Maharashtra's State Common Entrance Test Cell has released the closing state merit list (SML) ranks for MD Orthopedics under the 50% state quota for 2026 admissions. This data is critical for NEET-PG aspirants planning their choice-filling strategy, as it shows how competition evolved across three counselling rounds. By studying college-wise opening and closing ranks from the previous year, you can estimate your realistic chances at different institutions and understand how merit list movement works as higher-ranked candidates upgrade to better colleges in later rounds.
Closing ranks in private medical colleges for Orthopedics jumped significantly from Round 1 to Round 3 (some by over 2,000 ranks), meaning lower-ranked candidates often get seats in later rounds as top candidates move to their preferred colleges.
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Unlock My College ListWhat the Maharashtra NEET-PG Orthopedics Merit List Shows
The Maharashtra CET Cell has published the state merit list closing ranks for MD Orthopedics admissions under the 50% state quota system. This list reflects the final rank at which each medical college filled its last seat in each counselling round. For example, in Round 1, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College (LTMC), one of the most competitive government colleges in Maharashtra, opened at rank 213 and closed at rank 223 for the open category.
Understanding these closing ranks is essential because they tell you the minimum merit position needed to secure a seat at each college in each round. The data spans three counselling rounds, showing how the competition landscape shifts as candidates make their choices and some seats remain unfilled or are filled by candidates from the waiting list.
How Closing Ranks Change Across Counselling Rounds
One of the most important patterns visible in the data is that closing ranks often increase dramatically from Round 1 to Round 3, especially at private and minority medical colleges. This happens because top-ranked candidates secure seats at their first-choice government colleges in Round 1, then in subsequent rounds, lower-ranked candidates get opportunities as seats open up through upgradation or fresh allocations.
For instance, Vedanta Medical College saw its closing rank jump from 1,886 in Round 1 to 4,013 in Round 3—a movement of +2,127 ranks. Similarly, PIMS moved from 1,933 to 3,944 (+2,011), and ACPM from 1,570 to 3,528 (+1,958). This means a candidate with a rank of 3,500 who did not get a seat in Round 1 might have a genuine chance in Round 3 at these colleges.
Government colleges, by contrast, show smaller rank movements. GSMC moved from 326 to 446 (+120), and GMC Mumbai from 381 to 972 (+591). This reflects the fact that government college seats are more stable and fewer candidates upgrade out of them in later rounds.
College-Wise Opening and Closing Ranks: Round 1 Snapshot
In Round 1, the most competitive government colleges for Orthopedics were LTMC (213–223), TNMC (224–224), and GSMC (266–326). These represent the top tier of state quota seats. The next tier included GMC Mumbai (381–381), BJMC (423–423), and HBT & COOP (434–434), where closing ranks remained stable because all seats were filled and no further movement occurred.
Private and minority colleges showed a wider range. VPS opened at 1,216 and closed at 1,576, while Sancheti opened at 1,247 and closed at 1,485. This variation indicates that not all seats were filled in Round 1 at these colleges, or that candidates with lower ranks were still being accommodated. If your rank falls within these ranges, you should have included these colleges in your choice form to maximize your chances.
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- Top government colleges: LTMC, TNMC, GSMC (ranks 213–326)
- Mid-tier government colleges: GMC Mumbai, BJMC, HBT & COOP (ranks 381–508)
- Private/minority colleges: VPS, Sancheti, NKP Salve, VVPF (ranks 1,200–1,800+)
Round 2 and Round 3: Opportunities for Lower-Ranked Candidates
By Round 2, the competition at government colleges remained fierce, but private colleges began to show more movement. LTMC still opened at 213 and closed at 224, while GSMC moved to 381–381. However, colleges like Sancheti (1,707–1,933) and NKP Salve (1,782–1,790) showed that seats were still available for candidates in the 1,700–1,900 rank range.
Round 3 data reveals the most significant opportunities. Colleges that had high closing ranks in Round 1 saw substantial increases. For example, UPMC moved from 1,790 (Round 1) to 3,382 (Round 3), and NKP Salve from 1,761 to 2,814. This pattern is crucial: if you did not get a seat in Rounds 1 or 2, Round 3 may offer a genuine chance, even if your rank is significantly lower than the Round 1 closing rank at a particular college.
