The Tamil Nadu Medical Selection Committee (DME) has released a tentative seat vacancy snapshot for postgraduate medical degree and diploma courses (MD, MS, DNB) for the 2026–27 academic session, effective 31 October 2026. This document lists available seats across government medical colleges, self-financing medical colleges, and private medical colleges in Tamil Nadu, broken down by speciality, college, and category (Open, SC, ST, BC, OBC, and Service quota). The snapshot is crucial for candidates preparing for NEET-PG counselling rounds, as it shows the realistic number of seats available in each speciality and college before allotment begins.
Over 1,500 postgraduate medical seats are tentatively available across Tamil Nadu's government, self-financing, and private medical colleges for the 2026–27 session, with General Surgery, Paediatrics, and Anaesthesiology offering the highest number of vacancies.
Your matched MD/MS/DNB seats
LockedEnter your NEET-PG rank to unlock the real colleges you can get — All India Quota and state — with closing ranks, fees and stipend.
Unlock My College ListWhat is this seat matrix and why it matters
This tentative vacancy list is a snapshot of available seats as of 31 October 2026, released by the Tamil Nadu DME before counselling rounds begin. It is NOT a final allotment or merit list—it is a guide showing how many seats each college has in each speciality, and how those seats are distributed across different categories (Open, SC, ST, BC, OBC, and Service quota).
The matrix matters because it helps you understand your realistic chances in each speciality and college. If a speciality has only 1–2 seats in a college, your rank must be very high to secure it. If a speciality has 10+ seats, your chances improve. The category-wise breakdown also shows whether seats are reserved for SC, ST, BC, or OBC candidates, or available in the Open category.
This is a TENTATIVE snapshot. The final number of seats may change due to resignations, withdrawals, or administrative adjustments. However, it is the most reliable guide available before counselling.
Specialities with the most seats
General Surgery leads with 154 total seats across all colleges (government, self-financing, and private combined). This is followed by Paediatrics with 109 seats, Anaesthesiology with 126 seats, and Obstetrics & Gynaecology with 127 seats. These high-intake specialities offer more opportunities for candidates across all ranks.
Surgical specialities (MS Orthopaedics, MS Ophthalmology, MS Otorhinolaryngology) have moderate intake (46–73 seats each). Medical specialities like General Medicine (154 seats), Respiratory Medicine (21 seats), and Psychiatry (33 seats) show varied availability.
Rare or niche specialities like Geriatrics (5 seats), Immuno Haematology & Transfusion Medicine (10 seats), and Radiation Oncology (15 seats) have very limited seats. Candidates targeting these must have high ranks or be willing to travel to colleges offering them.
- General Surgery: 154 seats
- Anaesthesiology: 126 seats
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology: 127 seats
- Paediatrics: 109 seats
- General Medicine: 154 seats
- MD D.V.L (Dermatology): 35 seats
- MD Emergency Medicine: 53 seats
- MD Pathology: 40 seats
Government medical colleges: seat distribution
Government medical colleges in Tamil Nadu offer the majority of seats. Major colleges like Madras Medical College (Chennai), Stanley Medical College (Chennai), and Kilpauk Medical College (Chennai) have the highest intake across most specialities. For example, Madras Medical College alone offers 15 seats in MS Otorhinolaryngology, 11 in MS Orthopaedics, and 28 in MS Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
Seats in government colleges are divided into Open, SC, ST, BC, OBC, and Service quota categories. The Service quota (20% of seats) is reserved for doctors who have completed compulsory service in government health centres. This means if a speciality has 10 seats in a government college, approximately 2 are reserved for Service quota candidates.
Tier-2 government colleges (Madurai, Thanjavur, Tirunelveli, Coimbatore, Salem, Trichy, Vellore, Dharmapuri, Villupuram, Thiruvannamalai, Cuddalore) offer fewer seats per speciality (typically 1–3 seats), but are still valuable options for candidates with moderate ranks or those willing to relocate.
