The National Medical Commission has released the official seat matrix for postgraduate Diploma courses in 2026, detailing 236 positions available across five clinical specialties in medical colleges nationwide. This matrix is crucial for MBBS graduates planning to pursue a PG Diploma (a two-year broad-speciality qualification) as an alternative or stepping stone to MD/MS programmes. The distribution varies significantly by state and specialty, affecting where and how aspirants can apply during PG counselling. Understanding this breakdown helps you identify realistic options based on your preferred specialty and state of choice.
A total of 236 PG Diploma seats are available across five specialties in 2026, with Anaesthesiology offering the most (76 seats) and Orthopaedics the fewest (20 seats); state-wise distribution is uneven, with West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh leading in most specialties.
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Unlock My College ListWhat is a PG Diploma and how does it fit into NEET-PG?
A Postgraduate Diploma (PG Diploma) is a two-year broad-speciality qualification recognised by the National Medical Commission and available through NEET-PG counselling. Unlike an MD or MS (which are three years), a Diploma allows you to specialise in a clinical field more quickly and is particularly popular in high-demand areas like anaesthesia, paediatrics, and eye care. Many MBBS graduates choose a Diploma as a faster route to specialisation, or as a stepping stone before pursuing a super-speciality (DM, M.Ch, DrNB) later.
The 2026 seat matrix released by the NMC covers only these five Diploma specialties and does not include seats from applications for new PG courses or increased intake in existing programmes that may be pending approval. This means the 236 seats represent the confirmed, available positions for the academic year 2026–27.
Breakdown of 236 PG Diploma seats by specialty
Anaesthesiology (Diploma in Anaesthesiology, or D.A.) leads with 76 seats, reflecting high demand for anaesthetists across operating theatres and critical care units. Obstetrics and Gynaecology (D.G.O.) follows with 54 seats, a specialty with consistent clinical need. Ophthalmology (D.O.) offers 53 seats, driven by the prevalence of eye care demand in India. Paediatrics (D.C.H.) provides 33 seats, and Orthopaedics (D.Orth.) has the smallest allocation at 20 seats.
This distribution reflects both the clinical demand for each specialty and the number of colleges offering these Diploma programmes. If you are interested in a particular specialty, the seat count gives you a rough sense of competition and availability during counselling. Anaesthesiology, for instance, will likely see higher cutoffs due to the larger pool of seats and aspirants.
- Diploma in Anaesthesiology: 76 seats
- Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology: 54 seats
- Diploma in Ophthalmology: 53 seats
- Diploma in Paediatrics: 33 seats
- Diploma in Orthopaedics: 20 seats
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State-wise seat distribution: Which states have the most Diploma seats?
West Bengal dominates the Diploma seat matrix, leading in four out of five specialties: Anaesthesiology (23 seats), Ophthalmology (21 seats), Obstetrics and Gynaecology (23 seats), and Orthopaedics (8 seats, tied with Uttar Pradesh). This concentration reflects the number of medical colleges in West Bengal offering these Diploma programmes. Uttar Pradesh is the second major hub, with strong representation in Paediatrics (11 seats), Ophthalmology (10 seats), Orthopaedics (8 seats), and Obstetrics and Gynaecology (7 seats).
Other significant contributors include Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab. However, several states have minimal or no representation in certain specialties. For example, Delhi has only 1 seat in Ophthalmology and 3 in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, despite being the national capital. This uneven distribution means your state of domicile or preference may significantly influence your counselling options. If you are from a state with fewer seats in your chosen specialty, you may need to be prepared to relocate or consider a different specialty with better availability in your region.
| Specialty | State with Most Seats | Number of Seats | Second Highest State | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Anaesthesiology | West Bengal | 23 | Jammu & Kashmir / Punjab | 12 each |
| Diploma in Paediatrics | Uttar Pradesh | 11 | Gujarat | 6 |
| Diploma in Ophthalmology | West Bengal | 21 | Karnataka / Uttar Pradesh | 10 each |
| Diploma in Orthopaedics | Uttar Pradesh / West Bengal | 8 each | Tamil Nadu | 3 |
| Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology | West Bengal | 23 | Gujarat | 12 |
Anaesthesiology Diploma: Highest seats, highest competition
With 76 seats across the country, Diploma in Anaesthesiology is the most accessible Diploma specialty in terms of sheer numbers. However, this also means it will attract the largest number of NEET-PG aspirants, likely resulting in higher cutoff scores during counselling. West Bengal (23 seats), Jammu & Kashmir (12 seats), and Punjab (12 seats) account for nearly half of all Anaesthesiology Diploma seats.
If you are considering Anaesthesiology, you should prepare for competitive cutoffs, especially if you are aiming for colleges in high-demand states. However, the availability of seats across multiple states also means you have geographic flexibility. Anaesthesiology is a specialty with strong career prospects, as anaesthetists are needed in every operating theatre, ICU, and pain management centre across India.
Ophthalmology and Obstetrics-Gynaecology: Moderate seats, clinical demand
Ophthalmology (53 seats) and Obstetrics-Gynaecology (54 seats) together account for 107 of the 236 Diploma seats. Both specialties have strong clinical demand: eye care is a major public health priority in India, and obstetric services are essential in every district. West Bengal again leads in both, with 21 seats in Ophthalmology and 23 in Obstetrics-Gynaecology.
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These two specialties offer a middle ground in terms of competition. They are less saturated than Anaesthesiology but more sought-after than Orthopaedics. If you are interested in either field, the moderate seat count suggests you may have a reasonable chance of securing a seat if your NEET-PG score is competitive. Both specialties also offer good scope for private practice and rural outreach, making them attractive for long-term career planning.
