Maharashtra's State Common Entrance Test Cell has released the provisional seat matrix for Round 3 of CAP (Centralised Admission Process) counselling for NEET UG 2026. This document shows exactly how many MBBS and BDS seats are available at each government, private, and university college in Maharashtra, broken down by category (SC, ST, OBC, EWS, General, and others). The matrix is provisional—seats may change based on college affiliation status or court orders—but it is your roadmap for understanding where seats exist before you register for counselling. This is critical: if a college or category combination shows zero seats, you cannot be allotted there, no matter your rank.
Round 3 offers 6050 MBBS seats and 376 BDS seats across Maharashtra; check the college-wise breakdown by your category before registering—seats vary dramatically by college and category.
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Unlock My College ListWhat is this seat matrix and why does it matter?
The seat matrix is a detailed table showing the exact number of seats available at each medical and dental college in Maharashtra for Round 3 counselling. It is not a merit list or allotment result—it is a vacancy snapshot that tells you which colleges have seats in which categories before counselling begins.
Why it matters: If you see zero seats in your category at a college, you cannot be allotted there, even if your rank is high enough. Conversely, if a college shows multiple seats in your category, your chances of getting that college depend on your rank relative to other candidates. This matrix helps you make realistic choices when you register for counselling.
The matrix is labeled 'provisional' because seat numbers can still change if colleges receive or lose affiliation from MUHS Nashik, NMC, DCI, or if court orders alter the allocation. However, the numbers shown are the best available as of 6 October 2026.
How many MBBS and BDS seats are available in Round 3?
Maharashtra is offering a total of 6050 MBBS seats across all colleges (government, private, and university-affiliated). Of these, 965 seats are AIQ (All India Quota), meaning they are filled through national-level counselling. The remaining 5065 seats are state quota, filled through Maharashtra's own CAP process.
For BDS, the total is 376 seats across government and private colleges. Of these, 56 are AIQ and 317 are state quota.
These numbers include seats reserved for various categories: SC (Scheduled Caste), ST (Scheduled Tribe), OBC (Other Backward Class), EWS (Economically Weaker Section), General, and special categories like PWD (Persons with Disability), Orphan, and Hilly Area seats.
- MBBS: 6050 total seats (965 AIQ + 5065 state quota)
- BDS: 376 total seats (56 AIQ + 317 state quota)
- Seats distributed across government, private, and university colleges
Understanding the college categories in the matrix
The seat matrix divides colleges into three types: Government (Govt.), Private (Pvt.), and Private University-affiliated (Pvt. University). Each type has different seat allocations and rules.
Government colleges have the most seats and are typically the most competitive. Private colleges have fewer seats but may have different fee structures. Private university colleges are affiliated with private universities and have their own governance.
Within each college type, seats are further divided into General (GEN.), Women (WOM.), PWD (Persons with Disability), ORP (Orphan), and ORPC (Orphan Outside Institution). The matrix shows how many seats each college has in each of these sub-categories.
- Government colleges: 43 colleges offering MBBS; 5 offering BDS
- Private colleges: 25 colleges offering MBBS; 23 offering BDS
- Private university colleges: 2 colleges offering MBBS; 1 offering BDS
What do the category abbreviations mean?
The matrix uses abbreviations for different reservation categories. Understanding these is essential because your eligibility for a seat depends on which category you belong to.
SC = Scheduled Caste; ST = Scheduled Tribe; VJA = VJ(A) caste; NTB = NT(B)/NT1; NTC = NT(C)/NT2; NTD = NT(D)/NT3; OBC = Other Backward Class; SEB = Sebc (a specific backward class); EWS = Economically Weaker Section; OPEN = General/unreserved seats available to any candidate.
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Additionally, GEN. = General category (no gender restriction); WOM. = Women-only seats (reserved for female candidates); PWD = Persons with Disability; ORP = Orphan (institutional); ORPC = Orphan (outside institution); GEN HA = General Hilly Area; WOMEN HA = Women Hilly Area.
