NEET-PG 2026–27: 68,305 MD/MS/DNB seats now live – updated seat matrix released

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has published an updated seat matrix for postgraduate broad-speciality courses in India for the academic year 2026–27, confirming a total of 68,305 MD, MS, Diploma and MCh (6-year) seats. This revised matrix incorporates newly approved postgraduate programmes and increased intake capacities at existing medical colleges and institutions that were approved after the initial seat matrix was released in September 2026. The update is critical for NEET-PG aspirants and counselling authorities, as it reflects the final pool of seats available for admission and sets strict compliance requirements for medical colleges.

What changed: from 63,177 to 68,305 seats

In late September 2026, the NMC released an initial seat matrix showing 63,177 postgraduate broad-speciality seats available for the 2026–27 academic year. That matrix, however, did not include seats from applications that medical colleges had submitted for either expanding intake in existing postgraduate programmes or launching entirely new postgraduate courses. The NMC explicitly noted this limitation at the time.

The updated matrix released on 6 November 2026 now incorporates all those pending approvals. The Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB), which is the NMC's regulatory body for accreditation and seat approval, processed applications for capacity increases and new course launches and granted additional seats accordingly. This brought the total from 63,177 to 68,305 seats—an increase of approximately 5,128 seats across all broad-speciality disciplines.

Importantly, the NMC has clarified that additional seats in super-speciality courses (such as DM, M.Ch beyond 6 years, and DrNB super-speciality) will be communicated in a separate, subsequent update. This matrix covers only broad-speciality MD, MS, Diploma and 6-year M.Ch seats, which fall under NEET-PG counselling.

Breakdown of 68,305 seats by course type and speciality

The 68,305 seats span three main qualification types: MD (Doctor of Medicine), MS (Master of Surgery), Diploma, and M.Ch (6-year). MD programmes account for the largest share, with specialities such as General Medicine (6,983 seats), Anaesthesiology (6,419 seats), Paediatrics (4,893 seats), Pathology (3,942 seats), and Radio-Diagnosis (3,768 seats) leading in volume. These core clinical and pre-clinical disciplines form the backbone of postgraduate medical training in India.

MS (surgical) specialities include General Surgery (6,349 seats), Obstetrics and Gynaecology (5,466 seats), Orthopaedics (4,366 seats), Ophthalmology (2,848 seats), and Otorhinolaryngology/ENT (2,421 seats). Diploma programmes, which are shorter (typically 2–3 years) and often pursued by doctors seeking a quicker qualification, total 471 seats across 23 different specialities, with Anaesthesiology Diploma (71 seats) and Obstetrics and Gynaecology Diploma (54 seats) being the most common. There are also 2 M.Ch seats in Neurosurgery (6-year course).

Emerging and niche specialities such as Family Medicine (40 seats), Geriatrics (79 seats), Palliative Medicine (62 seats), and Sports Medicine (40 seats) have limited but growing seat availability, reflecting India's evolving healthcare priorities. Aspirants should note that seat availability varies significantly by speciality and state, and competition for high-demand branches like General Medicine, Surgery, and Paediatrics remains intense.

• MD specialities: 6,983 General Medicine, 6,419 Anaesthesiology, 4,893 Paediatrics, 3,942 Pathology, 3,768 Radio-Diagnosis
• MS specialities: 6,349 General Surgery, 5,466 Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 4,366 Orthopaedics, 2,848 Ophthalmology, 2,421 ENT
• Diploma programmes: 471 total seats across 23 specialities (Anaesthesiology Diploma: 71, Obstetrics & Gynaecology Diploma: 54)
• M.Ch (6-year): 2 seats in Neurosurgery

Why this matrix matters for NEET-PG counselling

The updated seat matrix is the authoritative document that counselling authorities—both central (MCC under DGHS) and state/union territory counselling bodies—must use to conduct NEET-PG counselling and admissions. The NMC has explicitly directed all counselling authorities to refer only to the latest notified matrix and to strictly adhere to the approved seat numbers. Any discrepancy or deviation noticed by a counselling authority must be referred back to MARB for clarification; counselling authorities are prohibited from admitting candidates against seats that exceed the approved numbers.

For NEET-PG aspirants, this means the 68,305 seats represent the final, definitive pool available for counselling. Aspirants should use this matrix to understand the realistic number of seats in their chosen speciality and state, and to calibrate their rank expectations and choice-filling strategy accordingly. The matrix also helps aspirants identify whether their preferred speciality and institution combination is feasible based on historical cutoff trends and the current seat availability.

The matrix is subject to further revision if MARB, any competent appeal authority, or other competent authority makes subsequent decisions. Any revised matrix will be uploaded to the NMC website and will supersede the earlier version. Aspirants and counselling authorities must monitor the NMC website for any such updates until counselling begins.

Compliance requirements for medical colleges: e-BG and Letters of Permission

Medical colleges and institutions that have been granted approval for new postgraduate courses or increased intake capacity must submit an electronic bank guarantee (e-BG) to MARB within seven days of the notice (i.e., by 13 November 2026). This e-BG is a financial security mechanism to ensure that colleges comply with regulatory and statutory requirements. Only after MARB receives, verifies, and confirms the e-BG will the college receive its formal Letter of Permission (LoP) to commence the new course or expanded intake.

