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), DNB, and PG Diploma programs. For NEET PG 2026, the official schedule will be announced by NBEMS. The exam is expected to be conducted in the first half of 2026 (tentative).
With a vast number of candidates competing annually, understanding the distribution and availability of NEET PG seats in India 2026 is crucial for effective preparation and strategic planning. Many aspirants also search for the NEET PG seat matrix 2026 to compare government, private, and deemed university seats before counselling.
Total NEET PG Seats in India 2026
As per recent available data, India offers more than 70,000+ postgraduate medical seats across government medical colleges, private medical colleges, and deemed universities. These seats include MD, MS, DNB, and PG Diploma programs. Since the final seat matrix is updated year-wise, candidates should also track NMC approved seat updates released for the current academic session.
NEET PG Seats 2026 Updated: The exact number of NEET PG seats in India 2026 will depend on NMC approvals, addition of new colleges, and seat increases in existing institutions. Therefore, aspirants must check the latest NEET PG seat matrix 2026 PDF once released.
Course-wise Distribution of NEET PG Seats in India 2026
The postgraduate medical seats are categorized into the following primary courses:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): A postgraduate degree focusing on non-surgical disciplines.
- Master of Surgery (MS): A postgraduate degree emphasizing surgical specialties.
- DNB (Diplomate of National Board): PG medical training across accredited hospitals/centres in India.
- PG Diploma: Short-term courses in various medical specialties.
The exact distribution of seats among these courses may vary each year based on policy changes, NMC approvals, and the introduction of new programs.
State-wise Distribution of NEET PG Seats 2026
The allocation of total NEET PG seats in India 2026 varies significantly across different states, influenced by the number of medical colleges and their capacities. Below is an expected state-wise NEET PG seat matrix based on recent trends and currently available seat data (indicative only). The final numbers will be confirmed in the official NEET PG seat matrix 2026.
| 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 2026
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 counselling. The process generally follows these steps:
- Qualifying the Exam: Candidates must clear NEET PG with the minimum required percentile.
- Registration for Counselling: Qualified candidates register on MCC for All India Quota (AIQ) seats and on state portals for state quota.
- Choice Filling & Locking: Candidates select their preferred colleges and branches and lock choices before deadline.
- Seat Allotment Rounds: Multiple rounds take place depending on vacant seats and merit list.
- Reporting & Admission: Candidates report to the allotted college for document verification and joining.
- Mop-up & Stray Vacancy: Remaining seats are filled in the final rounds.
This process ensures merit-based seat allotment, but competition remains intense due to limited seats in high-demand branches.
Growth of Total NEET PG 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 seats, especially in government medical colleges.
- In previous years, there were around 35,000 PG seats, which have now grown significantly to 70,000+ seats.
- New medical colleges and upgrades in district hospitals have helped increase PG seat availability.
- Private colleges and deemed universities have expanded their capacity to accommodate more aspirants.
Top NEET PG Medical Colleges in India
Along with the total PG medical seats in India, it is also important for aspirants to know about the top colleges. As per the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024, here are the top 10 PG medical colleges in India:
| 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 such as:
- High Competition: With lakhs of candidates appearing annually, competition remains fierce.
- Limited Government Seats: Government colleges offer affordable fees but have limited seats compared to demand.
- Expensive Private Colleges: Many private institutions have higher tuition fees, leading to financial burden.
- Rural-Urban Disparity: Most medical colleges are concentrated in urban regions, creating access challenges.
- Bond Service Obligations: Several states enforce rural service bonds for government PG seats.
- Policy Changes & Counselling Delays: Delays or changes in counselling rounds create uncertainty.
Gearing Up for NEET PG 2026
Understanding the total NEET PG seats in India 2026, along with government, private, and deemed seat distribution, is essential for aspirants to make informed decisions. While seats have increased over the years, candidates must strategically plan their preparation and counselling choices.
The government’s continuous efforts to expand medical education and introduce reforms will likely improve availability in the coming years. With the right strategy, consistent revision, and awareness of seat matrix updates, NEET PG aspirants can navigate the admission process confidently.
FAQs
India is expected to have 70,000+ NEET PG seats in 2026 across government, private, and deemed universities for MD/MS/DNB/PG Diploma courses. The final number will be confirmed in the official seat matrix.
Government NEET PG seats generally have lower fees and higher competition, while private and deemed university seats offer more availability but higher tuition fees.
NEET PG seats are allocated through counselling based on rank, category, seat matrix and candidate preferences. MCC conducts counselling for AIQ seats and states conduct counselling for state quota seats.
AIQ (All India Quota) includes seats that are open for candidates from all over India. Counselling for AIQ seats is conducted by MCC.
Candidates can download the NEET PG seat matrix 2026 PDF from official MCC and NBEMS notifications once released. State counselling portals may also publish state-wise seat matrix PDFs.
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