- Madras Medical College, Chennai: highest intake across most specialities
- Stanley Medical College, Chennai: significant seats in surgical and medical specialities
- Kilpauk Medical College, Chennai: moderate intake
- Tier-2 colleges: 1–3 seats per speciality, good for moderate-rank candidates
- Service quota: ~20% of seats reserved for compulsory service completers
Self-financing medical colleges: expanded opportunities
Self-financing colleges in Tamil Nadu (Christian Medical College Vellore, PSG Institute Coimbatore, Trichy SRM, Aravind Eye Hospital Madurai, and others) offer significant additional seats. These colleges participate in NEET-PG counselling and follow the same category-wise allocation as government colleges.
Know the exact MD/MS/DNB seats your rank can get
Official round-wise closing ranks with fee and stipend, matched to your rank.
Self-financing colleges often have higher intake in certain specialities. For example, Christian Medical College Vellore offers 12 seats in MS Orthopaedics, 12 in MS Ophthalmology, and 17 in MS Obstetrics & Gynaecology—comparable to or exceeding some government colleges. Aravind Eye Hospital Madurai specializes in Ophthalmology with 20 seats.
Seats in self-financing colleges are also divided into Government Quota (for NEET-PG counselling) and Management Quota (direct admission by the college). Only Government Quota seats appear in this matrix. Management Quota seats are filled separately and are not part of NEET-PG counselling.
- Christian Medical College, Vellore: largest self-financing contributor
- PSG Institute, Coimbatore: strong in surgical and medical specialities
- Trichy SRM Medical College: significant intake across specialities
- Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai: 20 seats in Ophthalmology
- Government Quota seats only: Management Quota filled separately
Category-wise seat allocation: understanding your eligibility
Each speciality and college breaks seats into categories: OC (Open Category), BC (Backward Caste), BCM (Backward Caste Muslim), MBC/DNC (Most Backward Caste / Denotified Caste), SC (Scheduled Caste), SCA (SC Arunthathiyar), and ST (Scheduled Tribe). Additionally, Service quota seats are marked separately.
For example, if MS Orthopaedics at Madras Medical College shows 11 total seats, the breakdown might be: 1 OC, 1 BC, 1 BCM, 1 MBC/DNC, 1 SC, 0 SCA, 0 ST, 2 OC (Service), 2 BC (Service), 0 BCM (Service), 1 MBC/DNC (Service), 1 SC (Service), 0 SCA (Service), 0 ST (Service). This means if you are an OC candidate, you compete for 1 seat in the Open category; if you are SC, you compete for 1 seat in the SC category plus 1 in the SC Service category.
⚠️ CRITICAL: Your caste certificate must clearly state your category (SC, ST, BC, OBC, etc.). If your certificate shows a sub-group (e.g., 'SC (Arunthathiyar)'), you are eligible only for that sub-group's seats, not the general SC seats. Mismatched or unclear certificates are a common reason for rejection during counselling.
- OC = Open Category (no caste-based reservation)
- SC = Scheduled Caste
- ST = Scheduled Tribe
- BC = Backward Caste
- BCM = Backward Caste Muslim
- MBC/DNC = Most Backward Caste / Denotified Caste
- SCA = SC Arunthathiyar (sub-group of SC)
- Service Quota = 20% of seats for compulsory service completers
- CMC 20% = Christian Minority Quota (self-financing colleges only)
How to read the seat matrix tables
Each speciality is presented in a table with columns for college name, category-wise seat counts, and a TOTAL column. The table is divided into two main sections: OPEN (unreserved seats) and SERVICE (seats reserved for compulsory service completers). Within each section, seats are further divided by caste category.
Example: MS Orthopaedics at Madras Medical College shows 11 total seats. Reading left to right under OPEN: OC=1, BC=1, BCM=1, MBC/DNC=1, SC=1, SCA=0, ST=0. Under SERVICE: OC=2, BC=2, BCM=0, MBC/DNC=1, SC=1, SCA=0, ST=0. This means 7 seats are in the Open category (across all caste groups) and 4 are in the Service category.
