Maharashtra NEET PG 2026 Seat Matrix: 1,522 MD/MS Seats Across 31 Colleges

Maharashtra's Common Entrance Test Cell (CET Cell) has released the provisional seat matrix for postgraduate MD and MS courses across government, corporation, central government and government-aided medical colleges for the 2025–26 academic session (NEET PG 2026). The matrix shows a total of 1,522 seats distributed across 31 specialties and 31 colleges, broken down by category: General, SC, ST, OBC, EWS, VJ (Vimukta Jati), NT (Nomadic Tribe), SEBC (Socially and Educationally Backward Class), Orphan, and PWD (Person with Disability). This is a provisional document and seats may change based on university affiliation, availability of postgraduate teachers, court orders, or government directives. Understanding this matrix is essential for candidates preparing for counselling rounds.

What is the Seat Matrix and Why It Matters

The seat matrix is an official document that lists the exact number of postgraduate (PG) medical seats available at each college, broken down by specialty (MD Anesthesiology, MS General Surgery, MD Pathology, etc.) and by category (General, SC, ST, OBC, EWS, VJ, NT, SEBC, Orphan, PWD). It is the foundation of the entire counselling process—without knowing how many seats exist and who is eligible for them, neither candidates nor the counselling authority can proceed fairly.

This matrix is called 'provisional' because it is subject to change. The CET Cell explicitly notes that seat numbers may be revised based on: (1) information from individual institutes, (2) affiliation status from MUHS Nashik (the university), (3) availability of qualified postgraduate teachers in each specialty, (4) orders from the Hon'ble Court, or (5) directives from the state or central government. Candidates must stay alert to any updates issued before counselling begins.

The matrix covers only government, corporation, central government, and government-aided colleges—not private institutions. It applies to MD (Doctor of Medicine), MS (Master of Surgery), and PG Diploma courses, all of which are broad-speciality postgraduate qualifications at the same level and are counselled together under NEET PG.

Total Seats and College-Wise Distribution

Maharashtra is offering a total of 1,522 MD/MS seats across 31 government and government-aided medical colleges. The largest colleges by seat count are: Grant Government Medical College, Mumbai (140 seats), Govt. Medical College, Nagpur (138 seats), Maharashtra Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Nashik (31 seats), and B.J. Medical College, Pune (104 seats). Smaller colleges such as Government Medical College, Baramati (7 seats) and Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (P.G.I.M.S), Nerul, Navi Mumbai (11 seats) offer fewer seats.

Each college offers a different mix of specialties. For example, Grant Government Medical College, Mumbai has seats in 24 specialties, while some colleges like Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai focus on a narrower range (primarily Anesthesiology, Nuclear Medicine, Pathology, Radio Diagnosis, Radio Therapy, and Transfusion Medicine). Candidates must check the college-specific tables to see which specialties are available at their preferred institution.

• Total seats: 1,522 across 31 colleges
• Largest colleges: Grant GMC Mumbai (140), Govt. MC Nagpur (138), B.J. MC Pune (104)
• Smallest colleges: Govt. MC Baramati (7), P.G.I.M.S Nerul (11)
• Specialties range from 1 to 24 per college

Category-Wise Seat Breakdown: Understanding Reserved and Unreserved Seats

The 1,522 seats are divided among nine categories: General (OPEN), SC (Scheduled Caste), ST (Scheduled Tribe), OBC (Other Backward Class), EWS (Economically Weaker Section), VJ (Vimukta Jati / Denotified Tribe), NT (Nomadic Tribe), SEBC (Socially and Educationally Backward Class), and Orphan. Additionally, each category has a PWD (Person with Disability) sub-quota and an INS (In-Service) sub-quota. The exact number of seats in each category varies by specialty and college.

For example, in MD Anesthesiology across all government colleges, there are 162 total seats: 38 General, 9 SC, 1 ST, 1 VJ, 0 NT-B, 0 NT-C, 0 NT-D, 25 OBC, 5 SEBC, 0 Orphan, and 1 PWD. Within each category, some seats are reserved for PWD candidates and some for in-service doctors (INS). The PWD and INS sub-quotas are typically small (1–2 seats per category per specialty) but are crucial for eligible candidates.

Candidates must verify their category eligibility before applying. A candidate claiming SC, ST, OBC, EWS, VJ, NT, or SEBC status must possess a valid category certificate issued by the competent authority. The certificate must clearly state the sub-group (for VJ, NT, SEBC) if applicable. Orphan status requires proof of being a legal orphan. PWD status requires a disability certificate from a medical board. Incorrect or missing category documentation will result in rejection of the application.

