Embarking on a journey in the medical field is both challenging and rewarding. In this expedition, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET PG) serves as a pivotal milestone for aspiring specialists in India.
This examination determines admission to various postgraduate medical courses, including Doctor of Medicine (MD), Master of Surgery (MS), and PG Diploma programs. In 2025, NEET PG is scheduled for 15th June.
With a vast number of candidates competing annually, understanding the distribution and availability of NEET PG seats in India is crucial for effective preparation and strategic planning.
Total NEET PG Seats in India
As of the latest data, India offers approximately 73,111 postgraduate medical seats, encompassing MD, MS, and Diploma courses. This significant number reflects the country’s commitment to expanding medical education and addressing the growing healthcare needs.
Course-wise Distribution of NEET PG Seats in India
The postgraduate medical seats are categorized into three primary courses:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): A postgraduate degree focusing on non-surgical disciplines.
- Master of Surgery (MS): A postgraduate degree emphasizing surgical specialties.
- PG Diploma: Short-term courses in various medical specialties.
The exact distribution of seats among these courses varies annually based on policy changes and the introduction of new programs.
State-wise Distribution of NEET PG Seats
The allocation of total NEET PG seats in India varies significantly across different states, influenced by the number of medical colleges and their capacities. Here is a detailed state-wise distribution of postgraduate medical seats in 2025-
| State/UT | Government Medical Colleges | Private Medical Colleges | PG Seats in Government Medical Colleges | PG Seats in Private Medical Colleges |
| Andhra Pradesh | 18 | 19 | 1,923 | 1,645 |
| Assam | 13 | 0 | 738 | 0 |
| Bihar | 13 | 8 | 908 | 321 |
| Chandigarh | 1 | 0 | 585 | 0 |
| Chattisgarh | 7 | 7 | 475 | 114 |
| Delhi | 8 | 2 | 2,889 | 49 |
| Goa | 1 | 0 | 137 | 0 |
| Gujarat | 18 | 22 | 2,186 | 724 |
| Haryana | 5 | 10 | 432 | 465 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 7 | 1 | 264 | 92 |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 9 | 3 | 606 | 51 |
| Jharkhand | 7 | 2 | 263 | 0 |
| Karnataka | 24 | 46 | 1,856 | 4,593 |
| Kerala | 12 | 21 | 1,077 | 868 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 14 | 13 | 1,489 | 859 |
| Maharashtra | 31 | 37 | 3,576 | 2,498 |
| Odisha | 12 | 5 | 725 | 509 |
| Punjab | 5 | 7 | 408 | 384 |
| Rajasthan | 17 | 18 | 2,255 | 1,033 |
| Tamil Nadu | 38 | 36 | 2,765 | 2,369 |
| Telangana | 22 | 34 | 1,504 | 1,608 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 26 | 42 | 2,301 | 1,919 |
| Uttarakhand | 4 | 4 | 157 | 260 |
| West Bengal | 26 | 9 | 1,791 | 297 |
Note: Some Union Territories and states like Arunachal Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Sikkim have either minimal or no postgraduate medical seats available.
NEET PG Seat Allocation Process
NEET PG seat allocation is conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and respective state authorities. It is based on the candidate’s NEET PG rank, category, seat availability, and preferences provided during counseling. The process follows these steps:
- Qualifying the Exam- Candidates must clear the NEET PG exam with the minimum required percentile.
- Registration for Counseling- Qualified candidates register on the MCC website for All India Quota (AIQ) seats and respective state portals for state counseling.
- Choice Filling & Locking- Candidates select their preferred colleges and specializations. Choices must be locked before the deadline.
- Seat Allotment Rounds- MCC conducts multiple rounds of counseling based on merit, category, and seat matrix.
- Result Declaration & Reporting- Candidates check their allotment status and report to the assigned college for document verification and admission.
- Mop-Up & Stray Vacancy Rounds- Leftover seats are filled in these final rounds.
The process ensures fair allocation, but competition remains intense due to limited seats.
Growth of NEET PG Total Seats in India
The number of state-wise PG medical seats in India has seen a significant rise over the past decade due to government initiatives. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has introduced multiple reforms to increase the number of seats, particularly in government colleges.
- In 2017, there were around 35,000 PG seats, which have now grown to over 73,000.
- The government has added new medical colleges and upgraded district hospitals to increase PG seat availability.
- Private colleges have also expanded their capacity to accommodate more students.
Top NEET PG Medical Colleges in India
Along with the total MBBS PG seats in India, it is also important for the aspirants to know about the top colleges in the country. As per the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024, here are the top 10 PG medical colleges in the country-
| Rank | Medical College | Location | Score |
| 1. | All India Institute of Medical Sciences Delhi | New Delhi | 94.46 |
| 2. | Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research | Chandigarh | 80.83 |
| 3. | Christian Medical College | Tamil Nadu | 75.11 |
| 4. | National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore | Karnataka | 71.92 |
| 5. | Jawaharlal Institute of Post-Graduate Medical Education and Research | Puducherry | 70.74 |
| 6. | Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences | Uttar Pradesh | 70.07 |
| 7. | Banaras Hindu University | Uttar Pradesh | 69.54 |
| 8. | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | Tamil Nadu | 68.81 |
| 9. | Kasturba Medical College, Manipal | Karnataka | 67.42 |
| 10. | Madras Medical College and Government General Hospital, Chennai | Tamil Nadu | 64.12 |
Challenges Faced by NEET PG Aspirants
Despite the increase in total PG medical seats in India, aspirants face several challenges like-
- High Competition: With over 2 lakh candidates appearing annually, the competition remains fierce, making it difficult to secure a seat in top medical colleges.
- Limited Government Seats: Government colleges offer affordable tuition fees but have limited seats, making admission highly competitive. Many students are forced to opt for private institutions due to fewer government options.
- Expensive Private Colleges: One of the biggest reasons for the high demand for NEET PG government seats in India is the high tuition fees of many private institutions. Some colleges charge exorbitant capitation fees, forcing students to take hefty education loans.
- Rural-Urban Disparity: Medical colleges are concentrated in urban areas, limiting access for rural students. Many aspirants from remote regions struggle with relocation, financial constraints, and limited coaching facilities.
- Bond Service Obligations: Many states require PG students in government colleges to serve in rural areas after completing their course, which may not align with their career aspirations.
- Changing Exam Patterns & Counseling Delays: Frequent policy changes, modifications in exam patterns, and delays in counseling rounds create uncertainty and stress for aspirants.
Gearing Up for NEET PG 2025
Understanding the total private and total government NEET PG seats in India is essential for aspirants to make informed decisions regarding their preferences. While the number of seats has significantly increased, competition remains high, and aspirants must strategically plan their preparation.
The government’s continuous efforts to expand medical education and introduce reforms will likely improve the situation in the coming years. With the right strategy, hard work, and awareness of seat distribution, medical aspirants can navigate the path to securing a PG seat and advancing their careers in medicine.
FAQs on NEET PG Seats in India
As of recent updates, there are over 70,000 NEET PG seats across government, private, and deemed universities, including both MD/MS and diploma seats.
Government colleges offer around 50% of the total seats, while private and deemed universities account for the remaining, with varying tuition fees.
Seats are allocated based on NEET PG rank, category, and preferences through centralized counseling conducted by MCC for All India Quota and state authorities for state quota.
AIQ reserves 50% of seats in government medical colleges for candidates from across India, while the remaining seats are allotted through state quota.
Many government colleges require students to serve in rural or government hospitals for a few years after completing their PG course, depending on state policies.