- SC, ST, OBC, EWS: Caste/economic reservation categories
- VJA, NTB, NTC, NTD: State-specific backward classes
- GEN., WOM.: Gender categories
- PWD, ORP, ORPC: Special categories
- OPEN: Unreserved seats for any eligible candidate
How to read the college-wise seat breakdown
Each college row in the matrix shows: college name, total intake capacity, AIQ seats, minority seats (if applicable), and then a detailed breakdown of state quota seats by category.
For example, Grant Medical College Mumbai (MBBS) has 250 total seats: 38 are AIQ, 2 are minority. Of the remaining state seats, the matrix shows how many are reserved for SC, ST, VJA, NTB, NTC, NTD, OBC, and how many are unreserved (OPEN). It also shows separate rows for Women, PWD, Orphan, and Hilly Area seats.
To find seats available to you: (1) Locate your college of interest. (2) Find the row matching your category (General, SC, ST, OBC, EWS, etc.). (3) Look at the OPEN column if you are General/unreserved, or the relevant category column if you are reserved. (4) That number is the seat count for you at that college in Round 3.
- Each college shows total capacity and AIQ allocation first
- State quota seats are broken down by caste/economic category
- Separate rows show Women, PWD, Orphan, and Hilly Area seats
- OPEN column shows unreserved seats available to General candidates
Key colleges and their MBBS seat counts (Round 3)
Some of Maharashtra's largest and most sought-after government medical colleges are listed below with their total MBBS seat counts. These are the colleges where competition is typically highest.
Grant Medical College Mumbai, L.T. Medical College Mumbai, and G.S. Medical College Mumbai are among the largest, each with 250 seats. B.J. Medical College Pune also has 250 seats. Smaller government colleges like Government Medical College Baramati, Nandurbar, Alibaug, and Sindhudurg have 100 seats each.
Private colleges vary widely: K.J. Somaiya Medical College Mumbai has 100 seats, while ACPM Medical College Dhule has 150. Private university colleges like N.K.P. Salve Medical College Nagpur have 250 seats.
- Grant Medical College Mumbai: 250 MBBS seats
- L.T. Medical College Mumbai: 200 MBBS seats
- G.S. Medical College Mumbai: 250 MBBS seats
- B.J. Medical College Pune: 250 MBBS seats
- Government Medical College Ahilyanagar: 100 MBBS seats
- N.K.P. Salve Medical College Nagpur (Pvt. University): 250 MBBS seats
BDS seat distribution across colleges
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) seats are far fewer than MBBS. Government Dental College Mumbai has 125 seats, the largest government dental college. Nair Hospital Dental College Mumbai has 75 seats. Most other government dental colleges have 50–63 seats.
Private dental colleges range from 40 to 100 seats per college. There is only one private university dental college: Ranjeet Deshmukh Dental College Nagpur with 100 seats.
If you are interested in BDS, note that the total state quota for BDS is only 317 seats across all colleges, compared to 5065 for MBBS. This means BDS seats are significantly more limited and competition is intense.
- Government Dental College Mumbai: 125 BDS seats (largest govt dental college)
- Nair Hospital Dental College Mumbai: 75 BDS seats
- Most other govt dental colleges: 50–63 seats
- Private dental colleges: 40–100 seats each
- Total BDS state quota: only 317 seats
Important: This is a provisional matrix—seats may change
The notice explicitly states that the seat matrix is provisional and subject to change. Three specific reasons are listed: (1) information from the college or MUHS Nashik, NMC, or DCI; (2) orders from the Hon'ble Courts; (3) orders from the State or Central Government.
In practice, this means that if a college loses affiliation or if a court order changes the seat allocation, the numbers in this matrix will be updated before allotment begins. The CET Cell Commissioner may also change the seat position before the CAP round.
