The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has completed Round 1 seat allotment for the 50% All India Quota (AIQ) in NEET-PG 2026 as of 21 October 2026. Provisional results will be announced on 24 October, with candidates required to report to their assigned colleges between 26 October and 2 November 2026. This article presents the opening and closing ranks for top postgraduate medical colleges across Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka — three states with some of India's most competitive NEET-PG institutions — to help you understand the competition level and plan your specialty and college preferences for ongoing and future counselling rounds.
Opening ranks for top NEET-PG colleges in these three states range from 8 (Bangalore Medical College) to 546 (Mandya Institute), while closing ranks span 1,221 to 10,533 — use these benchmarks to assess your rank position and realistic college-specialty combinations.
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Unlock My College ListWhat Happened: NEET-PG 2026 Round 1 Counselling Concluded
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) conducted NEET-PG 2026, and the MCC managed the online seat allotment for AIQ positions. Round 1 counselling for the 50% AIQ seats concluded on 21 October 2026. The provisional seat allotment result is scheduled for announcement on 24 October 2026, followed by a reporting window from 26 October to 2 November 2026 for candidates to join their assigned colleges.
This timeline is critical: once you receive your allotted seat, you have a fixed window to physically report to the college, complete document verification, and secure your admission. Missing the reporting deadline typically results in forfeiture of the seat, and you move to the next counselling round (if eligible) or waitlist.
Understanding Opening and Closing Ranks in NEET-PG Counselling
In NEET-PG counselling, the 'opening rank' is the highest rank (lowest number) at which a candidate was allotted a seat in a particular specialty at a college in that round. The 'closing rank' is the lowest rank (highest number) at which a seat was filled. For example, if MD General Medicine at a college shows an opening rank of 100 and closing rank of 1,000, it means the first candidate allotted that specialty had rank 100, and the last had rank 1,000.
These ranks are specific to each specialty and college combination, and they shift across counselling rounds as candidates accept or reject seats, and as higher-ranked candidates move to their preferred colleges. The data presented here reflects Round 1 outcomes for the general category on AIQ seats only — state quota and reserved category (SC/ST/OBC) cutoffs differ.
Top NEET-PG Colleges in Uttar Pradesh: Ranks and Specialties
Uttar Pradesh hosts several premier postgraduate medical institutions. Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) in Lucknow is among the most competitive, with an opening rank of 100 and closing rank of 10,435 across its top specialties (MD Radiodiagnosis, MD Transfusion Medicine, MD Anaesthesiology). This wide range reflects the high demand and large number of seats available across its various programs.
Institute of Medical Sciences at Banaras Hindu University (IMS-BHU) in Varanasi shows an opening rank of 120 and closing rank of 1,221 for its top courses (MD General Medicine, MD Radiodiagnosis, MS General Surgery). King George's Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow had an opening rank of 236 and closing rank of 6,397. Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College at Aligarh Muslim University (JNMC-AMU) opened at rank 113 and closed at 3,470. Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS) in Lucknow had an opening rank of 410 and closing rank of 3,231.
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For an aspirant with a rank between 100 and 1,221, IMS-BHU and JNMC-AMU represent realistic targets in UP. Those ranked 236–6,397 have a reasonable chance at KGMU. Candidates ranked above 10,435 should consider these colleges as backup options or explore Round 2 and stray vacancy rounds.
- SGPGIMS Lucknow: Opening 100, Closing 10,435 (MD Radiodiagnosis, MD Transfusion Medicine, MD Anaesthesiology)
- IMS-BHU Varanasi: Opening 120, Closing 1,221 (MD General Medicine, MD Radiodiagnosis, MS General Surgery)
- KGMU Lucknow: Opening 236, Closing 6,397 (MD General Medicine, MD Radiodiagnosis, MS General Surgery)
- JNMC-AMU Aligarh: Opening 113, Closing 3,470 (MD General Medicine, MS General Surgery, MD Radiodiagnosis)
- RMLIMS Lucknow: Opening 410, Closing 3,231 (MD Radiodiagnosis, MD General Medicine, MS General Surgery)
Top NEET-PG Colleges in Maharashtra: Highly Competitive Ranks
Maharashtra's medical colleges, particularly those in Mumbai, are among the most sought-after in India. Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College (Sion Hospital) in Mumbai opened at rank 47 and closed at 10,533 — indicating extremely high competition and a large seat pool. Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College (GSMC & KEM), also in Mumbai, opened at rank 58 and closed at 1,328, making it highly competitive but with a narrower rank range than Sion.
Grant Medical College & Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals in Mumbai opened at rank 122 and closed at 3,343. Topiwala National Medical College (TNMC & Nair Hospital) in Mumbai opened at rank 181 and closed at 1,777. Government Medical College (GMC) in Nagpur, outside Mumbai, opened at rank 319 and closed at 3,279, offering a slightly more accessible entry point than the Mumbai colleges.
