The National Medical Commission (NMC) has released its official seat matrix for the 2026-27 academic year, confirming a total of 5,672 MD Anaesthesiology positions across India. This represents the second-largest postgraduate speciality offering after MD General Medicine in the current matrix. The allocation varies significantly by state, with southern and western regions commanding the highest numbers. For NEET-PG aspirants targeting anaesthesiology, this data is critical for understanding competition levels, state-wise availability, and planning counselling strategy.
MD Anaesthesiology has 5,672 seats nationally for 2026-27; Karnataka (712), Maharashtra (668), and Uttar Pradesh (554) account for nearly 40% of all positions.
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Unlock My College ListWhat the NMC 2026-27 Seat Matrix Includes and Excludes
The NMC released its comprehensive postgraduate seat matrix on 29 September 2026, covering a total of 63,177 positions across MD, MS, Diploma, DM, and MCh courses for the 2026-27 academic year. However, it is important for aspirants to understand that this matrix does not yet include seats from applications pending approval—specifically, requests for increased intake in existing postgraduate courses or newly proposed postgraduate programmes for 2026-27.
This distinction matters because the actual number of available seats may increase once the NMC processes and approves pending applications. Aspirants should monitor official NMC announcements for any revised matrices before final counselling begins. The current matrix represents a baseline, not necessarily the final seat count.
MD Anaesthesiology: The Second-Largest Postgraduate Speciality
With 5,672 seats, MD Anaesthesiology ranks as the second-most available postgraduate speciality in the 2026-27 matrix, surpassed only by MD General Medicine. This high seat count reflects the critical demand for anaesthesiologists across India's healthcare system, particularly in operating theatres, intensive care units, and pain management services.
For NEET-PG aspirants, this abundance of seats is both an opportunity and a reality check. While more seats mean higher chances of securing a position in this speciality, it also indicates that competition will be substantial. The large number of seats suggests that anaesthesiology will attract a significant proportion of NEET-PG candidates, potentially raising cutoff scores across different categories and states.
Top Three States: Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh Dominate
Karnataka leads the nation with 712 MD Anaesthesiology seats, followed closely by Maharashtra with 668 seats and Uttar Pradesh with 554 seats. Together, these three states account for approximately 1,934 seats—roughly 34% of the national total. This concentration reflects both the population size and the density of medical colleges in these regions.
For aspirants from these states, the high seat availability may translate to relatively lower cutoff scores compared to states with fewer positions. However, the large number of candidates competing within these states may offset this advantage. Aspirants from other states should note that inter-state counselling (if applicable) may see higher competition for these seats, as candidates from across India may target these high-availability states during the counselling process.
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- Karnataka: 712 seats (highest nationally)
- Maharashtra: 668 seats (second highest)
- Uttar Pradesh: 554 seats (third highest)
- Combined total: 1,934 seats (34% of national allocation)
Mid-Tier States: Significant Opportunities in Southern and Western Regions
Beyond the top three, several states offer substantial numbers of MD Anaesthesiology seats. Tamil Nadu provides 515 seats, Gujarat 384, Rajasthan 364, Andhra Pradesh 361, and Telangana 359. These mid-tier states collectively represent a significant portion of available positions and may offer competitive cutoff scores depending on the candidate pool.
Aspirants from these states or those willing to relocate should carefully track cutoff trends from previous years. States like Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, with strong medical college networks, historically attract high-scoring candidates, which may elevate cutoffs. Conversely, states like Rajasthan and Telangana may present relatively lower competition in some categories, making them strategic choices during counselling.
- Tamil Nadu: 515 seats
- Gujarat: 384 seats
- Rajasthan: 364 seats
- Andhra Pradesh: 361 seats
- Telangana: 359 seats
Low-Availability States: Limited Seats in North-Eastern and Union Territories
Several states and union territories have minimal MD Anaesthesiology seat allocations. Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram each have only 2 seats, while Andaman and Nicobar Islands has 3. Meghalaya, Sikkim, and Tripura each have 4 seats. These extremely limited numbers reflect the smaller medical college infrastructure in these regions.
Aspirants from these areas face a practical challenge: securing a seat in their home state may require a very high NEET-PG score. Many candidates from these regions will need to consider inter-state counselling or relocation to pursue MD Anaesthesiology. This is an important consideration during career planning and counselling strategy formulation.
- Arunachal Pradesh: 2 seats (lowest)
- Mizoram: 2 seats (lowest)
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands: 3 seats
- Meghalaya, Sikkim, Tripura: 4 seats each
State-Wise Seat Distribution: Complete Breakdown for Planning
The complete state-wise allocation provides a detailed roadmap for aspirants to assess opportunities in their preferred regions. Northern states like Delhi (186 seats), Haryana (124), and Punjab (99) offer moderate availability. Eastern states including West Bengal (195 seats) and Odisha (112) provide reasonable options. Central India is represented by Madhya Pradesh (260 seats) and Chhattisgarh (48).
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Aspirants should cross-reference this seat distribution with historical cutoff data from previous NEET-PG counselling cycles to estimate their realistic chances in each state. States with higher seat counts do not automatically mean lower cutoffs—the quality and reputation of medical colleges, as well as the candidate pool, significantly influence final cutoff scores. A strategic approach involves identifying 3-4 states where your expected score aligns with historical cutoff trends.