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Do not assume the numbers in this matrix are final. Check the official Maharashtra CET portal regularly for any updates or revised matrices. However, use this matrix as your planning tool right now—it represents the best available information as of 6 October 2026.
- Seats may change due to affiliation status changes
- Court orders can alter the allocation
- Government orders may modify seat numbers
- CET Cell Commissioner can revise before allotment
- Check the official portal regularly for updates
How to use this matrix to plan your counselling choices
Step 1: Identify your category. Are you General, SC, ST, OBC, EWS, or a special category (PWD, Orphan, etc.)? Are you male or female? This determines which rows of the matrix apply to you.
Step 2: List colleges you are interested in. Go through the matrix and note which colleges have seats in your category. If a college shows zero seats in your category, you cannot be allotted there.
Step 3: Estimate your rank range. Based on your NEET score and the expected cutoff for your category, estimate which colleges you might realistically get. Colleges with fewer seats in your category will have higher cutoffs.
Step 4: Prioritize your choices. When you register for counselling, you will be asked to rank colleges in order of preference. Use this matrix to ensure your top choices actually have seats in your category. Ranking a college with zero seats in your category is a wasted choice.
Step 5: Keep this matrix handy during counselling. If you are called for allotment, refer back to this matrix to understand the seat availability and make quick decisions.
- Identify your category (caste, economic, gender, special)
- List colleges with seats in your category
- Estimate your rank and realistic college options
- Prioritize colleges in order of preference
- Use the matrix to make informed choices during allotment
Common mistakes to avoid when reading the matrix
Mistake 1: Confusing AIQ with state quota. AIQ seats are filled through national counselling (NEET UG national-level process) and are not available in Maharashtra's CAP. Only state quota seats are relevant for Maharashtra counselling. Always look at the state quota columns, not the AIQ column.
Mistake 2: Assuming OPEN seats are available to you if you are reserved. If you belong to SC, ST, or OBC, you cannot apply for OPEN (unreserved) seats in Maharashtra counselling. You can only apply for seats in your own category. Check the correct column for your category.
Mistake 3: Ignoring women-only seats if you are female. If you are a woman, you have access to both General seats and Women-only seats. Women-only seats are often less competitive. Do not overlook them.
Mistake 4: Not checking for zero seats. If a college shows zero seats in your category, do not rank it. Ranking it wastes a choice and will not result in allotment.
Mistake 5: Forgetting that this is Round 3. If you were allotted a college in Round 1 or 2 and joined, you cannot participate in Round 3. This matrix is only for candidates who are still in the counselling pool.
- AIQ seats are national; only state quota seats apply to Maharashtra CAP
- Reserved candidates cannot apply for OPEN seats
- Women candidates can apply for both General and Women-only seats
- Do not rank colleges with zero seats in your category
- This is Round 3; only participate if you did not join in earlier rounds
What happens after Round 3?
After Round 3 allotment, if seats remain vacant, Maharashtra CET Cell may conduct additional rounds (Round 4, 5, etc.) or a spot round. The seat matrix for each subsequent round will be released separately, showing only the remaining vacant seats.
If you do not get allotted in Round 3, do not lose hope. Participate in the next round if it is announced. Seats become available as candidates who were allotted in earlier rounds either join or decline their seats.
Keep monitoring the official Maharashtra CET portal (medical2026.mahacet.org) for announcements of subsequent rounds and their schedules.
- Additional rounds may be conducted if seats remain vacant
- Each round will have its own seat matrix
- Candidates not allotted in Round 3 can participate in later rounds
- Monitor the official portal for round schedules
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between AIQ and state quota seats shown in the matrix?
AIQ (All India Quota) seats are filled through national-level NEET UG counselling and are not part of Maharashtra's CAP process. State quota seats are filled by Maharashtra's CET Cell through CAP counselling. For Maharashtra counselling, only state quota seats are relevant to you. The AIQ column is informational only.
