The National Medical Commission has released the official seat matrix for postgraduate broad-speciality courses in the 2026-27 academic year, and MD Anaesthesiology has emerged as one of the most sought-after branches with 6,419 total seats across India. This represents a significant opportunity for NEET-PG aspirants planning their speciality choice and counselling strategy. The seat distribution varies widely by state, with southern and western states offering substantially more positions than northeastern and smaller union territories. Understanding this breakdown is crucial for aspirants to set realistic expectations, plan their state preferences during counselling, and estimate their likely rank-to-seat conversion.
MD Anaesthesiology offers 6,419 seats nationally for 2026-27, making it the second-largest broad-speciality after General Medicine; your state of choice will dramatically affect your seat availability and cutoff rank.
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The National Medical Commission's updated seat matrix for 2026-27 allocates 6,419 positions in MD Anaesthesiology across all states and union territories. This makes anaesthesiology the second-most available broad-speciality in the NEET-PG counselling process, trailing only MD General Medicine. For an MBBS graduate, this high seat count is both an advantage and a consideration: more seats mean better chances of securing a position, but also potentially higher competition and more nuanced cutoff variations across different states and college categories.
The seat matrix reflects recent approvals by the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) for new course commencements and capacity increases in existing postgraduate programmes. The total number of broad-speciality seats (MD, MS, Diploma, and 6-year MCh) across all specialities stands at 68,305 for 2026-27, and anaesthesiology's 6,419 seats represent approximately 9.4% of this pool. This proportion underscores anaesthesiology's importance in India's postgraduate medical education landscape.
Top three states: Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu dominate anaesthesiology seats
Karnataka leads the nation with 803 MD Anaesthesiology seats, followed closely by Maharashtra with 742 seats and Tamil Nadu with 634 seats. Together, these three southern and western states account for 2,179 seats—approximately one-third of all anaesthesiology positions nationally. For NEET-PG aspirants, this concentration has direct implications: if your rank falls in the range where these states' seats are accessible, you will have significantly more options and potentially lower cutoff ranks compared to other specialities or states.
The dominance of these three states reflects their larger medical college infrastructure, higher number of government and private institutions offering postgraduate programmes, and established academic centres of excellence in anaesthesiology. Aspirants targeting these states should prepare for competitive counselling, as the sheer volume of seats will attract candidates across a wide rank range. However, the availability also means that even mid-range ranks may secure a seat in these states, making them strategic choices during counselling preference filling.
Major states with substantial seat availability
Beyond the top three, several states offer meaningful numbers of MD Anaesthesiology seats. Uttar Pradesh has 660 seats, Rajasthan 397, Gujarat 422, Telangana 410, and Andhra Pradesh 377. These five states collectively provide 2,266 additional seats, bringing the cumulative total from the eight largest states to 4,445—nearly 70% of all anaesthesiology positions. For aspirants with ranks in the mid-to-lower range, these states represent critical opportunities where securing a seat becomes more feasible.
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The distribution across these states is relatively balanced, suggesting that the National Medical Commission has attempted to spread postgraduate capacity across the country's major medical education hubs. Aspirants should note that while these states offer substantial seats, they also attract significant competition. Understanding the typical cutoff ranks for each state in previous years (from NEET-PG 2024-25 and 2025-26 data) will help you calibrate your expectations and make informed choices during counselling.
- Uttar Pradesh: 660 seats
- Rajasthan: 397 seats
- Gujarat: 422 seats
- Telangana: 410 seats
- Andhra Pradesh: 377 seats
Mid-tier states: Opportunities for competitive ranks
States such as Kerala (231 seats), Madhya Pradesh (283 seats), West Bengal (205 seats), Delhi (186 seats), and Odisha (137 seats) offer moderate but meaningful seat counts. These states are particularly important for aspirants with competitive but not top-tier ranks. Kerala and Madhya Pradesh, in particular, have established postgraduate medical education systems and attract candidates seeking quality training in anaesthesiology. Delhi's 186 seats are distributed across government and private institutions, making it an attractive option for aspirants seeking training in the national capital.
