The Directorate General of Medical Education & Training (DGME), Uttar Pradesh, has published the tentative seat matrix for NEET UG 2026 Round 1 counselling covering MBBS and BDS courses. This document shows how many seats are available in each medical and dental college across Uttar Pradesh, broken down by category (General, OBC, SC, ST) and quota type. The seat matrix is the foundation of the counselling process — it tells you which colleges have how many seats you can apply for. All candidates who have qualified NEET UG 2026 and are eligible for UP counselling must review this matrix to understand their options before the counselling registration window opens.
The tentative seat matrix for UP NEET UG 2026 Round 1 (MBBS/BDS) is now live on upneet.gov.in — check it to see which colleges have seats in your category.
What is the Seat Matrix?
The seat matrix is an official list that shows exactly how many MBBS and BDS seats are available in each medical and dental college in Uttar Pradesh for Round 1 counselling. It breaks down seats by category — General, OBC (Other Backward Class), SC (Scheduled Caste), and ST (Scheduled Tribe) — so you can see which seats you are eligible to apply for based on your category.
This is a 'tentative' matrix, meaning the final numbers may change slightly if colleges report any changes in infrastructure, faculty, or recognition status before counselling begins. However, it is the best guide you have right now to plan your college choices and understand the competition in your category.
Why You Must Check the Seat Matrix Now
The seat matrix is your roadmap for counselling. Before you register, you need to know: How many MBBS seats are there in colleges you want? How many BDS seats? Which colleges have seats in your category? Are there more General seats or OBC seats in a particular college? This information helps you make a realistic list of colleges to choose during counselling registration.
If you wait until counselling registration opens, you will be making choices under time pressure. Reviewing the seat matrix now — while you have time — means you can research colleges, understand your realistic options, and plan your choices carefully.
What Information Does the Seat Matrix Show?
The seat matrix lists every government and private medical and dental college in Uttar Pradesh that is participating in NEET UG 2026 Round 1 counselling. For each college, it shows the total number of MBBS seats and BDS seats available, and how those seats are divided among categories: General, OBC, SC, and ST.
Some seats may also be marked as reserved for specific quotas (such as the Competent Authority Quota — seats the state fills through its own process, or the All India Quota — seats filled through the national counselling). The matrix helps you understand the exact breakdown so you know which seats you can apply for based on your category and quota eligibility.
How to Access the Seat Matrix
The tentative seat matrix for UP NEET UG 2026 Round 1 is published on the official UP NEET counselling portal: upneet.gov.in. You do not need to log in to view the seat matrix — it is a public document available to all candidates.
Visit the portal, look for the 'News and Events' or 'Announcements' section, and find the link to the 'Tentative Seat Matrix for UP NEET UG Counselling Round 1 MBBS/BDS 2026'. The matrix is typically available as a PDF file that you can download and save for reference.
- Go to upneet.gov.in
- Find the News and Events section
- Locate the Tentative Seat Matrix link for Round 1 MBBS/BDS
- Download and review the PDF
Understanding Category-Wise Seat Breakdown
The seat matrix shows seats divided by category: General (open to all candidates), OBC (for candidates with a valid OBC certificate), SC (for candidates with a valid SC certificate), and ST (for candidates with a valid ST certificate). Your category is determined by the certificate you submitted with your NEET application. You can only apply for seats reserved for your category — you cannot apply for a seat reserved for another category.
For example, if you are a General category candidate, you can apply for General seats and, in some cases, seats from other categories if they remain unfilled. If you are OBC, you can apply for OBC seats and General seats. Always check your category status on the UP NEET portal before counselling to confirm which seats you are eligible for.
MBBS vs. BDS Seats
The seat matrix separates MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery — a 5.5-year medical degree) and BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery — a 5-year dental degree) seats. Each college lists how many seats it has in each course. Make sure you understand which course you are applying for — MBBS and BDS have different curricula, career paths, and seat availability.
In Uttar Pradesh, there are typically more MBBS seats than BDS seats, and competition for BDS is often higher. Review the numbers for both courses in colleges you are interested in so you can make informed choices during counselling.
Government vs. Private Colleges
The seat matrix includes both government medical and dental colleges (funded by the state) and private colleges (run by private institutions). Government colleges typically have lower fees but higher competition. Private colleges have higher fees but may have more seats available in some categories. The matrix shows all colleges together, so you can compare options across both sectors.
When reviewing the matrix, note which colleges are government and which are private — this will affect your choice strategy during counselling, as your rank and category will determine which colleges you can realistically get into.
What 'Tentative' Means — and What Might Change
The word 'tentative' means this is not the final, locked-in seat matrix. The actual number of seats available may change before or during counselling if: a college's recognition status changes, infrastructure or faculty requirements are not met, a college is added or removed from the counselling process, or the state makes administrative adjustments.
However, the tentative matrix is usually very close to the final matrix. Use it for planning, but stay alert to any official updates from DGME UP. If the final matrix differs significantly, the counselling authority will announce the change and may extend deadlines if needed.