The NMC has warned that any medical college admitting candidates beyond its approved annual intake capacity, or violating any statutory provision or NMC/MARB direction, will face regulatory action under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019. This includes potential penalties, suspension of recognition, or other enforcement measures. The NMC Secretary has communicated this directive to all medical colleges and the Medical Counselling Committee, emphasizing strict compliance.

For aspirants, this means that the seats listed in the matrix are backed by formal regulatory approval and financial security. Colleges cannot arbitrarily increase seats or admit extra candidates. This protects the integrity of the counselling process and ensures that seat availability is predictable and reliable.

• Medical colleges must submit e-BG within 7 days of the notice (by 13 November 2026)
• LoP issued only after e-BG verification and confirmation
• Admissions beyond approved capacity constitute regulatory violation and attract NMC action
• Colleges must verify their seat details in the matrix and report any discrepancies to MARB immediately

How the seat matrix is used in NEET-PG counselling

During NEET-PG counselling, the seat matrix serves as the reference document for all seat allocation algorithms. Counselling authorities use the matrix to define the pool of seats available in each speciality, institution, and category (General, OBC, SC, ST, etc.). When an aspirant fills their choices during counselling, the system matches their rank and preferences against the available seats listed in the matrix. The counselling software ensures that no seat is allocated beyond the approved number.

The matrix also determines the structure of counselling rounds. If a college has 50 MD General Medicine seats, the counselling authority will allocate up to 50 seats in that speciality at that college across all rounds (stray vacancy round, mop-up round, etc.). Once all 50 seats are filled, no further allocations can be made, even if candidates with higher ranks remain unplaced.

Aspirants should download and study the matrix carefully before counselling begins. Understanding the seat distribution across states, institutions, and specialities helps aspirants make informed choices and set realistic expectations. For example, if a speciality has only 40 seats nationally and an aspirant's rank is in the top 100, they should prioritize that speciality in their choice list; conversely, if a speciality has 6,000+ seats, competition is likely to be less intense.

Key dates and next steps for aspirants

The updated seat matrix was released on 6 November 2026. Medical colleges have until 13 November 2026 to submit their e-BGs. The NMC will issue Letters of Permission after verification. Aspirants should monitor the NMC website (nmc.org.in) and the official NEET-PG counselling portal for announcements regarding the start of counselling, choice-filling dates, and counselling schedule.

Before counselling begins, aspirants should: (1) download the final seat matrix from the NMC website, (2) identify their preferred specialities and institutions, (3) note the number of seats available in each, (4) cross-reference with historical cutoff data from previous years, and (5) prepare a ranked list of choices based on their expected rank and preferences. Many aspirants use online counselling simulators to practice choice-filling and understand how the algorithm works.

Aspirants should also be aware that the matrix may be revised if MARB or other competent authorities make further decisions. It is advisable to check the NMC website regularly in the weeks leading up to counselling to ensure you are using the most current matrix. Any changes will be clearly notified on the NMC website.

• Updated matrix released: 6 November 2026
• Medical colleges' e-BG deadline: 13 November 2026
• Monitor NMC website for counselling schedule and choice-filling dates
• Download and study the final matrix before counselling
• Cross-reference seat availability with historical cutoff trends
• Check for any further matrix revisions before counselling begins

What aspirants need to know about seat distribution across states

The seat matrix includes seats from government medical colleges, private medical colleges, and deemed universities across all states and union territories. Seat distribution is uneven: states with larger populations and more medical colleges (such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi) typically have more seats, while smaller states and union territories have fewer. This is reflected in the matrix.

Aspirants from states with fewer seats may face higher competition for those limited seats, especially if they wish to study in their home state. Many aspirants are willing to relocate to other states for better opportunities or preferred specialities. The matrix helps aspirants understand the national landscape and make strategic choices. For instance, if an aspirant's home state has only 5 seats in a particular speciality but another state has 50, the aspirant might consider applying in the other state if their rank permits.

The matrix also distinguishes between seats reserved for different categories (General, OBC, SC, ST) and seats for in-service candidates (doctors already employed in government service). Aspirants should carefully review the category-wise breakdown for their relevant category to understand their actual competition pool.

Regulatory safeguards: why the matrix protects aspirants

The formal approval process and e-BG requirement ensure that every seat listed in the matrix is backed by regulatory scrutiny and financial accountability. MARB does not approve seats arbitrarily; each application for a new course or capacity increase is evaluated against criteria such as infrastructure, faculty qualifications, training quality, and institutional capacity. Only colleges that meet these standards receive approval.

The prohibition on admissions beyond approved capacity protects aspirants from overcrowding, poor training quality, and potential credential issues. If a college admits 60 students against 50 approved seats, the excess students may face inadequate supervision, limited clinical exposure, and potential recognition issues for their degree. By enforcing strict seat limits, the NMC ensures that every admitted candidate receives quality training.

The requirement for counselling authorities to use only the latest matrix and to report discrepancies to MARB creates a system of checks and balances. This reduces the risk of arbitrary seat allocation, favouritism, or fraud. Aspirants can trust that the counselling process is transparent and rule-based.

Frequently asked questions

The updated NEET-PG seat matrix for 2026–27 is now the definitive reference for counselling and admissions. Aspirants should download it immediately, study the seat distribution across specialities and institutions, and use it to inform their counselling strategy. Monitor the NMC website for any further revisions and for announcements regarding counselling dates and choice-filling schedules.