For counselling strategy, these mid-tier states serve as 'safety' or 'realistic' choices—ranks that secure seats in these states are typically lower than those required in Karnataka or Maharashtra but higher than those needed in smaller states. Aspirants should include at least 2-3 of these states in their preference list to ensure a reasonable probability of seat allocation.
- Kerala: 231 seats
- Madhya Pradesh: 283 seats
- West Bengal: 205 seats
- Delhi: 186 seats
- Odisha: 137 seats
Smaller states and union territories: Limited but accessible seats
Union territories and smaller states have significantly fewer MD Anaesthesiology seats, but these positions can be valuable for aspirants with lower ranks or those willing to relocate. Haryana (128 seats), Jammu and Kashmir (94 seats), Punjab (99 seats), and Puducherry (99 seats) each offer double-digit or near-triple-digit positions. States like Uttarakhand (69 seats), Assam (68 seats), and Chhattisgarh (59 seats) have smaller but still meaningful allocations. These states often see lower competition relative to their seat count, making them strategic choices for aspirants aiming to secure a seat with a lower rank.
At the lower end, union territories and northeastern states such as Tripura (9 seats), Goa (10 seats), Chandigarh (20 seats), and Andaman and Nicobar Islands (3 seats) have very limited capacity. While these seats are harder to access due to lower numbers, they may be relevant for aspirants with very low ranks or those with specific geographic preferences. Aspirants should be realistic about the likelihood of securing seats in these regions and use them as backup options rather than primary choices.
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- Haryana: 128 seats
- Jammu and Kashmir: 94 seats
- Punjab: 99 seats
- Puducherry: 99 seats
- Uttarakhand: 69 seats
- Assam: 68 seats
- Chhattisgarh: 59 seats
- Tripura: 9 seats
- Goa: 10 seats
- Chandigarh: 20 seats
What this seat matrix means for your NEET-PG counselling strategy
The 6,419 MD Anaesthesiology seats represent a substantial opportunity, but your actual access to these seats depends on your NEET-PG rank, category (general, OBC, SC, ST), and state preferences during counselling. The wide variation in seat distribution across states means that your counselling strategy must be geographically informed. Aspirants with ranks in the top 5,000-10,000 range will have access to seats in most states and can afford to be selective. Those with ranks between 10,000 and 20,000 should prioritize mid-tier and larger states. Aspirants with ranks below 20,000 should focus on smaller states and union territories where competition is lower.
During counselling, the order in which you list your state preferences matters significantly. The NEET-PG counselling system allocates seats based on your rank and your preference order. If you list Karnataka first but your rank is not competitive for Karnataka, you may be skipped and allocated a seat in your next preference. Strategic preference filling—balancing aspirational choices (high-quality colleges in competitive states) with realistic choices (mid-tier states) and safety choices (smaller states)—is essential to maximize your chances of securing a seat in anaesthesiology.
Comparing anaesthesiology to other broad-specialities
With 6,419 seats, MD Anaesthesiology is the second-largest broad-speciality, after MD General Medicine. This high seat count makes anaesthesiology a relatively accessible speciality compared to branches like Radiology, Ophthalmology, or Dermatology, which typically have fewer seats and attract intense competition. For aspirants uncertain about their rank's competitiveness for their preferred speciality, anaesthesiology offers a viable alternative with reasonable seat availability. However, the popularity of anaesthesiology—driven by its clinical relevance, career prospects, and lifestyle considerations—means that cutoff ranks for anaesthesiology seats in premium colleges and states remain competitive.
Aspirants should view the 6,419-seat figure in context: while it sounds large, it is distributed across 33 states and union territories, multiple college categories (government, private, deemed), and various college tiers. The actual number of seats available at your preferred college or in your preferred state may be much smaller. Researching historical cutoff data from previous NEET-PG cycles will give you a realistic sense of the rank required for anaesthesiology in your target state and college category.
How the updated seat matrix affects your preparation and planning
The release of the official seat matrix is a critical milestone for NEET-PG aspirants. It provides concrete data for counselling planning and helps you set realistic expectations about your likely speciality and state allocation. If you are currently preparing for NEET-PG, use this seat matrix to inform your speciality preferences. If anaesthesiology is your target, the 6,419 seats suggest reasonable accessibility, but you should still aim for a competitive rank to secure a seat in your preferred state or college. If you are borderline between anaesthesiology and another speciality, the seat availability in each can help you decide which to prioritize.
