Tamil Nadu's Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DME) has released the tentative vacancy position for MBBS and BDS degree courses for the 2026–27 academic year, effective 29 September 2026. This document lists all available seats across government colleges, self-financing (SF) colleges, private colleges, and special categories (ESIC and IRT Ward) in Tamil Nadu. The seat matrix shows how many seats are available under the Government Quota, Management Quota (MQ), and Minority categories (CM, MM, TM) at each institution. This is a critical reference for NEET UG 2026 candidates to understand where they can apply and how many seats exist at each college before counselling begins.
Tamil Nadu has 1,983 total MBBS and BDS seats available for NEET UG 2026 across all college types, with 82 MBBS government seats, 897 self-financing MBBS seats, 317 private MBBS seats, and 59 BDS government seats.
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Unlock My College ListWhat is this vacancy position document?
The tentative vacancy position is an official list released by Tamil Nadu's DME showing how many MBBS and BDS seats are available at each medical and dental college in the state for the 2026–27 admission cycle. It is 'tentative' because the final number of seats may change slightly due to admissions, withdrawals, or regulatory updates before counselling rounds begin.
This document is essential for NEET UG 2026 candidates because it tells you exactly which colleges have seats, how many seats each college offers, and under which quota category (Government, Management, or Minority) those seats fall. Without this information, you would not know where you are eligible to apply or how competitive each college might be.
Total seats available across all categories
Tamil Nadu is offering a total of 1,983 MBBS and BDS seats for NEET UG 2026. This breaks down as follows: 82 MBBS seats in government colleges, 1 MBBS seat in ESIC colleges, 897 MBBS seats in self-financing colleges, 317 MBBS seats in private colleges, 1 MBBS seat in IRT Ward category, 59 BDS seats in government colleges, and 630 BDS seats in self-financing colleges.
The majority of seats are in self-financing and private colleges, which means most candidates will compete for these seats. Government college seats are limited and highly competitive. The seat numbers shown are as of 29 September 2026 and may be updated as the counselling process progresses.
- MBBS Government Colleges: 82 seats
- MBBS ESIC: 1 seat
- MBBS Self-Financing Colleges: 897 seats
- MBBS Private Colleges: 317 seats
- MBBS IRT Ward: 1 seat
- BDS Government Colleges: 59 seats
- BDS Self-Financing Colleges: 630 seats
| College Type | MBBS Seats | BDS Seats | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government Colleges | 82 | 59 | 141 |
| Self-Financing Colleges | 897 | 630 | 1,527 |
| Private Colleges | 317 | 0 | 317 |
| ESIC | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| IRT Ward | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| TOTAL | 1,298 | 689 | 1,987 |
MBBS seats in government colleges
Tamil Nadu has 82 MBBS seats available across 31 government medical colleges. These seats are all under the Government Quota, meaning they are filled through the state's counselling process based on NEET UG rank and merit. Government college seats are the most sought-after because they are affordable and prestigious.
The largest government colleges are Madras Medical College and Madurai Medical College, each with 7 seats. Smaller colleges like K A P Viswanatham Government Medical College (Trichy) and Government Dharmapuri Medical College have only 1 seat each. Candidates must achieve a very high NEET UG rank to secure a government college seat in Tamil Nadu.
- Madras Medical College, Chennai: 7 seats
- Madurai Medical College, Madurai: 7 seats
- Stanley Medical College, Chennai: 5 seats
- Kilpauk Medical College, Chennai: 5 seats
- Coimbatore Medical College, Coimbatore: 4 seats
- Government Medical College and Hospital, Cuddalore: 4 seats
- Thanjavur, Tirunelveli, Theni, Omandurar, Dindigul, Krishnagiri, Nagapattinam: 3 seats each
- Chengalpattu, Thoothukudi, Kanyakumari, Villupuram, Thiruvarur: 2 seats each
- K A P Viswanatham (Trichy), Govt Mohan Kumaramangalam (Salem), Government Vellore, Government Dharmapuri, Government Sivagangai, Government Erode, Government Pudukottai, Government Karur, Government Namakkal, Government Nilgiris, Government Ramanathapuram, Government Tiruppur: 1 seat each
MBBS seats in self-financing colleges
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Tamil Nadu has 897 MBBS seats available across 21 self-financing medical colleges. These colleges charge higher fees than government colleges but are still regulated by the state. The seats are divided into Government Quota (236 seats), Management Quota (153 seats), and Minority categories (CM: 5, MM: 8, TM: 40 seats), plus NRI seats (455 seats).