At the bottom of each speciality table, a TOTAL row sums all seats across all colleges. For MS Orthopaedics, the grand total is 73 seats across all government colleges in Tamil Nadu. This helps you gauge competition: 73 seats means roughly 73 candidates will be allotted in this speciality across the state.
- Read column headers carefully: OC, BC, BCM, MBC/DNC, SC, SCA, ST, CMC 20%
- OPEN section = unreserved seats available to all eligible candidates
- SERVICE section = seats reserved for compulsory service completers
- TOTAL column = sum of all seats for that college in that speciality
- Bottom TOTAL row = sum of all seats across all colleges for that speciality
Colleges with highest and lowest intake
Madras Medical College, Chennai consistently offers the highest number of seats across most specialities. In General Surgery, it offers 14 seats; in Paediatrics, 26 seats; in Anaesthesiology, 19 seats. This is the most competitive college in Tamil Nadu for NEET-PG.
Stanley Medical College, Chennai and Kilpauk Medical College, Chennai are also major contributors, each offering 7–15 seats per speciality. These three Chennai colleges together account for a significant portion of available seats.
Tier-2 colleges (Madurai, Thanjavur, Tirunelveli, Coimbatore, Salem, Trichy, Vellore, Dharmapuri, Villupuram, Thiruvannamalai, Cuddalore) typically offer 1–5 seats per speciality. While fewer seats mean higher competition per seat, these colleges are often easier to secure for candidates with moderate-to-good ranks, especially if they are willing to relocate.
- Madras Medical College: highest intake, most competitive
- Stanley Medical College: strong second-tier option
- Kilpauk Medical College: consistent moderate intake
- Tier-2 colleges: fewer seats, but often easier to secure
- Newly added colleges (Sivagangai, Thiruvannamalai, Omandurar, Erode): emerging options with limited seats
Important notes on tentative vs. final vacancies
Every kind of PG seat, one rank
See the real seats your NEET-PG rank can reach.
This matrix is TENTATIVE. The final number of seats may differ due to: (1) candidates withdrawing after allotment, (2) doctors resigning or taking leave, (3) administrative adjustments or court orders, (4) colleges adding or reducing intake. Do not assume these exact numbers will be available during your counselling round.
Vacancies can also change between counselling rounds. Round 1 may have 100 seats in a speciality, but after allotment and withdrawals, Round 2 might have only 80 seats (or more, if many candidates decline). Always check the official vacancy list released before each round.
The snapshot is dated 31 October 2026. If you are reading this after that date, check the Tamil Nadu Medical Selection Committee website (tnmedicalselection.net) for updated vacancy lists closer to your counselling round.
- Tentative = subject to change
- Withdrawals and resignations reduce available seats
- New vacancies may arise between rounds
- Check official website for round-specific vacancy updates
- Do not rely solely on this snapshot for rank prediction
Diploma courses (D.O., D.Ortho, D.G.O., D.C.H., D.A., D.D.V.L) and rare specialities
The matrix also includes PG Diploma courses (D.O., D.Ortho, D.G.O., D.C.H., D.A., D.D.V.L) offered at Cuddalore Medical College. These are typically 2-year courses and have very limited seats (1–3 per course). Diploma seats are often filled by candidates with lower NEET-PG ranks or those seeking a shorter postgraduate qualification.
Rare specialities like Geriatrics (5 seats), Immuno Haematology & Transfusion Medicine (10 seats), and Radiation Oncology (15 seats) have minimal availability. If you are targeting these, ensure your rank is competitive enough to secure a seat in a college offering them, as not all colleges have these specialities.
M.Ch. (6-year super-speciality in Neurosurgery) at Christian Medical College Vellore is also listed but is NOT part of NEET-PG broad-speciality counselling—it is a separate super-speciality exam (NEET-SS). Do not confuse it with MD/MS/DNB courses.