Paediatrics and Orthopaedics: Fewer seats, niche appeal
Paediatrics (33 seats) and Orthopaedics (20 seats) represent the smaller end of the Diploma spectrum. Paediatrics is concentrated in Uttar Pradesh (11 seats) and Gujarat (6 seats), while Orthopaedics is split between Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal (8 seats each). The lower seat count in Orthopaedics may reflect either lower demand for Diploma-level orthopaedic training or a preference for MD/MS in this specialty.
If you are passionate about paediatrics or orthopaedics, the limited Diploma seats mean you face higher competition relative to the number of positions. However, this also means that if you secure a seat, you will be part of a smaller, more specialised cohort. Consider whether a Diploma aligns with your long-term goals in these fields, or whether an MD/MS might be a better fit if you can achieve a higher NEET-PG score.
How this seat matrix affects your NEET-PG counselling strategy
The 2026 Diploma seat matrix is a critical reference point for your PG counselling planning. During counselling, you will rank colleges and specialties based on your NEET-PG score and preferences. Knowing the total seats available in each specialty and their state-wise distribution helps you set realistic expectations and plan your ranking strategy. For instance, if you score in the range that typically secures Anaesthesiology seats, you have 76 options across multiple states; if you are aiming for Orthopaedics, you have only 20 seats to compete for.
The state-wise breakdown is equally important. If you are from or prefer to work in West Bengal, you have strong options across all five specialties. If you are from a state with fewer seats in your chosen specialty, you may need to either broaden your specialty preferences or be prepared to relocate. Additionally, this matrix does not include seats from pending applications for new or expanded programmes, so the actual seat count may increase once those are approved. Stay updated with NMC announcements for any revisions.
Important note: This matrix excludes pending seat increases and new programmes
The NMC clarified that the 236-seat matrix released in October 2026 does not include seats from applications for increased intake in existing PG Diploma courses or for the commencement of new Diploma programmes for 2026–27. This means the actual number of available seats may be higher once those pending approvals are processed.
As an aspirant, you should monitor NMC announcements and the official counselling portal for any updates to the seat matrix before counselling begins. An increase in seats, even by a small percentage, can shift cutoff scores and your chances of securing a particular specialty or college. Conversely, if you are planning your preparation timeline, assume these 236 seats as the baseline and treat any additional seats as a bonus.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the total number of PG Diploma seats available in 2026?
The National Medical Commission has released a seat matrix showing 236 total PG Diploma seats across five specialties for the academic year 2026–27. These are distributed as follows: Anaesthesiology (76 seats), Obstetrics and Gynaecology (54 seats), Ophthalmology (53 seats), Paediatrics (33 seats), and Orthopaedics (20 seats). This count does not include seats from pending applications for new or expanded programmes.
Which PG Diploma specialty has the most seats?
Diploma in Anaesthesiology has the highest number of seats at 76, followed by Obstetrics and Gynaecology (54 seats) and Ophthalmology (53 seats). The higher seat count in Anaesthesiology reflects strong clinical demand for anaesthetists across operating theatres and critical care units nationwide.
Which state has the most PG Diploma seats?
West Bengal leads in the overall Diploma seat matrix, with the highest number of seats in four out of five specialties: Anaesthesiology (23 seats), Ophthalmology (21 seats), Obstetrics and Gynaecology (23 seats), and Orthopaedics (8 seats, tied with Uttar Pradesh). Uttar Pradesh is the second major hub with strong representation across all specialties.
How does a PG Diploma differ from an MD or MS?
A PG Diploma is a two-year broad-speciality qualification, whereas an MD or MS is a three-year programme. Both are recognised by the NMC and available through NEET-PG counselling. Many MBBS graduates choose a Diploma for faster specialisation or as a stepping stone before pursuing a super-speciality (DM, M.Ch, DrNB) later. The choice depends on your career goals and timeline.
Will the seat matrix change before counselling?
Yes, it is possible. The NMC clarified that the current 236-seat matrix does not include seats from pending applications for increased intake in existing Diploma programmes or for new Diploma programmes. Once those applications are approved, the total seat count may increase. You should monitor NMC announcements and the official counselling portal for any updates before counselling begins.
Which PG Diploma specialty has the fewest seats?
Diploma in Orthopaedics has the fewest seats at 20, distributed across only four states: Uttar Pradesh (8 seats), West Bengal (8 seats), Tamil Nadu (3 seats), and Gujarat (1 seat). This lower seat count may reflect either lower demand for Diploma-level orthopaedic training or a preference for MD/MS in this specialty.
How should I use this seat matrix to plan my NEET-PG counselling?
Use the seat matrix to set realistic expectations based on your NEET-PG score and specialty preferences. The total seats available in each specialty and their state-wise distribution help you identify which specialties and states offer the best opportunities for you. For example, if you score in a range that typically secures Anaesthesiology seats, you have 76 options across multiple states; if you prefer Orthopaedics, you have only 20 seats to compete for. Also consider your state of domicile or preference, as some states have significantly more seats in certain specialties than others.
Can I pursue a super-speciality after completing a PG Diploma?
Yes. A PG Diploma is a recognised broad-speciality qualification that qualifies you to apply for super-speciality programmes like DM (Doctor of Medicine), M.Ch (Master of Surgery), or DrNB (Diplomate of National Board in super-speciality). Many doctors complete a Diploma first and then pursue a super-speciality, making it a viable pathway for long-term career advancement.
The 2026 PG Diploma seat matrix provides a clear snapshot of available positions across five specialties and states. Use this data to align your NEET-PG preparation and counselling strategy with realistic opportunities in your preferred specialty and region. Keep monitoring NMC announcements for any updates to the seat matrix before counselling begins, as pending approvals for new or expanded programmes may increase the total count.
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