Government colleges in Round 3 also showed movement. GMC Sambhajinagar moved from 508 (Round 1) to 979 (Round 3), and IGMC from 446 to 679. This suggests that as candidates upgraded to better colleges or withdrew, seats became available at these institutions for lower-ranked candidates.
- Round 2: Private colleges begin to show seat availability; government college competition remains stable
- Round 3: Largest rank movements occur; candidates with ranks 500–1,000 points lower than Round 1 closing ranks may get seats
- Upgrading effect: Top-ranked candidates move to preferred colleges, creating cascading opportunities
What This Means for Your Choice-Filling Strategy
When you fill your choice form for Maharashtra NEET-PG Orthopedics counselling, you should use this historical data to make realistic assessments. If your rank is 500, you have a strong chance at LTMC, TNMC, or GSMC. If your rank is 1,500, you should prioritize private colleges like VPS, Sancheti, or NKP Salve, but also include some government colleges as backup options because Round 2 and Round 3 may open up seats.
The key insight is that you should not assume your rank is too low for a college based solely on Round 1 closing ranks. The data shows that many colleges, especially private ones, see significant rank movement in later rounds. However, you must also be realistic: if your rank is 4,000, even the most generous rank movement at private colleges may not guarantee a seat.
Additionally, consider the college's reputation, infrastructure, and location alongside the rank data. A seat at a lower-ranked private college may not be worth upgrading to in Round 2 if you are confident of getting a seat at a better government college in Round 3. Use the counselling portal (medical2026.mahacet.org or mahacet.org) to track your position and make informed decisions in each round.
- Use Round 1 closing ranks as a baseline, not a ceiling
- Include colleges where your rank is 500–1,000 points above the Round 1 closing rank as realistic options
- Plan for multiple rounds; do not assume you will get a seat in Round 1
- Balance rank-based choice with college quality and specialization strength
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Important Dates and Registration Timeline for Round 1
The Maharashtra CET Cell has set a clear timeline for Round 1 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 was also due by 24 October 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Document verification took place between 18 and 27 October 2026. The registered candidate list was revealed on 28 October 2026, along with the provisional merit list. The final provisional state merit list and in-service state merit list were published on 1 November 2026, followed by the seat matrix for CAP (Centralized Admission Process) Round 1 on the same date. Choice form filling occurred from 2 to 4 November 2026 at 11:59 PM, and the first selection list was declared on 5 November 2026. Physical joining and other prerequisites had to be completed between 6 and 10 November 2026 by 5:30 PM.
- Registration deadline: 23 October 2026, 11:59 PM
- Fee payment deadline: 24 October 2026, 5:00 PM
- Document verification: 18–27 October 2026
- Final merit list: 1 November 2026
- Choice form filling: 2–4 November 2026, 11:59 PM
- First selection list: 5 November 2026
- Physical joining: 6–10 November 2026, 5:30 PM
Why Orthopedics Is Competitive and What to Expect
Orthopedics is one of the most sought-after surgical specialties in India, and Maharashtra's data confirms this. The closing ranks at top government colleges (213–326 for LTMC, TNMC, and GSMC) are among the lowest in the state, meaning only the highest-ranked NEET-PG candidates secure these seats. This is because Orthopedics offers good clinical exposure, reasonable on-call schedules compared to other surgical specialties, and strong career prospects in both government and private practice.
The competition is so intense that even private colleges see significant rank movement. The fact that Vedanta Medical College's closing rank jumped by over 2,000 positions from Round 1 to Round 3 suggests that many candidates with lower ranks are willing to wait for a seat in Orthopedics rather than accept a seat in a less preferred specialty in an earlier round. This is a strategic choice, but it also means that if you are aiming for Orthopedics, you must be prepared for a potentially long wait or be willing to consider colleges outside the top tier.
- Orthopedics is highly competitive; top government college ranks are 213–326
- Candidates often wait multiple rounds rather than accept alternative specialties
- Private colleges see large rank movements, indicating high demand
- Consider your backup specialties and colleges carefully
How to Access the Seat Matrix and Make Your Final Choice
The seat matrix for Round 1 was published on 1 November 2026 on the official counselling portal. This matrix shows the exact number of seats available at each college for each category (open, OBC, SC, ST, etc.) and whether seats are reserved for in-service candidates. You must download and study this matrix carefully before filling your choice form.