• General (OPEN): 347 seats
• SC: 87 seats
• ST: 18 seats
• OBC: 220 seats
• EWS: 55 seats
• VJ (Vimukta Jati): 11 seats
• NT (Nomadic Tribe): 3 seats
• SEBC: 115 seats
• Orphan: 30 seats
• PWD (across all categories): 6 seats
• INS (In-Service): varies by category

Specialty-Wise Seat Availability: Which Specialties Have the Most Seats?

Not all specialties have equal seat availability. Some specialties are offered at many colleges with high intake, while others are rare or offered at only a few institutions. The most popular and widely available specialties are: MD General Medicine (137 seats), MD Obstetrics & Gynecology (137 seats), MS General Surgery (135 seats), MD Anesthesiology (162 seats), and MD Pathology (96 seats). These specialties typically have lower cutoffs and higher chances of allotment for candidates with moderate to good scores.

Niche or less common specialties have very few seats: MD Bio-Physics (0 seats), MD Community Health Administration (0 seats), MD Midwifery (0 seats), MD Tropical Medicine (0 seats), and MD Palliative Medicine (3 seats). Some specialties like MD Nuclear Medicine (6 seats), MD Transfusion Medicine (6 seats), and MD Geriatric (4 seats) are offered at only one or two colleges. Candidates interested in these specialties must be prepared for very high cutoffs or may need to consider other options.

Candidates should cross-reference the specialty they wish to pursue with the college-wise matrix to identify which colleges offer that specialty and how many seats are available. This helps in making realistic choices during counselling and understanding the competition level.

• Highest seat specialties: MD Anesthesiology (162), MD General Medicine (137), MD Obstetrics & Gynecology (137), MS General Surgery (135)
• Mid-range specialties: MD Microbiology (73), MS Orthopedics (75), MD Radio Diagnosis (76), MD Paediatrics (95)
• Low-seat specialties: MD Nuclear Medicine (6), MD Transfusion Medicine (6), MD Geriatric (4), MD Palliative Medicine (3)
• Zero-seat specialties: MD Bio-Physics, MD Community Health Administration, MD Midwifery, MD Tropical Medicine

PWD (Person with Disability) and In-Service (INS) Seats

The matrix includes separate columns for PWD (Person with Disability) and INS (In-Service) seats within each category. PWD seats are reserved for candidates with a disability of 40% or more, as certified by a medical board. These seats are typically 1–2 per category per specialty and are crucial for eligible candidates. To claim PWD status, a candidate must possess a valid disability certificate issued by a government medical board or authorized institution.

INS seats are reserved for doctors already employed in government or semi-government medical institutions who wish to pursue a postgraduate degree while continuing their service. The number of INS seats varies by category and specialty. Candidates claiming INS status must provide proof of current employment in an eligible institution. Both PWD and INS seats are filled during the same counselling rounds as general seats but follow separate merit lists.

Candidates with PWD status should note that they can also compete for general seats if they wish; PWD seats are an additional opportunity, not a restriction. Similarly, in-service doctors can compete for both INS and general seats. However, once a seat is allotted, the candidate cannot claim another seat in the same round.

• PWD seats: Reserved for candidates with 40% or more disability
• PWD certificate required from government medical board
• INS seats: Reserved for in-service government/semi-government doctors
• PWD and INS seats are typically 1–2 per category per specialty
• PWD candidates can also compete for general seats
• In-service doctors can compete for both INS and general seats

Important Caveats: This Matrix Is Provisional and Subject to Change

The CET Cell explicitly states that the seat matrix is provisional. Four key factors can cause changes before counselling begins: (1) Information from individual institutes may reveal that a specialty cannot be offered due to lack of qualified postgraduate teachers or infrastructure. (2) Affiliation status from MUHS Nashik (the university) may be delayed or conditional. (3) Court orders (from the Hon'ble Court) may mandate changes to seat allocation or category reservations. (4) Directives from the state or central government may increase or decrease seats in specific categories or specialties.

Additionally, the CET Cell notes that allotment of seats is subject to: (1) Government Resolution (GR) or university affiliation approval, and (2) availability of a qualified postgraduate teacher in the respective subject at the college. If a college lacks a postgraduate teacher in a specialty, that specialty's seats may be cancelled or merged with another college.

Candidates must monitor the CET Cell website and official announcements regularly. Any changes to the seat matrix will be published before counselling begins. Relying on outdated or incorrect seat numbers during choice-filling can lead to wasted choices or allotment to an undesired specialty or college.

• Seat matrix is provisional and subject to change
• Changes may occur due to: institute information, university affiliation, teacher availability, court orders, or government directives
• Allotment is conditional on GR approval and availability of postgraduate teachers
• Candidates must check for updates before counselling
• Outdated seat numbers can lead to poor choice-filling decisions

How to Use This Matrix During Counselling

During counselling, candidates will be asked to fill choices—a ranked list of specialty-college combinations they are willing to accept. The seat matrix is your guide to understanding which combinations are available and how competitive each is. For example, if you are a General category candidate interested in MD General Medicine, you can see that there are 31 General seats across all colleges combined. By checking the college-wise breakdown, you can identify which colleges have General seats in MD General Medicine and rank them by preference (location, reputation, etc.).

