary option
Orthopedics: Moderate Competition with Wider Accessibility
Orthopedics (MS Ortho) is moderately competitive with more seats than ENT but fewer than Medicine or Surgery. LTMC had an opening rank of 213 and closing rank of 223, while TNMC closed at rank 224. GMC Mumbai closed at rank 381, and BJMC at rank 423. These ranks are higher than Medicine or Surgery at the same colleges, indicating more availability.
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Candidates with SML ranks between 200 and 700 have good chances at government colleges for Orthopedics. Ranks between 700 and 1,500 can target mid-tier institutions like MPGIMER Nashik (rank 633), PGIMS New Mumbai (rank 639), or MGIMS Sevagram (rank 653). Beyond rank 1,500, private colleges and deemed universities are the realistic option. Orthopedics is an attractive choice for aspirants seeking a well-regarded speciality with better college options than Medicine or Surgery at comparable ranks.
- LTMC: Rank 213–223
- TNMC: Rank 224
- GMC Mumbai: Rank 381
- BJMC: Rank 423
- Ranks 200–700: Government colleges accessible
- Ranks 700–1,500: Mid-tier colleges feasible
- Ranks above 1,500: Private colleges primary option
How to Use Previous-Year Data for Choice-Filling Strategy
Previous-year closing ranks are a guide, not a guarantee. Factors that influence current-year cutoffs include the total number of applicants, the distribution of scores, the number of seats available, and the number of candidates who accept or reject allotted seats in earlier rounds. If the number of high-scoring candidates increases, closing ranks will improve (become lower). If fewer candidates apply or more seats are added, closing ranks may worsen (become higher).
When filling your choices during Round 1, adopt a three-tier strategy: (1) Dream choices—colleges and specialities where your rank is slightly worse than the previous closing rank but within 50–100 ranks; (2) Realistic choices—colleges where your rank is comfortably better than the previous closing rank; (3) Safe choices—colleges where your rank is significantly better than the previous closing rank. This approach balances ambition with prudence and maximizes your chances of securing a seat you are satisfied with.
Also consider that closing ranks in later rounds (Round 2, Round 3, mop-up) tend to be higher (worse) than Round 1, as candidates who secured seats in Round 1 do not participate further. If you do not secure a seat in Round 1, your chances improve in subsequent rounds, even if your rank remains the same.
- Previous-year data is a guide, not a guarantee
- Closing ranks fluctuate based on applicant numbers, score distribution, and seat availability
- Use a three-tier choice strategy: dream, realistic, and safe options
- Closing ranks worsen (increase) in later rounds as high-ranked candidates exit
- If you miss Round 1, your chances improve in Round 2 and mop-up rounds
Key Takeaways for NEET-PG Aspirants in Maharashtra
Maharashtra's state counselling offers a separate pathway for candidates seeking admission to state quota seats. The Round 1 schedule is tight, with registration closing on 23 October and choice-filling on 2–4 November. Ensure you complete all steps—registration, fee payment, document upload, and verification—within the deadlines to avoid disqualification.
Use the previous-year state merit list data provided to set realistic expectations. If your rank is in the top 100, you have strong chances at premium specialities like Medicine or Surgery at top colleges. Ranks between 100 and 500 offer good options across mid-tier government colleges and multiple specialities. Ranks above 500 should focus on private colleges, deemed universities, or less competitive specialities. Remember that speciality choice is as important as college choice; a mid-tier college in a speciality you prefer is often better than a top college in a speciality you do not want.
Finally, stay updated on the official Maharashtra CET Cell portal for any changes to the schedule, the release of the seat matrix, and the final merit list. The seat matrix will reveal the exact number of seats available at each college for each speciality, which will help you refine your choices further.
- Complete registration, fee payment, and document verification by the deadlines
- Use previous-year data to set realistic expectations for your rank
- Adopt a three-tier choice strategy: dream, realistic, and safe options
- Speciality choice is as important as college choice
- Monitor the official portal for seat matrix and final merit list updates
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between NEET-PG rank and state merit list (SML) rank in Maharashtra?
Your NEET-PG rank is your all-India rank based on your score in the national exam. Your state merit list (SML) rank is a separate rank assigned by Maharashtra for state quota counselling. Only candidates who have registered for Maharashtra state seats participate in state merit list ranking. The SML rank is used to allocate state quota seats during Maharashtra's counselling process.
How do I know if my rank is competitive for a particular college and speciality?
Compare your SML rank with the previous year's closing rank for that college–speciality combination. If your rank is better than (lower than) the closing rank, you have a reasonable chance. However, closing ranks fluctuate year to year. A safer approach is to aim for ranks significantly better than the previous closing rank. Use the three-tier strategy: dream choices (slightly worse than closing rank), realistic choices (comfortably better), and safe choices (significantly better).
Why are closing ranks different for the same college across different specialities?
Different specialities have different numbers of seats. Specialities like Medicine and Surgery have fewer seats and are more competitive, so closing ranks are lower (better). Specialities like Orthopedics or ENT have more seats, so closing ranks are higher (worse). Additionally, the demand for each speciality varies among candidates, affecting competition.
What should I do if my rank is not competitive for any government college in Maharashtra?
You have several options: (1) Consider private colleges and deemed universities in Maharashtra, which typically have higher closing ranks; (2) Explore other states' counselling if you are eligible; (3) Consider less competitive specialities where your rank may be more competitive; (4) Participate in later rounds (Round 2, Round 3, mop-up) where closing ranks tend to be higher, improving your chances.
When will the seat matrix for Round 1 be released, and why is it important?
The seat matrix will be released on 1 November 2026, the same day as the final state merit list. The seat matrix shows the exact number of seats available at each college for each speciality and category. It is crucial because it helps you understand the total competition and refine your choice-filling strategy. You can prioritize colleges and specialities with more seats, which typically have higher closing ranks and better chances for your rank.
Can I change my choices after submitting them during choice-filling?
The source does not specify whether choices can be modified after submission. Typically, Maharashtra allows a limited window for choice modification before the final submission deadline. Check the official portal (medical2026.mahacet.org or mahacet.org) for specific rules. It is best to finalize your choices carefully before the 4 November 2026 deadline to avoid missing the opportunity.
What happens if I do not secure a seat in Round 1? Will I get another chance?
Yes. Maharashtra conducts multiple rounds of counselling: Round 1 (CAP Round 1), Round 2, Round 3, and mop-up rounds. If you do not secure a seat in Round 1, you can participate in subsequent rounds. Importantly, closing ranks in later rounds tend to be higher (worse) because candidates who secured seats in earlier rounds do not participate further, reducing competition. Your chances of securing a seat improve in later rounds.
Is the ₹3,000 registration fee refundable?
No. The registration fee of ₹3,000 is explicitly stated as non-refundable. Additionally, if applicable, a security deposit is required, which may have different refund terms. Ensure you understand all fee-related terms before making payment.
With Round 1 counselling beginning in early November 2026, now is the time to analyze previous-year state merit list data, estimate your competitiveness, and plan your choice-filling strategy. Monitor the official Maharashtra CET Cell portal closely for the release of the seat matrix and final merit list on 1 November, and complete all registration and verification steps by the announced deadlines to secure your place in counselling.
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