For aspirants in the final stages of preparation or those who have already taken NEET-PG and are awaiting counselling, this seat matrix is your roadmap for preference filling. Cross-reference your rank with historical cutoff data for each state and college category. Identify 5-7 states where your rank is likely to be competitive, and list them in order of your preference. Include at least one 'safety' state where your rank is almost certainly competitive. This balanced approach maximizes your chances of a successful allocation.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
How many MD Anaesthesiology seats are available in NEET-PG 2026-27?
A total of 6,419 MD Anaesthesiology seats are available across all states and union territories for the 2026-27 academic year, according to the National Medical Commission's updated seat matrix. This makes anaesthesiology the second-largest broad-speciality after MD General Medicine.
Which state has the most MD Anaesthesiology seats?
Karnataka has the highest number of MD Anaesthesiology seats with 803 positions, followed by Maharashtra with 742 seats and Tamil Nadu with 634 seats. Together, these three states account for approximately one-third of all anaesthesiology seats nationally.
How many MD Anaesthesiology seats are available in my state?
The seat distribution varies significantly by state. Major states like Uttar Pradesh have 660 seats, Rajasthan 397, Gujarat 422, and Telangana 410. Smaller states and union territories have fewer seats—for example, Tripura has 9 seats, Goa has 10, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands has 3. Refer to the complete state-wise breakdown in the article to find your state's allocation.
Does a high number of seats mean lower cutoff ranks for anaesthesiology?
Not necessarily. While 6,419 seats is a substantial number, it is distributed across 33 states, multiple college categories, and various college tiers. Cutoff ranks depend on the total number of applicants, the competitiveness of your preferred state and college, and your rank relative to other candidates. Anaesthesiology remains competitive, especially in premium colleges and popular states like Karnataka and Maharashtra. You should research historical cutoff data from previous NEET-PG cycles to estimate realistic ranks for your target state and college.
How should I use this seat matrix for my NEET-PG counselling strategy?
Use the seat matrix to identify 5-7 states where your rank is likely to be competitive based on historical cutoff data. List these states in your order of preference during counselling, balancing aspirational choices (high-quality colleges in competitive states), realistic choices (mid-tier states), and safety choices (smaller states where your rank is almost certainly competitive). This approach maximizes your chances of a successful seat allocation.
Is MD Anaesthesiology easier to get into than other specialities?
With 6,419 seats, MD Anaesthesiology has higher seat availability than many other specialities like Radiology, Ophthalmology, or Dermatology. However, it remains competitive because of its clinical relevance and career prospects. Whether it is 'easier' depends on your rank and your target state. In smaller states with fewer seats, competition may be lower. In large states like Karnataka or Maharashtra, cutoff ranks remain competitive. Compare the seat availability and historical cutoffs for anaesthesiology with your preferred alternative specialities to make an informed choice.
What does the updated seat matrix tell me about the total number of PG seats in India?
The National Medical Commission released an updated seat matrix showing a total of 68,305 MD, MS, Diploma, and 6-year MCh seats across all broad-speciality courses for 2026-27. MD Anaesthesiology's 6,419 seats represent approximately 9.4% of this total pool. The updated matrix includes new seats approved by the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) for new course commencements and capacity increases in existing programmes.
Can I change my state preference during counselling if I don't get a seat in my first choice?
The NEET-PG counselling process allocates seats based on your rank and your preference order. You cannot change your preferences once counselling begins. However, you can list multiple states in your preference order, and the system will allocate you a seat in the highest-ranked state on your list where your rank is competitive. This is why strategic preference filling—listing states in order of your preference while ensuring at least one 'safety' state—is critical.
With 6,419 MD Anaesthesiology seats available for 2026-27, this speciality offers substantial opportunity for NEET-PG aspirants. Use this state-wise breakdown to research historical cutoff ranks, identify realistic state choices, and plan your counselling preferences strategically. Start gathering cutoff data from previous cycles now to calibrate your expectations and maximize your chances of a successful allocation.
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