When filling your choice form, list colleges in order of your preference, starting with your dream college and ending with a college where you are confident of getting a seat based on the historical closing ranks. The system will allocate you the highest-ranked college on your list where your merit position qualifies. Do not leave your choice form incomplete or submit it with only a few options; include at least 10–15 colleges to maximize your chances across different tiers.
- Download the seat matrix from medical2026.mahacet.org or mahacet.org
- Check the number of seats and category-wise availability
- List colleges in order of preference, not in order of difficulty
- Include colleges across all tiers: top government, mid-tier government, and private
- Do not leave your choice form incomplete
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What does 'closing rank' mean in Maharashtra NEET-PG counselling?
The closing rank is the highest (worst) merit position at which a seat was filled at a particular college in a particular counselling round. For example, if LTMC's closing rank in Round 1 was 223, it means the last seat at LTMC was filled by a candidate with rank 223. If your rank is 220, you would likely get a seat; if your rank is 225, you would not get a seat in that round.
Why do closing ranks increase so much from Round 1 to Round 3?
Closing ranks increase because top-ranked candidates secure seats at their preferred colleges in Round 1, then in subsequent rounds, lower-ranked candidates get opportunities as seats open up through upgradation (candidates moving to better colleges) or fresh allocations. This is called the 'cascading effect.' For example, if a candidate with rank 1,500 gets a seat at a private college in Round 1 but then upgrades to a government college in Round 2, that private college's seat becomes available for a candidate with a lower rank in Round 3.
If I did not get a seat in Round 1, should I participate in Round 2 and Round 3?
Yes, absolutely. The data shows that many colleges, especially private ones, see significant rank movement in Rounds 2 and 3. For example, Vedanta Medical College's closing rank moved from 1,886 in Round 1 to 4,013 in Round 3. If your rank is between these two values, you would not get a seat in Round 1 but would likely get one in Round 3. Always participate in all rounds unless you have already secured a seat you are satisfied with.
How should I use this historical data to fill my choice form?
Use the Round 1 closing ranks as a baseline. If your rank is close to or better than a college's Round 1 closing rank, include that college in your choice form. Also include colleges where your rank is 500–1,000 points above the Round 1 closing rank, as these are realistic options in Rounds 2 and 3. List colleges in order of your preference, not in order of difficulty. For example, if you prefer LTMC but your rank is 500, list LTMC first, then TNMC, then GSMC, then private colleges as backup options.
What is the difference between government and private college rank movements?
Government colleges show smaller rank movements (e.g., GSMC moved +120 from Round 1 to Round 3) because fewer candidates upgrade out of them. Private colleges show larger rank movements (e.g., Vedanta moved +2,127) because many candidates use private colleges as backup options and upgrade to government colleges in later rounds. This means private colleges offer more opportunities for lower-ranked candidates in Rounds 2 and 3.
Is my rank of 1,500 good enough for Orthopedics in Maharashtra?
It depends on the college. With a rank of 1,500, you would not get a seat at top government colleges (LTMC, TNMC, GSMC) in Round 1, but you would have a strong chance at private colleges like VPS, Sancheti, or NKP Salve in Round 1 or Round 2. In Round 3, as closing ranks increase, you might also get a seat at mid-tier government colleges. Always participate in all rounds and keep your options open.
What should I do if I do not get a seat in Orthopedics after Round 3?
If you do not get a seat in Orthopedics after Round 3, you have a few options: (1) participate in stray vacancy rounds if announced by the Maharashtra CET Cell, (2) consider other surgical specialties like General Surgery or ENT, which may have lower competition, (3) apply for seats in other states through the All-India NEET-PG counselling, or (4) consider a PG Diploma in Orthopedics at a private college if that aligns with your career goals. Do not give up; many seats open up in later rounds.
How do I know if I am eligible for the state quota in Maharashtra?
The state quota (50% of seats) is typically available to candidates who are domiciled in Maharashtra or have studied in Maharashtra for a certain period. The exact eligibility criteria are set by the Maharashtra CET Cell and are mentioned in the official counselling notification. Check the official website (medical2026.mahacet.org or mahacet.org) or contact the CET Cell directly to confirm your eligibility before registering for counselling.
Use the historical closing rank data to make a realistic assessment of your chances at different colleges, but remember that rank movements in Rounds 2 and 3 can significantly expand your options. Register on time, fill your choice form with colleges across all tiers, and participate in all counselling rounds to maximize your chances of securing a seat in Orthopedics.
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