- Diploma courses: 2-year qualification, limited seats
- Rare specialities: very few seats, high competition
- M.Ch. and DM: super-speciality, separate exam (NEET-SS), not NEET-PG
- Geriatrics, Immuno Haematology, Radiation Oncology: niche fields, plan accordingly
How to use this matrix for rank prediction and college selection
Step 1: Identify your NEET-PG rank and category (OC, SC, ST, BC, OBC, or Service). Step 2: Look at specialities you are interested in and note the total number of seats available. Step 3: Cross-reference with previous years' cutoff ranks (if available) to estimate whether your rank is competitive. Step 4: Shortlist colleges where you have a realistic chance based on seat availability and your rank.
Example: If you are an OC candidate with rank 500 and interested in General Surgery, you see 154 total seats across Tamil Nadu. Assuming roughly 30–40% of seats go to OC candidates, you have ~46–62 OC seats to compete for. If previous years' cutoff for General Surgery was rank 300–400, your rank 500 may not be competitive for top colleges but could secure a seat in tier-2 colleges.
⚠️ TRAP: Do not assume you will get your first choice. Counselling is merit-based and rank-based. If your rank is 1000 and you choose a speciality where the cutoff is rank 200, you will not be allotted that speciality. Always have backup choices in specialities and colleges where your rank is competitive.
- Know your rank and category before counselling
- Compare total seats with previous years' cutoffs
- Shortlist realistic colleges based on rank and seat availability
- Have backup choices in lower-ranked colleges
- Do not chase unrealistic specialities or colleges
Key dates and next steps
This snapshot is dated 31 October 2026. Counselling rounds typically begin within 1–2 weeks of the NEET-PG exam result announcement. The Tamil Nadu Medical Selection Committee will release a detailed counselling schedule, including registration dates, choice-filling dates, and allotment dates, on its official website (tnmedicalselection.net).
Before counselling begins, ensure you have: (1) your NEET-PG scorecard and rank, (2) your caste certificate (if applicable) in the correct format, (3) your MBBS degree certificate and mark sheets, (4) your ID proof and address proof, (5) a list of colleges and specialities you are interested in. Missing or incorrect documents can lead to rejection during counselling.
Register on the counselling portal as soon as registration opens. Fill your choices carefully and in order of preference. Once you submit your choices, you cannot change them, so think through your preferences before finalizing. After allotment, join your allotted college within the specified time frame, or you will forfeit your seat.
- Counselling schedule: check tnmedicalselection.net
- Register early to avoid last-minute issues
- Prepare all required documents in advance
- Fill choices carefully—no changes allowed after submission
- Join your allotted college on time or lose your seat
See the exact MD/MS/DNB seats your NEET-PG rank can get
Free 2-minute preview — round-wise closing ranks, fees and stipend for every seat your rank can reach.
See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between this tentative vacancy list and the final allotment?
This tentative list shows how many seats are available as of 31 October 2026, before counselling begins. The final allotment depends on how many candidates apply, their ranks, and their choices. Seats may increase or decrease between rounds due to withdrawals, resignations, or administrative changes. Always check the official vacancy list released before each counselling round.
I am an SC candidate. How do I know which seats are reserved for me?
Look at the SC column in the table for your chosen speciality and college. For example, if MS Orthopaedics at Madras Medical College shows SC=1 under OPEN and SC=1 under SERVICE, you have 2 SC seats to compete for in that college. Your caste certificate must clearly state 'SC' (not a sub-group like 'SC Arunthathiyar' unless that is your specific category). Mismatched certificates will be rejected.
What is the Service quota, and am I eligible?
Service quota (20% of seats) is reserved for doctors who have completed compulsory service in government health centres as per their state's bond. If you have completed your service, you are eligible for Service quota seats. These seats are listed separately in the SERVICE section of the table. If you have not completed service, you can only compete for Open category seats.