Self-financing colleges offer more seats than government colleges, making them more accessible to candidates who do not achieve the rank needed for government colleges. However, fees are significantly higher. Major self-financing colleges include Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College (71 seats total), Indira Medical College (78 seats), and Arunai Medical College (57 seats). Candidates eligible for Management Quota or Minority categories may find more opportunities here.
- Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College, Perambalur: 71 total seats (23 govt, 2 MQ, 12 MM, 34 NRI)
- Indira Medical College, Thiruvallur: 78 total seats (18 govt, 24 MQ, 36 NRI)
- Arunai Medical College, Tiruvannamalai: 57 total seats (11 govt, 9 NRI, 37 TM)
- Sri Muthukumaran Medical College, Chennai: 44 total seats (9 govt, 5 NRI, 30 TM)
- Swamy Vivekanandha Medical College, Namakkal: 56 total seats (12 govt, 8 MQ, 36 NRI)
- Tagore Medical College, Chennai: 47 total seats (5 govt, 7 MQ, 35 NRI)
- Madha Medical College, Chennai: 63 total seats (14 govt, 15 MQ, 5 MM, 29 NRI)
- Annapoorna Medical College, Salem: 45 total seats (8 govt, 7 MQ, 7 TM, 23 NRI)
MBBS seats in private colleges
Tamil Nadu has 317 MBBS seats available across 3 private medical colleges (private universities). These colleges charge the highest fees but are open to all candidates who meet NEET UG eligibility. The seats are divided into Government Quota (99 seats), Management Quota (99 seats), and Minority categories (CM: 6, MM: 15 seats), plus NRI seats (98 seats).
Private college seats are typically more accessible in terms of rank requirements but come with substantially higher fees. The three private colleges are Sri Venkateswaraa Medical College (120 seats), Kanyakumari Medical Mission Research Center (130 seats), and Takshashila Medical College (67 seats). These colleges may be an option for candidates who do not qualify for government or self-financing colleges but have the financial means.
- Kanyakumari Medical Mission Research Center, Kanyakumari: 130 total seats (49 govt, 45 MQ, 6 CM, 30 NRI)
- Sri Venkateswaraa Medical College, Chennai: 120 total seats (33 govt, 34 MQ, 15 TM, 38 NRI)
- Takshashila Medical College, Villupuram: 67 total seats (17 govt, 20 MQ, 30 NRI)
BDS seats in government colleges
Tamil Nadu has 59 BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) seats available across 3 government dental colleges. All seats are under the Government Quota. BDS is a 5-year course in dentistry and is less competitive than MBBS, though government BDS seats are still highly sought-after.
The three government dental colleges are Tamil Nadu Government Dental College & Hospital, Chennai (22 seats), Government Dental College, Pudukottai (22 seats), and Government Dental College and Hospital, Cuddalore (15 seats). Candidates interested in dentistry should note that BDS government seats are limited and require a strong NEET UG rank.
- Tamil Nadu Government Dental College & Hospital, Chennai: 22 seats
- Government Dental College, Pudukottai: 22 seats
- Government Dental College and Hospital, Cuddalore: 15 seats
BDS seats in self-financing colleges
Tamil Nadu has 630 BDS seats available across 19 self-financing dental colleges. These seats are divided into Government Quota (374 seats), Management Quota (189 seats), and Minority categories (CM: 9, MM: 20 seats), plus NRI seats (38 seats). Self-financing BDS colleges offer significantly more seats than government colleges, making them more accessible.
Major self-financing dental colleges include Priyadharshini Dental College (50 seats), Ragas Dental College (55 seats), Best Dental Science College (46 seats), and Asan Memorial Dental College (49 seats). Candidates interested in BDS who do not qualify for government colleges should explore these options. Fees are higher than government colleges but lower than private medical colleges.
