The National Medical Commission has released the official seat matrix for the 2026-27 academic year, confirming a total of 1,326 MD Respiratory Medicine (also called Tuberculosis & Respiratory Diseases) seats available across medical colleges in India. This is part of the broader PG seat allocation that includes MD, MS, Diploma, DM and MCh programmes. For NEET-PG aspirants considering respiratory medicine as a speciality choice, understanding the state-wise seat distribution is crucial for realistic counselling planning and cutoff prediction. The seat matrix does not yet include applications for new PG course approvals or intake increases that may be pending, so the final numbers could shift slightly.
Respiratory Medicine offers 1,326 MD seats nationally for 2026-27, with Uttar Pradesh (141), Karnataka (139), and Andhra Pradesh (136) accounting for nearly one-third of all positions.
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Unlock My College ListWhat the NMC seat matrix tells you about respiratory medicine availability
The National Medical Commission's seat matrix for 2026-27 allocates 1,326 MD seats in Respiratory Medicine/Tuberculosis & Respiratory Diseases across the country. This figure represents the confirmed, baseline capacity of medical colleges offering this speciality. For an MBBS graduate preparing for NEET-PG, this number is your starting point for understanding how competitive the speciality will be and how many positions you are competing for nationally.
It is important to note that this seat matrix reflects only colleges that currently offer the speciality and have existing approved intake. The NMC has clarified that pending applications for new PG course approvals or increases to existing course intake for 2026-27 are not included in these numbers. This means the final seat count could increase if new colleges are approved to start respiratory medicine programmes or if existing colleges receive permission to expand their intake. Aspirants should monitor NMC announcements for any updates before counselling begins.
State-wise seat distribution: where respiratory medicine positions are concentrated
Respiratory medicine seats are unevenly distributed across India, with significant concentration in a few states. Uttar Pradesh leads with 141 seats, followed by Karnataka with 139 and Andhra Pradesh with 136. Together, these three states account for 416 seats—roughly 31% of the national total. This concentration matters for counselling strategy: if you are domiciled in or willing to pursue training in these states, your chances of securing a seat are statistically higher, but competition will also be intense.
The next tier of states—Tamil Nadu (130), Maharashtra (119), and Rajasthan (114)—add another 363 seats. Combined with the top three, these six states hold 779 seats, or 59% of all respiratory medicine positions nationally. For aspirants from smaller states or union territories, this distribution underscores the reality that securing a respiratory medicine seat may require either a very high NEET-PG score or willingness to migrate to a state with higher seat availability.
- Top 3 states: Uttar Pradesh (141), Karnataka (139), Andhra Pradesh (136) = 416 seats (31%)
- Next tier: Tamil Nadu (130), Maharashtra (119), Rajasthan (114) = 363 seats
- Mid-tier: Telangana (112), Gujarat (91), Kerala (54), West Bengal (54), Madhya Pradesh (51)
- Lower availability: Odisha (41), Pondicherry (21), Haryana (20), Punjab (18), Chhattisgarh (16)
- Minimal seats: Bihar (14), Uttarakhand (14), Manipur (8), Himachal Pradesh (7), Jammu & Kashmir (7), Goa (6), Delhi (5), Assam (4), Tripura (4)
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How seat distribution affects your NEET-PG counselling strategy
Understanding state-wise seat availability is essential for realistic counselling planning. During NEET-PG counselling, you will rank colleges in order of preference. If respiratory medicine is your target speciality, you need to know how many seats exist in each state and which colleges offer the programme. A high NEET-PG score gives you access to more colleges and states; a moderate score may limit you to states with higher seat counts or less competitive colleges.
The uneven distribution also affects cutoff prediction. States with fewer seats (like Delhi with 5, Assam with 4, or Tripura with 4) will have higher cutoffs because fewer aspirants can secure positions there. Conversely, states with abundant seats like Uttar Pradesh may have relatively lower cutoffs, but the absolute number of competing candidates will still be large. Your counselling strategy should balance your score, your willingness to relocate, and the realistic cutoff ranges for respiratory medicine in your preferred states.
- High-seat states (>100): easier to find a seat if your score is moderate; higher absolute competition
- Mid-seat states (50–100): balanced competition; good option for aspirants with decent scores
- Low-seat states (<20): very competitive; typically require high scores or strong state-specific merit
- Union territories and small states: minimal seats; plan for inter-state migration if targeting respiratory medicine
Why respiratory medicine seat numbers matter for your speciality choice
Respiratory medicine is a broad-speciality MD programme, not a super-speciality. This means it is part of the NEET-PG counselling process and is available to all MBBS graduates who qualify. The 1,326 seats represent a moderate-sized speciality—larger than some niche fields but smaller than high-demand branches like General Medicine or Surgery. For an aspirant deciding between specialities, seat availability is one factor: more seats can mean lower cutoffs, but it also reflects demand and job prospects.
The respiratory medicine speciality has seen steady interest due to the ongoing burden of tuberculosis and chronic respiratory diseases in India, as well as growing awareness of pulmonary health post-COVID-19. The seat count of 1,326 suggests that medical colleges across the country view respiratory medicine as a viable and necessary speciality. If you are considering this branch, the seat availability is reasonable, and you should focus on your NEET-PG preparation and score rather than worrying about seat scarcity.
What happens if new colleges or increased intake are approved?
The NMC has explicitly stated that the 2026-27 seat matrix does not include pending applications for new PG course approvals or increases to existing intake. This is a critical caveat. If a medical college applies to start a new respiratory medicine programme or to expand its current intake, and that application is approved before counselling, the total seat count will increase. Aspirants should not assume that 1,326 is the final number.