Candidates ranked in the top 50–100 have a realistic shot at Sion or GSMC. Those ranked 122–1,328 should target GSMC, Grant, or TNMC. Candidates ranked 181–3,343 can consider TNMC or GMC Nagpur. The very tight closing ranks at GSMC (1,328) and TNMC (1,777) suggest limited seats or high demand for specific specialties.
- Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College (Sion) Mumbai: Opening 47, Closing 10,533 (MD General Medicine, MS General Surgery/Trauma, MD Anaesthesiology)
- GSMC & KEM Mumbai: Opening 58, Closing 1,328 (MD General Medicine, MD Radiodiagnosis, MS General Surgery)
- Grant Medical College Mumbai: Opening 122, Closing 3,343 (MD Radiodiagnosis, MD General Medicine, MS Orthopaedics)
- TNMC & Nair Hospital Mumbai: Opening 181, Closing 1,777 (MD General Medicine, MD Radiodiagnosis, MS Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
- GMC Nagpur: Opening 319, Closing 3,279 (MD General Medicine, MS General Surgery, MD Paediatrics)
Top NEET-PG Colleges in Karnataka: Diverse Rank Spectrum
Karnataka offers a range of postgraduate medical colleges with varying competitiveness. Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) in Bengaluru is the most competitive, with an opening rank of just 8 — among the lowest in the three-state dataset — and a closing rank of 2,574. This indicates BMCRI is a top-tier institution attracting the highest-ranked candidates nationally.
Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMCRI) in Mysuru opened at rank 229 and closed at 4,286. Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS/KMCRI) in Hubballi opened at rank 267 and closed at 5,926. Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health (IGICH) in Bengaluru, specializing in paediatrics, opened at rank 424 and closed at 1,519. Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS) in Mandya opened at rank 546 and closed at 9,449.
Candidates ranked in the top 10–50 should target BMCRI. Those ranked 229–2,574 have a strong chance at MMCRI. Candidates ranked 267–5,926 can consider KIMS. Those ranked 424–1,519 should explore IGICH if interested in paediatrics. MIMS offers an entry point for candidates ranked 546–9,449, though the wide closing rank suggests variable seat availability across specialties.
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- BMCRI Bengaluru: Opening 8, Closing 2,574 (MD General Medicine, MD Radiodiagnosis, MS General Surgery)
- MMCRI Mysuru: Opening 229, Closing 4,286 (MD General Medicine, MS Obstetrics & Gynaecology, MS Orthopaedics)
- KIMS/KMCRI Hubballi: Opening 267, Closing 5,926 (MD General Medicine, MS General Surgery, MD Paediatrics)
- IGICH Bengaluru: Opening 424, Closing 1,519 (MD Paediatrics, M.Ch Paediatric Surgery, Fellowship in Paediatric Intensive Care)
- MIMS Mandya: Opening 546, Closing 9,449 (MD Radiodiagnosis, MD General Medicine, MD Dermatology)
How to Use This Data for Your Counselling Strategy
These Round 1 cutoff ranks are a snapshot and will shift in subsequent rounds. As candidates accept seats, others reject them, and higher-ranked candidates move to preferred colleges, the opening and closing ranks for each specialty-college combination will change. However, they provide a reliable baseline for understanding the relative competitiveness of colleges and specialties.
Compare your NEET-PG rank to the opening and closing ranks of colleges and specialties you are interested in. If your rank falls within the range, you have a reasonable chance of allotment in that specialty at that college in a future round (if you did not get it in Round 1). If your rank is above the opening rank, your chances are very high. If your rank is below the closing rank, you may still be allotted in Round 2 or later, as seats become available.
Consider your specialty preference alongside college choice. For example, if you want MD General Medicine, check the opening and closing ranks for that specialty across multiple colleges, not just the overall college ranks. Some colleges may have tighter competition for certain specialties. Also, remember that these are AIQ ranks only — if you are eligible for state quota or reserved category seats, your competition pool and cutoffs will differ.
Key Dates and Next Steps for NEET-PG 2026 Counselling
Round 1 provisional seat allotment results will be announced on 24 October 2026. Candidates who receive an allotment must report to their assigned college between 26 October and 2 November 2026. Reporting involves submitting original documents, undergoing verification, and completing admission formalities. Failure to report within this window typically results in seat cancellation.
After the reporting deadline, Round 2 counselling will commence for candidates who did not get a seat in Round 1, those who rejected their Round 1 allotment, or those who did not report. Stray vacancy rounds may also be conducted later to fill any remaining seats. Keep monitoring the MCC website (mcc.nic.in) for official announcements on Round 2 dates and procedures.