- Ragas Dental College & Hospital, Chennai: 55 total seats (31 govt, 24 NRI)
- Priyadharshini Dental College & Hospital, Thiruvallur: 50 total seats (26 govt, 9 MQ, 15 NRI)
- Best Dental Science College, Madurai: 46 total seats (32 govt, 14 MQ)
- Asan Memorial Dental College & Hospital, Chengalpattu: 49 total seats (18 govt, 31 MQ)
- Madha Dental College & Hospital, Kundrathur: 45 total seats (32 govt, 7 MQ, 6 CM)
- Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Dental College, Perambalur: 45 total seats (19 govt, 12 MQ, 14 TM)
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Understanding quota categories: Government, Management, and Minority
Tamil Nadu uses three main quota categories for seat allocation. The Government Quota (also called General Merit) is filled based on NEET UG rank and merit alone. Management Quota (MQ) seats are filled by the college's management and typically require higher fees; eligibility may vary by college. Minority categories are for candidates from specific religious or community backgrounds and require appropriate certificates.
The Minority categories are further divided into: CM (Christian Minority), MM (Muslim Minority), and TM (Tamil Minority). Each category has specific eligibility criteria and certificate requirements. For example, to claim a CM seat, you must have a valid Christian Minority certificate issued by the appropriate authority. Candidates should verify their eligibility for each category before applying.
- Government Quota: Filled by merit (NEET UG rank); open to all eligible candidates
- Management Quota (MQ): Filled by college management; may have higher fees and different eligibility criteria
- Christian Minority (CM): For Christian candidates with valid minority certificate
- Muslim Minority (MM): For Muslim candidates with valid minority certificate
- Tamil Minority (TM): For Tamil candidates with valid minority certificate
- NRI: For Non-Resident Indian candidates; typically higher fees
Special categories: ESIC and IRT Ward
Tamil Nadu offers 1 MBBS seat under the ESIC (Employees' State Insurance Corporation) category at ESI-PGIMSR, ESI Hospital, K.K. Nagar, Chennai. This seat is reserved for candidates who meet ESIC eligibility criteria, which typically relates to employment or family status under the ESIC scheme.
Tamil Nadu also offers 1 MBBS seat under the IRT Ward category at Government Erode Medical College & Hospital, Perundurai. IRT Ward seats are reserved for specific categories as defined by state regulations. Candidates should check the official counselling guidelines to determine if they are eligible for these special category seats.
- ESIC MBBS: 1 seat at ESI-PGIMSR, Chennai
- IRT Ward MBBS: 1 seat at Government Erode Medical College & Hospital, Perundurai
What 'tentative' means and why seats may change
The document is labeled 'tentative' because the final number of seats may differ from what is shown here. Seats can change due to several reasons: candidates may withdraw after admission, colleges may report additional vacancies, regulatory authorities may adjust seat allocations, or new colleges may be recognized. The date '29-09-2026' indicates when this snapshot was taken.
Candidates should treat this as a reference guide but remain alert for official updates from Tamil Nadu's DME or the counselling portal (TN MedSelect). Final seat matrices will be released before each counselling round begins. Do not assume that the exact number of seats shown here will be available when you apply; use this to understand the general distribution and availability across colleges.
- Seats may increase if colleges report additional vacancies
- Seats may decrease if fewer candidates withdraw or if regulatory changes occur
- Final seat matrices are released before each counselling round
- Check TN MedSelect portal regularly for updates
How to use this seat matrix for your application strategy
Use this seat matrix to identify colleges where you are likely to get a seat based on your NEET UG rank. Compare the number of seats available at each college with the expected cutoff ranks (which will be released after NEET UG results). Colleges with more seats typically have lower cutoff ranks; colleges with fewer seats are more competitive.
For example, if you are aiming for a government college MBBS seat, focus on colleges with 3–7 seats (like Madras, Madurai, Stanley, Kilpauk) as they are more likely to have lower cutoffs than colleges with only 1 seat. If you are interested in self-financing colleges, note that colleges with 70+ total seats (like Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan, Indira, Arunai) may have more accessible cutoffs. Create a list of colleges in your rank range and prepare for counselling accordingly.
- Identify colleges with seat counts matching your expected rank range
- Government colleges with 3–7 seats are typically more accessible than those with 1 seat
- Self-financing colleges with 50+ seats usually have lower cutoffs
- Note the quota category breakdown to see if you are eligible for Management or Minority seats
- Prepare a priority list of colleges for counselling
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the total number of MBBS and BDS seats available in Tamil Nadu for NEET UG 2026?
Tamil Nadu has a total of 1,987 MBBS and BDS seats available for NEET UG 2026. This includes 1,298 MBBS seats (82 government, 1 ESIC, 897 self-financing, 317 private, 1 IRT Ward) and 689 BDS seats (59 government, 630 self-financing). The exact breakdown is shown in the official vacancy position document dated 29 September 2026.
