MS Orthopaedics NEET-PG 2026-27: 3,656 seats across India, Karnataka leads

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has released the official seat matrix for MS Orthopaedics across India for the 2026-27 academic year, showing a total of 3,656 seats available for NEET-PG aspirants. This data is critical for doctors planning their postgraduate speciality choice and understanding the competition and availability in orthopaedics across different states. The seat distribution varies significantly by state, with some regions offering substantially more positions than others. Understanding this breakdown helps you make an informed decision about where to apply and what cutoff scores to expect in your preferred state.

What the NMC seat matrix 2026-27 tells you about MS Orthopaedics availability

The NMC released a comprehensive seat matrix on 29 September 2026 covering all postgraduate medical specialities for the 2026-27 academic year. Within this, MS Orthopaedics accounts for 3,656 seats across all medical colleges in India—a significant pool for NEET-PG aspirants interested in this surgical speciality. This figure represents the baseline seats available; the NMC clarified that the matrix does not yet include seats from applications for new PG course commencements or intake increases that may be approved later in the cycle.

For a NEET-PG aspirant, this number is your starting point for understanding competition and seat availability. Orthopaedics is a popular speciality, and knowing the total seat count helps you estimate how many candidates will compete for these positions and what rank or score you may need to secure a seat in your preferred state or college.

State-wise MS Orthopaedics seat distribution: where the most seats are

Karnataka dominates the MS Orthopaedics landscape with 551 seats—nearly 15% of all seats nationally. Maharashtra follows with 445 seats, and Tamil Nadu with 355 seats. These three states together account for approximately 1,351 seats, or roughly 37% of the total. This concentration reflects the density of medical colleges and postgraduate infrastructure in these southern and western states.

If you are targeting a state with higher seat availability, these three states offer the best odds of securing a seat at a lower rank. However, higher seat numbers also typically mean higher competition, as more candidates from across India may apply to these states during NEET-PG counselling. Uttar Pradesh (346 seats), Telangana (230 seats), and Gujarat (226 seats) round out the top six, offering additional options for aspirants willing to relocate.

• Karnataka: 551 seats (highest)
• Maharashtra: 445 seats
• Tamil Nadu: 355 seats
• Uttar Pradesh: 346 seats
• Telangana: 230 seats
• Gujarat: 226 seats

Mid-tier and lower-seat states: understanding your options across India

Beyond the top six states, a second tier of states offers meaningful seat counts. Rajasthan (210 seats), Madhya Pradesh (171 seats), and Kerala (125 seats) provide solid opportunities for aspirants willing to consider these regions. West Bengal (102 seats), Bihar (84 seats), and Odisha (81 seats) represent the eastern and central belt, offering geographic diversity for those seeking to practice closer to home or in underserved regions.

For NEET-PG aspirants, these mid-tier states are strategically important. They often have lower cutoff scores than the top three states, making them realistic targets if your rank falls in the middle range. Additionally, some of these states have strong medical colleges and good postgraduate training infrastructure, so a lower cutoff does not necessarily mean lower quality of education or training.

• Rajasthan: 210 seats
• Madhya Pradesh: 171 seats
• Kerala: 125 seats
• West Bengal: 102 seats
• Bihar: 84 seats
• Odisha: 81 seats

Limited seats in smaller states and union territories

Several states and union territories have very few MS Orthopaedics seats, reflecting smaller medical college networks or lower postgraduate intake capacity. Delhi has 71 seats, Puducherry 62 seats, and Haryana 59 seats. Punjab (53 seats), Assam (44 seats), and Chhattisgarh (40 seats) follow. These regions are still viable options, particularly if you have a strong rank or a specific reason to practice in that state.

At the lower end, states like Jammu & Kashmir (38 seats), Uttarakhand (27 seats), Himachal Pradesh (25 seats), and Jharkhand (12 seats) have minimal seats. Manipur (11 seats), Chandigarh (9 seats), Tripura (5 seats), Dadra and Nagar Haveli (4 seats), Goa (3 seats), and Sikkim (3 seats) represent the smallest pools. Notably, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram have no MS Orthopaedics seats listed in this matrix.

• Delhi: 71 seats
• Puducherry: 62 seats
• Haryana: 59 seats
• Punjab: 53 seats
• Assam: 44 seats
• Chhattisgarh: 40 seats
• Zero seats: Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram

How to use this seat matrix in your NEET-PG strategy

The seat matrix is a foundational tool for your NEET-PG counselling strategy. First, identify which states align with your geographic preference, family situation, or career goals. Then, cross-reference the seat count with historical cutoff data (if available from previous years) to estimate what rank you may need to secure a seat in that state. States with more seats typically have lower cutoffs, but this is not a hard rule—demand and competition also play a role.

Second, use this data to set realistic targets. If your NEET-PG rank is in the top 500, you have flexibility across most states. If your rank is in the 1,000–3,000 range, focus on states with moderate to high seat counts and historically lower cutoffs. If your rank is beyond 3,000, prioritize states with fewer competitors or lower demand, or consider whether orthopaedics is the right choice given the competition. Finally, remember that this matrix may be updated as new seats are approved, so stay alert to NMC announcements closer to counselling.

• Match your rank to state-wise seat availability and historical cutoffs
• Higher seat counts usually mean lower cutoffs, but not always
• Consider geographic preference, family ties, and career goals alongside seat numbers
• Monitor NMC updates for any seat increases or new approvals
• Plan backup states in case your first choice is oversubscribed

What this matrix does NOT include: future seat additions

It is important to note that the NMC clarified that this seat matrix does not include seats from pending applications for new PG course starts or increases in existing course intake for 2026-27. This means the actual number of available seats may increase before counselling begins. Medical colleges across India regularly apply to expand their postgraduate capacity, and the NMC approves these applications in phases.

For a NEET-PG aspirant, this is both a caution and an opportunity. The caution: do not assume these 3,656 seats are the final number. The opportunity: if you are on the borderline for a particular state or college, additional seats may open up, improving your chances. Stay tuned to NMC announcements and your state counselling authority's updates as the admission cycle progresses.

• Current matrix excludes seats from pending applications for new courses or intake increases
• Actual seat count may rise before counselling begins
• Monitor NMC and state counselling authority websites for updates
• Additional seats could improve your chances if you are borderline

Orthopaedics as a speciality: why seat numbers matter

MS Orthopaedics is consistently one of the most sought-after surgical specialities in NEET-PG, competing with General Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and Paediatrics for top ranks. The 3,656 seats represent a reasonable pool, but the demand often exceeds supply, particularly in premier colleges and desirable states. Understanding the seat distribution helps you calibrate your expectations and avoid disappointment.

Orthopaedics offers good career prospects, reasonable work-life balance compared to some other surgical specialities, and strong private practice potential. However, this popularity means cutoffs are typically high. If orthopaedics is your goal, use this seat matrix to identify realistic targets and prepare accordingly. If your rank does not secure orthopaedics in your preferred state, be ready with a backup speciality or state choice.

• Orthopaedics is highly competitive; 3,656 seats serve a large candidate pool
• Cutoffs are typically high, especially in premier colleges and southern states
• Good career prospects and work-life balance drive high demand
• Have a backup speciality or state in mind during counselling

Frequently asked questions

The 3,656 MS Orthopaedics seats for 2026-27 represent a solid pool, but competition remains high. Use this state-wise breakdown to align your rank expectations with realistic targets, prioritize states strategically, and prepare backup options. Stay alert to NMC updates on seat additions as the admission cycle progresses.