My rank is 1500. Can I get a seat in General Surgery at Madras Medical College?
Unlikely. Madras Medical College is the most competitive college in Tamil Nadu, and General Surgery is a popular speciality. Previous years' cutoffs for General Surgery at Madras Medical College are typically in the rank 200–400 range. With rank 1500, you may secure a seat in General Surgery at a tier-2 college (Madurai, Thanjavur, Tirunelveli, etc.) or in a less popular speciality at a major college. Always have realistic backup choices.
How many total seats are available in Tamil Nadu for NEET-PG 2026?
Based on this matrix, approximately 1,500+ seats are available across government, self-financing, and private medical colleges combined. This includes MD, MS, DNB, and Diploma courses. The exact number varies by speciality and college. General Surgery, Anaesthesiology, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and Paediatrics have the highest intake.
What if my caste certificate shows a sub-group like 'SC Arunthathiyar'?
You are eligible only for seats marked 'SCA' (SC Arunthathiyar), not the general 'SC' seats. If a college has no SCA seats in your chosen speciality, you cannot be allotted that speciality at that college. Always check the SCA column before finalizing your choices. Mismatched certificates are a common reason for rejection.
Can I change my choices after submitting them during counselling?
No. Once you submit your choices on the counselling portal, you cannot change them. This is why it is critical to think through your preferences carefully before finalizing. Rank your choices in order of preference, with realistic options at the top and backup options below.
What happens if I do not join my allotted college within the specified time?
You will forfeit your seat, and it will be offered to the next candidate in the merit list. You will not be eligible for further rounds of counselling in that state. Always join your allotted college on time, even if it is not your first choice. You can apply for transfer or super-speciality later.
Are self-financing college seats the same as government college seats?
Self-financing colleges participate in NEET-PG counselling and follow the same category-wise allocation as government colleges. However, they also have Management Quota seats (direct admission by the college), which are NOT part of NEET-PG counselling. Only Government Quota seats appear in this matrix. Fees at self-financing colleges are higher than government colleges.
I want to do Ophthalmology. Which college should I target?
Aravind Eye Hospital Madurai offers 20 seats in MS Ophthalmology (the highest in Tamil Nadu). Christian Medical College Vellore offers 12 seats. Madras Medical College offers 15 seats. If your rank is in the top 100–200, target Madras Medical College or Christian Medical College. If your rank is 300–500, Aravind Eye Hospital is a realistic option. Always have tier-2 colleges as backups.
What is the difference between MD and MS?
MD (Doctor of Medicine) is a 3-year postgraduate degree in medical specialities (e.g., General Medicine, Paediatrics, Psychiatry, Respiratory Medicine). MS (Master of Surgery) is a 3-year postgraduate degree in surgical specialities (e.g., General Surgery, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology). Both are equivalent qualifications. DNB (Diplomate of National Board) is an alternative to MD/MS offered by NBEMS and is also a 3-year course.
Is this matrix the same for all counselling rounds?
No. This is the snapshot for Round 1 (as of 31 October 2026). After Round 1 allotment and withdrawals, Round 2 will have a different vacancy list. Some specialities may have more vacancies (if candidates withdrew), and others may have fewer (if all seats were filled). Always check the official vacancy list released before each round.
This tentative seat matrix is your roadmap for NEET-PG 2026 counselling in Tamil Nadu. Use it to understand seat availability, estimate your chances, and plan your college and speciality preferences. Register on the counselling portal as soon as it opens, prepare all required documents, and fill your choices carefully. Remember: this is a tentative snapshot, and final vacancies may differ. Stay updated with the Tamil Nadu Medical Selection Committee website (tnmedicalselection.net) for round-specific vacancy lists and counselling schedules. Good luck with your counselling!
Plan your admission with free AI tools
Turn your NEET score into a rank, then into the exact colleges you can get.