I am SC category. Can I apply for OPEN seats shown in the matrix?
No. In Maharashtra counselling, SC, ST, and OBC candidates can only apply for seats reserved for their category. You cannot apply for OPEN (unreserved) seats. Check the SC column in the matrix for seats available to you. If a college shows zero seats in the SC column, you cannot be allotted there.
If a college shows zero seats in my category, can I still get allotted there if my rank is very high?
No. If the matrix shows zero seats in your category at a college, you cannot be allotted there, regardless of your rank. The seat matrix is the final authority on seat availability. Do not waste a choice by ranking such a college.
Why does the matrix show different numbers for General, Women, PWD, and Orphan seats?
These are separate seat categories. General seats are open to all candidates (male and female). Women seats are reserved for female candidates only. PWD seats are for Persons with Disability. Orphan seats are for orphaned candidates. If you are female, you can apply for both General and Women seats. If you are PWD or Orphan, you have access to those specific seats in addition to your caste/economic category seats.
The matrix says 'provisional.' Does this mean the seat numbers will definitely change?
Not necessarily. 'Provisional' means the numbers are subject to change if there are changes in college affiliation, court orders, or government orders. However, most of the time, the provisional matrix remains unchanged. Use it for planning, but check the official portal regularly for any updates before counselling registration begins.
I was allotted a college in Round 2 and joined. Can I participate in Round 3?
No. Once you join a college after allotment, you are locked into that college and cannot participate in further rounds. This Round 3 matrix is only for candidates who did not get allotted in Rounds 1 and 2, or who were allotted but declined and did not join.
How do I know which colleges have the most seats in my category?
Go through the matrix and look at the column corresponding to your category (SC, ST, OBC, EWS, or OPEN for General). Colleges with higher numbers in that column have more seats available to you. For example, if you are OBC, look at the OBC column and identify colleges with the highest numbers. These colleges will have lower cutoffs and higher chances of allotment.
What is the difference between ORPC and ORP in the matrix?
ORP = Orphan (Institutional) seats are for orphaned candidates managed by institutions. ORPC = Orphan (Outside Institution) seats are for orphaned candidates not managed by institutions. If you are an orphan, check which category applies to you and look at the corresponding row in the matrix.
The matrix shows 'Hilly Area' seats. Who is eligible for these?
Hilly Area seats are reserved for candidates from hilly regions of Maharashtra. If you are from a hilly area and have the required certificate, you can apply for these seats. The matrix shows separate rows for GEN HA (General Hilly Area) and WOMEN HA (Women Hilly Area). Check if you are eligible before ranking colleges with these seats.
If I am EWS, which column in the matrix shows seats available to me?
Look for the EWS column in the matrix. EWS (Economically Weaker Section) seats are separate from caste-based reservations. If you have an EWS certificate, you can apply for EWS seats. The number in the EWS column shows how many seats are available for EWS candidates at each college.
How many total MBBS and BDS seats are available in Round 3 across all colleges?
For MBBS: 6050 total seats (965 AIQ + 5065 state quota). For BDS: 376 total seats (56 AIQ + 317 state quota). These numbers include all categories and all college types (government, private, and university-affiliated).
Can the seat numbers in this matrix change before counselling registration starts?
Yes, it is possible. The matrix is provisional, and the CET Cell may release an updated matrix if there are changes in college affiliation or court orders. Check the official Maharashtra CET portal (medical2026.mahacet.org) regularly for any revised matrices before you register for counselling.
This provisional seat matrix is your essential reference for Round 3 CAP counselling. Use it now to identify colleges with seats in your category, estimate your realistic options based on your rank, and plan your preference list. Remember: only state quota seats apply to Maharashtra counselling, and you can only apply for seats in your own category. Check the official Maharashtra CET portal (medical2026.mahacet.org) regularly for any updates to this matrix or announcements of counselling registration dates. Do not delay—counselling registration will open soon, and you must be ready with your college choices.
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