- 24 October 2026: Round 1 provisional seat allotment result announcement
- 26 October – 2 November 2026: Reporting window for Round 1 allottees
- After 2 November 2026: Round 2 counselling expected to begin
- Monitor mcc.nic.in for official updates on Round 2 dates and stray vacancy rounds
Why Specialty Choice Matters as Much as College Choice
Many NEET-PG aspirants focus heavily on college reputation but underestimate the importance of specialty selection. Your specialty determines your career trajectory, job market demand, further super-speciality options (DM/M.Ch/DrNB), and work-life balance. A less prestigious college in a high-demand specialty (e.g., MD Radiodiagnosis, MD General Medicine) may offer better career prospects than a top college in a niche or low-demand specialty.
The data here shows that opening and closing ranks vary significantly by specialty within the same college. For instance, at SGPGIMS, MD Radiodiagnosis may have different cutoffs than MD Transfusion Medicine. Research the job market, super-speciality pipeline, and your genuine interest before locking in a specialty choice. Consult senior residents and faculty at colleges you are considering to understand the quality of training and placement outcomes for each specialty.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What do opening and closing ranks mean in NEET-PG counselling?
The opening rank is the highest rank (lowest number) at which a candidate was allotted a seat in a specific specialty at a college in that counselling round. The closing rank is the lowest rank (highest number) at which a seat was filled. For example, if MD General Medicine at a college shows opening rank 100 and closing rank 1,000, the first allottee had rank 100 and the last had rank 1,000. These ranks are specialty- and college-specific and change across rounds as candidates accept or reject seats.
If my rank is below the closing rank of a college, do I have no chance?
Not necessarily. The closing rank shown here is for Round 1 only. In Round 2 and subsequent rounds, as candidates accept seats and move to their preferred colleges, seats become available at other colleges, and closing ranks typically increase (move higher). Your rank may fall within the new closing rank in a later round. Additionally, stray vacancy rounds are conducted to fill remaining seats, often with higher closing ranks. Keep monitoring MCC announcements for Round 2 and stray vacancy details.
Are these ranks for general category only?
Yes. The data presented reflects opening and closing ranks for the general category on All India Quota (AIQ) seats only. If you belong to a reserved category (SC/ST/OBC) or are eligible for state quota seats, your competition pool and cutoff ranks will be different — typically lower (more accessible) than the general category ranks shown here. Check the official MCC counselling brochure for reserved category and state quota cutoffs.
What should I do if I did not get a seat in Round 1?
If you did not receive an allotment in Round 1, you are eligible to participate in Round 2 counselling. You can re-register, update your college and specialty preferences, and participate in the Round 2 seat allotment. The MCC will announce Round 2 dates and procedures on its official website (mcc.nic.in). Additionally, stray vacancy rounds are conducted later to fill any remaining seats. Ensure you monitor the MCC website regularly for updates.
How do I decide between a top college and a preferred specialty?
This is a personal decision based on your career goals. A top college offers better infrastructure, faculty, and networking but may have limited seats in your preferred specialty. A less prestigious college in your preferred specialty may offer better training and career prospects in that field. Research the job market demand for each specialty, super-speciality pipeline (DM/M.Ch/DrNB options), and speak with senior residents at colleges you are considering. Balance college prestige with specialty interest and career trajectory.
What happens if I do not report to my allotted college within the reporting window?
If you do not report within the specified window (26 October – 2 November 2026 for Round 1), your seat is typically cancelled, and you forfeit admission. You will then be eligible for Round 2 counselling, but you lose the opportunity to secure that Round 1 seat. Always plan to report on time, even if you are considering rejecting the seat — it is better to report and then formally withdraw than to miss the deadline.
Can I change my specialty or college preference in Round 2?
Yes. In Round 2, you can modify your college and specialty preferences based on your rank and the updated availability of seats. However, if you were allotted a seat in Round 1 and reported to the college, you typically cannot participate in Round 2 unless you formally withdraw from your Round 1 seat (which may have consequences depending on your state's rules). If you did not get a seat in Round 1, you have full flexibility to change preferences in Round 2.
Why is the closing rank for some colleges (like Sion Hospital) so high (10,533)?
A high closing rank indicates a large number of seats available across multiple specialties at that college. Sion Hospital is a large institution with many postgraduate programs, so more candidates are allotted seats, pushing the closing rank higher. Conversely, colleges with fewer seats or fewer specialties (like GSMC with closing rank 1,328) have tighter closing ranks. A high closing rank does not mean the college is less competitive — it simply reflects the volume of seats available.
Use these Round 1 cutoff ranks as a reference point to assess your realistic college and specialty options, but remember that ranks will shift in Round 2 and stray vacancy rounds. Monitor the MCC website closely for Round 2 announcements and ensure you report to your allotted college within the specified window if you receive a seat. Balance college prestige with specialty interest and career goals when making your final choice.
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