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To stay informed, monitor the NMC website and official counselling notifications. Any updates to the seat matrix will typically be announced before the NEET-PG counselling process begins. If you are planning your preparation timeline or counselling strategy, assume that the final seat count could be 5–10% higher than the current matrix. This is generally good news for aspirants, as more seats mean more opportunities, though it may also slightly lower cutoffs across the board.
- Current matrix: 1,326 seats (confirmed, baseline)
- Pending approvals: not yet included; could increase final count
- Timeline: updates typically released before counselling begins
- Implication: final seat count may be slightly higher; plan accordingly
Comparing respiratory medicine seats to other MD specialities
To put 1,326 respiratory medicine seats in context, the NMC released a total of 63,177 MD, MS, Diploma, DM and MCh seats for 2026-27. This means respiratory medicine accounts for roughly 2% of all PG seats nationally. While this is a modest share, it reflects the reality that respiratory medicine is a specialized branch, not a high-volume speciality like General Medicine or Surgery. For aspirants specifically interested in respiratory medicine, this is the relevant universe of competition.
The seat distribution also varies by degree type. The 1,326 figure refers specifically to MD (Doctor of Medicine) programmes in respiratory medicine. Some aspirants may also pursue DNB (Diplomate of National Board) in respiratory medicine, which is a separate counselling pathway but offers similar training. If you are flexible between MD and DNB, you may have additional options beyond the 1,326 MD seats, though the exact DNB seat count for respiratory medicine is not detailed in this matrix.
Practical next steps: using this data for your NEET-PG planning
Now that you know the state-wise seat distribution for respiratory medicine, use this information to refine your counselling strategy. First, identify which states have the highest seat counts and which colleges in those states offer respiratory medicine. Cross-reference this with your NEET-PG score estimate and the typical cutoff ranges for respiratory medicine in those colleges. This will help you create a realistic preference list during counselling.
Second, if you are from a state with very few respiratory medicine seats (like Delhi, Assam, or Tripura), prepare mentally and logistically for the possibility of relocating for your PG training. Many aspirants successfully pursue postgraduate training outside their home state; it is a normal part of the NEET-PG process. Third, continue monitoring NMC announcements for any updates to the seat matrix before counselling begins. Finally, focus on your NEET-PG preparation—a higher score always gives you more options and flexibility in counselling, regardless of seat distribution.
- Map respiratory medicine colleges in high-seat states and note their typical cutoffs
- Estimate your likely NEET-PG score and identify realistic college options
- Prepare for inter-state migration if necessary; it is common and manageable
- Monitor NMC website for seat matrix updates before counselling
- Prioritize NEET-PG preparation; a higher score maximizes your choices
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
How many MD Respiratory Medicine seats are available in India for 2026-27?
A total of 1,326 MD Respiratory Medicine (Tuberculosis & Respiratory Diseases) seats are available across medical colleges in India for the 2026-27 academic year, according to the National Medical Commission's official seat matrix released in October 2026.
Which states have the most respiratory medicine seats?
Uttar Pradesh leads with 141 seats, followed by Karnataka with 139 seats and Andhra Pradesh with 136 seats. These three states together account for approximately 31% of all respiratory medicine seats nationally. Tamil Nadu (130), Maharashtra (119), and Rajasthan (114) are the next largest contributors.
What if I am from a state with very few respiratory medicine seats?
If you are from a state with minimal seats (such as Delhi with 5, Assam with 4, or Tripura with 4), you may need to migrate to another state for your respiratory medicine training. This is a normal part of NEET-PG counselling. Many aspirants successfully pursue postgraduate training outside their home state. Alternatively, you can explore DNB (Diplomate of National Board) programmes in respiratory medicine, which may have different seat distributions.
Does the 1,326 seat count include pending applications for new colleges or increased intake?
No. The NMC has clarified that the current seat matrix does not include pending applications for new PG course approvals or increases to existing intake for 2026-27. If new colleges are approved to start respiratory medicine programmes or existing colleges receive permission to expand, the final seat count could increase. Aspirants should monitor NMC announcements for updates before counselling begins.
How does respiratory medicine seat availability compare to other MD specialities?
Respiratory medicine accounts for approximately 2% of the total 63,177 MD, MS, Diploma, DM and MCh seats released by the NMC for 2026-27. This reflects that respiratory medicine is a specialized branch, not a high-volume speciality. The seat count is reasonable and reflects steady demand for the speciality.
How should I use this seat matrix for my NEET-PG counselling planning?
Identify which states have the highest respiratory medicine seat counts and which colleges in those states offer the programme. Cross-reference this with your estimated NEET-PG score and typical cutoff ranges for respiratory medicine in those colleges. This will help you create a realistic preference list during counselling. Also, prepare for the possibility of inter-state migration if necessary.
Can I pursue respiratory medicine through DNB instead of MD?
Yes. DNB (Diplomate of National Board) is a broad-speciality qualification equivalent to MD/MS and is part of NEET-PG counselling. Some aspirants may have additional options through DNB respiratory medicine programmes, though the exact seat count for DNB respiratory medicine is not detailed in this matrix. You can explore both MD and DNB options during counselling.
When will the final seat matrix be released, and could the numbers change?
The current matrix was released in October 2026. The NMC may release updates if pending applications for new courses or intake increases are approved. Any final updates will typically be announced before NEET-PG counselling begins. Aspirants should assume the final seat count could be slightly higher than 1,326 and monitor official NMC notifications.
The 1,326 MD Respiratory Medicine seats for 2026-27 represent a stable, moderate-sized speciality with significant concentration in Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Use this state-wise breakdown to refine your counselling strategy, estimate realistic cutoffs, and plan for potential inter-state migration. Monitor the NMC website for any updates to the seat matrix before counselling begins, and focus on maximizing your NEET-PG score—your best tool for securing your preferred college and speciality.
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