Use the matrix to make realistic choices. If you have a score that typically ranks in the top 500 candidates, targeting specialties with only 3–6 seats (like MD Palliative Medicine or MD Transfusion Medicine) is risky unless you are confident of a very high rank. Instead, balance your choices: include some high-demand specialties where you have a reasonable chance, some mid-range specialties, and a few backup options with lower competition.

Remember that the matrix shows only the number of seats, not the cutoff scores. Cutoffs are determined by the merit list and the choices filled by candidates ahead of you. A specialty with 100 seats may have a higher cutoff than one with 50 seats if many high-scoring candidates choose it. Use previous year's cutoff data (if available) as a rough guide, but do not rely on it entirely.

• Use the matrix to identify available specialty-college combinations
• Check college-wise breakdown to see which colleges offer your preferred specialty
• Balance choices: include high-demand, mid-range, and backup options
• Do not target only rare specialties; include realistic options
• Seat numbers do not directly indicate cutoff scores
• Use previous year cutoffs as a rough guide only

Category-Specific Guidance: Who Is Eligible for Reserved Seats?

**SC (Scheduled Caste)**: Candidates must possess a valid SC certificate issued by the competent authority (District Magistrate or equivalent) of their state. The certificate must clearly state 'Scheduled Caste' and the candidate's name. Self-declaration is not accepted.

**ST (Scheduled Tribe)**: Similar to SC, a valid ST certificate from the competent authority is mandatory. The certificate must specify the tribe name and be issued by the authorized officer.

**OBC (Other Backward Class)**: An OBC certificate from the competent authority is required. Importantly, the certificate must be issued after the cutoff date specified by the state (usually 1 April of the previous year). An old OBC certificate may not be accepted. Some states also require an 'OBC Non-Creamy Layer' certificate to prove that the candidate's family income is below the creamy layer threshold.

**EWS (Economically Weaker Section)**: An EWS certificate is required, typically issued by the District Magistrate or Tehsildar. The certificate must confirm that the candidate's family income is below the specified threshold (usually ₹8 lakh per annum). The certificate must be recent (issued within the current financial year or as specified by the state).

**VJ (Vimukta Jati / Denotified Tribe)**: A VJ certificate from the competent authority is required. The certificate must specify the sub-group (e.g., VJ-A, VJ-B, VJ-C, etc.) as per the state's list of denotified tribes.

**NT (Nomadic Tribe)**: An NT certificate is required, specifying the sub-group (NT-B, NT-C, NT-D, etc.). The certificate must be issued by the competent authority.

**SEBC (Socially and Educationally Backward Class)**: A SEBC certificate from the competent authority is required. The certificate must specify the sub-group if applicable.

**Orphan**: Candidates must provide proof of being a legal orphan, such as a court order, death certificate of both parents, or a certificate from the District Magistrate or child welfare authority.

**PWD (Person with Disability)**: A disability certificate from a government medical board or authorized institution is required. The disability must be 40% or more. The certificate must specify the type of disability (physical, visual, hearing, etc.) and the percentage.

• SC: Valid SC certificate from competent authority
• ST: Valid ST certificate specifying tribe name
• OBC: Valid OBC certificate, issued after cutoff date, may require Non-Creamy Layer certificate
• EWS: Valid EWS certificate confirming income below threshold, must be recent
• VJ: Valid VJ certificate specifying sub-group
• NT: Valid NT certificate specifying sub-group
• SEBC: Valid SEBC certificate specifying sub-group if applicable
• Orphan: Court order, death certificates, or District Magistrate certificate
• PWD: Disability certificate from government medical board, 40% or more disability required

College-Wise Highlights: Key Institutions and Their Offerings

**Grant Government Medical College, Mumbai** (140 seats): One of the largest and most prestigious government medical colleges in Maharashtra. Offers 24 specialties including all major branches. Highly competitive due to location and reputation.

**Seth G.S. Medical College, Mumbai** (142 seats): Another major Mumbai-based college with 26 specialties. Strong in clinical disciplines and research.

**Govt. Medical College, Nagpur** (138 seats): A leading college in central Maharashtra with 25 specialties. Offers good opportunities for candidates from the Nagpur region.

**B.J. Medical College, Pune** (104 seats): A well-established college in Pune with 26 specialties. Known for strong academics and infrastructure.

**Lokmanya Tilak Medical College, Mumbai** (95 seats): A reputed Mumbai college with 26 specialties. Competitive due to location.

**Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai** (47 seats): Specializes in oncology and related fields. Offers seats in Anesthesiology, Nuclear Medicine, Pathology, Radio Diagnosis, Radio Therapy, and Transfusion Medicine. Unique opportunity for candidates interested in cancer care.

**Smaller colleges** (Govt. MC Baramati with 7 seats, P.G.I.M.S Nerul with 11 seats): Offer limited specialties but may have lower competition. Suitable for candidates with moderate scores seeking a postgraduate seat.

• Grant GMC Mumbai: 140 seats, 24 specialties, highly competitive
• Seth G.S. MC Mumbai: 142 seats, 26 specialties, strong in clinical disciplines
• Govt. MC Nagpur: 138 seats, 25 specialties, good for central Maharashtra candidates
• B.J. MC Pune: 104 seats, 26 specialties, well-established infrastructure
• Lokmanya Tilak MC Mumbai: 95 seats, 26 specialties, competitive location
• Tata Memorial Hospital: 47 seats, oncology-focused, unique opportunity
• Smaller colleges: Lower competition, limited specialties, suitable for moderate scores

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using This Matrix

**Mistake 1: Assuming the matrix is final.** Candidates often treat the provisional matrix as fixed and are shocked when seats change before counselling. Always check for updates from the CET Cell.

**Mistake 2: Confusing seat numbers with cutoff scores.** A specialty with 100 seats does not necessarily have a lower cutoff than one with 50 seats. Cutoffs depend on candidate choices and merit, not seat count alone.

**Mistake 3: Ignoring college-wise breakdown.** Some candidates focus only on specialty totals and forget that seats are distributed across colleges. A specialty with 100 seats across 31 colleges may have only 3–4 seats at your preferred college.

**Mistake 4: Not verifying category eligibility.** Candidates often assume they are eligible for a reserved category without checking certificate requirements. Missing or incorrect documentation leads to rejection.

**Mistake 5: Targeting only rare specialties.** Candidates with moderate scores sometimes fill choices only for specialties with 3–6 seats, hoping for a lucky allotment. This is risky; include realistic options.

**Mistake 6: Not considering PWD or INS status.** Eligible candidates sometimes overlook PWD or INS seats and compete only in the general category, missing opportunities.

**Mistake 7: Relying solely on previous year cutoffs.** Cutoffs change every year based on the candidate pool and choices. Use previous data as a guide, not a guarantee.

• ⚠️ Do not assume the matrix is final; check for updates
• ⚠️ Seat numbers do not directly indicate cutoff scores
• ⚠️ Check college-wise breakdown, not just specialty totals
• ⚠️ Verify category eligibility and have required certificates ready
• ⚠️ Do not target only rare specialties; include realistic options
• ⚠️ Consider PWD and INS seats if eligible
• ⚠️ Use previous year cutoffs as a rough guide only

Next Steps: What to Do Now

1. **Download and study the full matrix**: The CET Cell has released detailed college-wise and specialty-wise tables. Download the PDF and create a shortlist of colleges and specialties that match your score range and preferences.

2. **Verify your category eligibility**: Gather all required certificates (SC, ST, OBC, EWS, VJ, NT, SEBC, Orphan, or PWD) and ensure they are valid and recent. Missing or incorrect certificates will result in rejection.

3. **Research previous year cutoffs**: While cutoffs change, previous year data provides a rough benchmark. Compare your expected rank with previous cutoffs to identify realistic choices.

4. **Monitor the CET Cell website**: Check for any updates or corrections to the seat matrix. Subscribe to official announcements to avoid missing important information.

5. **Prepare your choice list**: Once counselling dates are announced, prepare a ranked list of specialty-college combinations. Include high-demand, mid-range, and backup options.

6. **Understand the counselling process**: Familiarize yourself with the counselling schedule, choice-filling procedure, and allotment process. Attend any information sessions or webinars conducted by the CET Cell.

• ✅ Download and study the full seat matrix
• ✅ Verify category eligibility and gather required certificates
• ✅ Research previous year cutoffs for benchmarking
• ✅ Monitor CET Cell website for updates
• ✅ Prepare a ranked choice list with realistic options
• ✅ Understand the counselling process and timeline

Frequently asked questions

The provisional seat matrix released by Maharashtra's CET Cell is your roadmap to NEET PG 2026 counselling. With 1,522 seats across 31 colleges and 31 specialties, there are opportunities for candidates across all categories. However, remember that this matrix is provisional and subject to change—monitor the CET Cell website regularly for updates. Verify your category eligibility now, gather all required certificates, research previous year cutoffs, and prepare a realistic choice list that balances high-demand, mid-range, and backup options. Counselling dates will be announced soon; stay alert and ready to act quickly when the time comes.