How to Use the Seat Matrix to Plan Your Choices
Step 1: Find your category in the matrix (General, OBC, SC, or ST). Step 2: Identify colleges where your category has seats. Step 3: Note the number of seats in each college — fewer seats mean higher competition. Step 4: Research colleges with good seats in your category and course (MBBS or BDS). Step 5: Make a list of colleges you might apply for, ranked by your preference.
Remember: the seat matrix shows availability, but your actual allotment depends on your NEET rank, your category, and your choices during counselling. A college with many seats in your category is not guaranteed — if your rank is not high enough, you may not get in. Use the matrix to set realistic expectations and plan accordingly.
Important: This is Not a Merit List or Allotment
The seat matrix is NOT a merit list (which ranks candidates by score), and it is NOT an allotment result (which assigns seats to specific candidates). It is simply a count of available seats. Your name will not appear in the seat matrix. The matrix is published before counselling registration opens, so you can plan your choices.
Do not confuse the seat matrix with the merit list or allotment result. The merit list will be published later and will show which candidates have qualified for counselling. The allotment result will show which candidate gets which seat after counselling registration and choice-filling closes.
Next Steps: What to Do After Reviewing the Seat Matrix
After you review the seat matrix, take these steps: (1) Identify colleges in your category with good seat availability. (2) Research these colleges — location, infrastructure, faculty, placement record, fees. (3) Make a priority list of colleges you want to apply for. (4) Wait for the counselling registration window to open — DGME UP will announce the exact dates. (5) Register on upneet.gov.in and fill your choices in order of preference during the choice-filling window.
Keep the seat matrix saved on your device for reference. Check the UP NEET portal regularly for updates on counselling dates, registration deadlines, and any changes to the seat matrix.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
Where can I download the tentative seat matrix for UP NEET UG 2026 Round 1?
The tentative seat matrix is available on the official UP NEET counselling portal at upneet.gov.in. Go to the News and Events section and find the link to the 'Tentative Seat Matrix for UP NEET UG Counselling Round 1 MBBS/BDS 2026'. You can download it as a PDF without logging in.
What does 'tentative' mean? Will the seat numbers change?
Tentative means the seat matrix is not final and may change if colleges report changes in recognition, infrastructure, or faculty status. However, the tentative matrix is usually very close to the final matrix. Stay alert to official updates from DGME UP, but use the tentative matrix for planning your choices now.
How do I know which seats I can apply for based on my category?
The seat matrix shows seats divided by category: General, OBC, SC, and ST. Find your category in the matrix and look at the colleges and seat numbers listed for your category. You can apply for seats reserved for your category. If you are OBC, you can also apply for General seats in some cases. Check your category status on the UP NEET portal to confirm.
Does the seat matrix show both MBBS and BDS seats?
Yes, the seat matrix shows both MBBS and BDS seats for each college. MBBS and BDS are separate courses with different seat counts. Make sure you understand which course you are applying for and check the seat availability for that course in colleges you are interested in.
What is the difference between government and private college seats in the matrix?
The seat matrix includes both government and private colleges. Government colleges typically have lower fees but higher competition. Private colleges have higher fees but may have more seats available. The matrix shows all colleges together, so you can compare both sectors and plan your choices accordingly.
Is the seat matrix the same as the merit list or allotment result?
No. The seat matrix is a count of available seats in each college by category. The merit list (published later) ranks candidates by NEET score. The allotment result (published after counselling) assigns seats to specific candidates. The seat matrix is published first so you can plan your choices before counselling registration opens.
How should I use the seat matrix to plan my college choices?
Step 1: Find your category in the matrix. Step 2: Identify colleges with seats in your category. Step 3: Note colleges with fewer seats (higher competition) and more seats (lower competition). Step 4: Research these colleges. Step 5: Make a priority list of colleges you want to apply for. Use this list when you fill your choices during counselling registration.
Will my name appear in the seat matrix?
No. The seat matrix is a list of available seats, not a list of candidates. Your name will appear in the merit list (published later) and the allotment result (published after counselling). The seat matrix is published before counselling so you can plan your choices.
What if a college I want has very few seats in my category?
If a college has very few seats in your category, competition will be high and you may not get in unless your NEET rank is very good. Use the seat matrix to set realistic expectations. Make a list of colleges with varying seat availability — some with few seats (reach colleges), some with moderate seats (target colleges), and some with many seats (safety colleges).
When will counselling registration open? Do I need to register immediately after the seat matrix is published?
The seat matrix is published before counselling registration opens. DGME UP will announce the exact dates for counselling registration in a separate notice. You do not need to register immediately — use the time between the seat matrix release and registration opening to research colleges and plan your choices. Check the UP NEET portal regularly for the registration date announcement.
The tentative seat matrix for UP NEET UG 2026 Round 1 (MBBS/BDS) is now available on upneet.gov.in. Download it, review the seats available in your category and course, research colleges, and make a priority list of your choices. Watch the UP NEET portal for the counselling registration date announcement — you will need to register and fill your choices during the registration window. Do not wait until the last minute; plan now so you can make informed decisions during counselling.
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