- Delhi: 186 seats
- West Bengal: 195 seats
- Madhya Pradesh: 260 seats
- Haryana: 124 seats
- Punjab: 99 seats
- Odisha: 112 seats
- Kerala: 179 seats
- Bihar: 113 seats
| State / Union Territory | MD Anaesthesiology Seats |
|---|---|
| Andaman and Nicobar Islands | 3 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 361 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 2 |
| Assam | 64 |
| Bihar | 113 |
| Chandigarh | 20 |
| Chhattisgarh | 48 |
| Dadra and Nagar Haveli | 4 |
| Delhi | 186 |
| Goa | 10 |
| Gujarat | 384 |
| Haryana | 124 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 40 |
| Jammu and Kashmir | 92 |
| Jharkhand | 18 |
| Karnataka | 712 |
| Kerala | 179 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 260 |
| Maharashtra | 668 |
| Manipur | 34 |
| Meghalaya | 4 |
| Mizoram | 2 |
| Odisha | 112 |
| Puducherry | 73 |
| Punjab | 99 |
| Rajasthan | 364 |
| Sikkim | 4 |
| Tamil Nadu | 515 |
| Telangana | 359 |
| Tripura | 4 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 554 |
| Uttarakhand | 65 |
| West Bengal | 195 |
What This Means for Your NEET-PG Counselling Strategy
Understanding the seat distribution is foundational to developing a smart counselling strategy. The 5,672 seats across 32 states and union territories mean that anaesthesiology will be a competitive speciality, but not uniformly so. Your NEET-PG score, category (General, OBC, SC, ST), and state of eligibility will determine which seats are realistically within reach.
Begin by identifying your expected score range based on mock tests and previous year cutoffs. Then, cross-reference this with historical cutoff data for MD Anaesthesiology in each state. Prioritise states where your score comfortably exceeds the previous year's cutoff for your category. Remember that cutoffs can fluctuate based on the candidate pool and overall NEET-PG performance in a given year. Consult with mentors or counsellors who have access to detailed historical cutoff trends for 2024 and 2025 to refine your state preferences.
- Identify your expected NEET-PG score range
- Cross-reference with historical cutoffs for MD Anaesthesiology by state and category
- Prioritise states where your score exceeds previous cutoffs
- Account for potential cutoff fluctuations year-on-year
- Prepare a ranked list of 5-8 preferred states for counselling
Important Caveat: This Matrix May Not Be Final
The NMC has explicitly stated that the current seat matrix does not include seats from pending applications for increased intake or new postgraduate programmes. This means the final seat count for MD Anaesthesiology in 2026-27 could be higher than 5,672. Aspirants should remain alert to official NMC announcements and revised matrices that may be released closer to counselling.
Additionally, some seats may remain unfilled during counselling due to various reasons (candidate withdrawal, merit list exhaustion, etc.), and these may be offered in subsequent rounds. The actual number of seats available to you during counselling may differ from the published matrix. Stay updated with official NMC and state counselling authority communications throughout the admission process.
- Current matrix excludes pending applications for seat increases or new programmes
- Final seat count may be higher than 5,672
- Monitor NMC website for revised matrices
- Some seats may remain unfilled and be offered in subsequent counselling rounds
- Follow official state counselling authority updates
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
How many MD Anaesthesiology seats are available nationally for NEET-PG 2026-27?
A total of 5,672 MD Anaesthesiology seats are available across all states and union territories according to the NMC seat matrix for 2026-27. This makes anaesthesiology the second-largest postgraduate speciality offering after MD General Medicine.
Which state has the most MD Anaesthesiology seats in 2026-27?
Karnataka has the highest number of MD Anaesthesiology seats with 712 positions, followed by Maharashtra with 668 seats and Uttar Pradesh with 554 seats.
What is the significance of the NMC seat matrix not including pending applications?
The current matrix excludes seats from applications pending approval for increased intake in existing programmes or new postgraduate courses. This means the final seat count for MD Anaesthesiology could be higher than 5,672 once the NMC processes these applications. Aspirants should monitor official announcements for any revised matrices.
How should I use this state-wise seat data for my NEET-PG counselling planning?
Cross-reference the seat distribution with historical cutoff data for MD Anaesthesiology in each state for your category (General, OBC, SC, ST). Identify states where your expected NEET-PG score exceeds previous year cutoffs, and prioritise these during counselling. Prepare a ranked list of 5-8 preferred states based on this analysis.
Which states have the fewest MD Anaesthesiology seats?
Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram each have only 2 seats (the lowest), followed by Andaman and Nicobar Islands with 3 seats. Meghalaya, Sikkim, and Tripura each have 4 seats. Aspirants from these regions may need to consider inter-state counselling to secure a seat.
Does a higher number of seats in a state mean lower cutoff scores?
Not necessarily. While more seats can increase availability, cutoff scores depend on multiple factors including the quality and reputation of medical colleges in that state, the candidate pool, and overall NEET-PG performance. States with high seat counts may still have competitive cutoffs if they attract many high-scoring candidates. Always cross-reference seat numbers with historical cutoff trends.
What percentage of national MD Anaesthesiology seats are in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh?
These three states collectively account for 1,934 seats out of 5,672 nationally, representing approximately 34% of all MD Anaesthesiology positions. This concentration reflects their larger medical college infrastructure and population.
When will the final NEET-PG 2026-27 seat matrix be released?
The current matrix was released on 29 September 2026. The NMC may release revised matrices as pending applications for seat increases or new programmes are processed. Aspirants should regularly check the official NMC website for updates closer to the counselling period.
The 5,672 MD Anaesthesiology seats for 2026-27 represent a substantial opportunity, but success requires strategic planning. Download the state-wise breakdown, compare it with historical cutoff data for your category, and build a prioritised list of states aligned with your expected NEET-PG score. Monitor the NMC website for any revised matrices before counselling begins.
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