How many government MBBS seats are available in Tamil Nadu?
Tamil Nadu has 82 MBBS seats available in government colleges across 31 institutions. These seats are all under the Government Quota and are filled based on NEET UG merit rank. Government college seats are highly competitive and require a very high rank to secure.
Which government medical college has the most MBBS seats?
Madras Medical College, Chennai and Madurai Medical College, Madurai each have 7 MBBS seats, which is the highest among government colleges in Tamil Nadu. Stanley Medical College and Kilpauk Medical College, both in Chennai, each have 5 seats.
What is the difference between Government Quota, Management Quota, and Minority seats?
Government Quota seats are filled based on NEET UG merit rank and are open to all eligible candidates. Management Quota seats are filled by the college's management and may have different eligibility criteria and higher fees. Minority seats (CM, MM, TM) are reserved for candidates from specific religious or community backgrounds and require valid minority certificates. NRI seats are for Non-Resident Indian candidates.
How many self-financing MBBS seats are available, and which colleges have the most?
Tamil Nadu has 897 MBBS seats in 21 self-financing colleges. The colleges with the most seats are Indira Medical College, Thiruvallur (78 seats), Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College, Perambalur (71 seats), Arunai Medical College, Tiruvannamalai (57 seats), and Swamy Vivekanandha Medical College, Namakkal (56 seats).
Are there private medical colleges in Tamil Nadu offering MBBS seats?
Yes, Tamil Nadu has 3 private medical colleges (private universities) offering 317 MBBS seats total. These are Kanyakumari Medical Mission Research Center (130 seats), Sri Venkateswaraa Medical College, Chennai (120 seats), and Takshashila Medical College, Villupuram (67 seats). Private college seats typically have lower rank cutoffs but charge significantly higher fees.
How many BDS seats are available in government dental colleges?
Tamil Nadu has 59 BDS seats available across 3 government dental colleges: Tamil Nadu Government Dental College & Hospital, Chennai (22 seats), Government Dental College, Pudukottai (22 seats), and Government Dental College and Hospital, Cuddalore (15 seats). All seats are under the Government Quota.
Why is this document labeled 'tentative'?
The document is labeled 'tentative' because the final number of seats may change before counselling begins. Seats can increase if colleges report additional vacancies or decrease due to regulatory changes or candidate withdrawals. Candidates should check the TN MedSelect portal regularly for updates and final seat matrices released before each counselling round.
What does the date '29-09-2026' on this document mean?
The date 29-09-2026 indicates when this vacancy position snapshot was taken. It represents the seat availability as of that specific date. The actual seats available during counselling may differ, so candidates should refer to the final seat matrix released by Tamil Nadu's DME before counselling begins.
How should I use this seat matrix to plan my counselling strategy?
Use this matrix to identify colleges where you are likely to get a seat based on your expected NEET UG rank. Colleges with more seats typically have lower cutoff ranks. Create a priority list of colleges in your rank range, noting the quota categories you are eligible for (Government, Management, or Minority). Compare this with cutoff ranks released after NEET UG results to refine your choices.
Can the number of seats shown in this document change before counselling?
Yes, the number of seats can change. Seats may increase if colleges report additional vacancies or decrease due to regulatory adjustments or other reasons. This is why the document is labeled 'tentative.' Always check the official TN MedSelect portal and DME announcements for the most current seat information before counselling begins.
Are there any MBBS seats reserved for ESIC or IRT Ward categories?
Yes, Tamil Nadu offers 1 MBBS seat under the ESIC category at ESI-PGIMSR, ESI Hospital, K.K. Nagar, Chennai, and 1 MBBS seat under the IRT Ward category at Government Erode Medical College & Hospital, Perundurai. Candidates should check the official counselling guidelines to determine if they are eligible for these special category seats.
This tentative vacancy position is your first reference for understanding where MBBS and BDS seats are available in Tamil Nadu for NEET UG 2026. Use it to identify colleges matching your rank range and create a counselling strategy. However, remember that these numbers are tentative and may change. Monitor the TN MedSelect portal (https://tnmedicalselection.net) regularly for final seat matrices and counselling schedules. Once NEET UG 2026 results are released and cutoff ranks are published, cross-reference this document with the cutoffs to finalize your college preference list.
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