NEET PG 2026: NMC releases 58,000-seat matrix for 2026-27, check details

The Medical Assessment & Rating Board (MARB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) has released the institute and course-wise postgraduate medical seat matrix for the 2026-27 academic year, detailing the approved PG courses and annual intake capacity of medical colleges and institutions participating in counseling.

The seat matrix lists around 58,000 postgraduate medical seats across MD, MS and diploma programs, compared with 52,173 seats in 2025-26. This represents an increase of approximately 5,827 seats, or 11%, for the upcoming NEET PG counseling process.

PG seats in private and deemed medical universities have increased by around 32% from the previous academic year, while government medical colleges have recorded an increase of approximately 10%.

The expansion has been reported across specialties including anesthesiology, ophthalmology, ENT, pathology, psychiatry and respiratory medicine.

The NEET PG 2026 result was declared on Sept 24 after the main examination on Aug 30 and a retest on Sept 5. The answer key is expected to be released on or after Oct 1, while the schedule for NEET PG counseling 2026 is yet to be announced.

According to the NMC notice, the published matrix reflects the PG courses and seats approved by MARB for the 2026-27 academic year as of the date the notice was issued.

The NMC has placed details of the participating Medical Colleges/Institutions, their PG courses and approved annual intake capacity in the public domain for use in the counseling process.

However, the current matrix does not include seats covered by applications seeking an increase in intake for existing PG courses or applications for the commencement of new PG courses for the 2026-27 academic year.

The Commission said any additional PG seats or new courses approved subsequently will be incorporated into a later updated seat matrix and published on the official NMC website.

Seat matrix can be revised

The NMC has stated that the published seat matrix will remain subject to revision wherever required. Changes may be made based on decisions of MARB, the competent Appeal Committee or any other competent authority.

Any revised seat matrix will be uploaded to the NMC's official website. The updated matrix will then be considered by the Central government and respective state governments or Union Territories' counseling committees for counseling and admissions.

The provision means the number of seats and courses available to candidates could change if additional approvals are granted or decisions are taken by the relevant authorities.

NMC asks stakeholders to verify seat matrix

The Commission has advised all concerned stakeholders, including Medical Colleges/Institutions and Counseling Committees, to carefully examine the published seat matrix.

Any discrepancy, error, omission or inconsistency identified in the matrix must be brought immediately to the notice of the President, MARB, or the Director, MARB, for examination and clarification.

The NMC has asked stakeholders to report any discrepancies to MARB through the designated email addresses: PG-MARB at [email protected] and the Director, MARB, at [email protected].

The Commission has also advised stakeholders to report discrepancies to MARB, wherever possible, before the commencement of counseling.

All Medical Colleges/Institutions have been directed to ensure that admissions to PG courses are made only against the number of seats approved by MARB for the 2026-27 academic year and reflected in the latest notified seat matrix.

The NMC has specifically stated that no Medical College/Institution should admit students beyond its approved PG intake capacity.

According to the Commission, any admission made beyond the approved intake would constitute a violation of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, and the regulations framed under it. Such institutions may face appropriate regulatory and penal action in accordance with applicable law.

Counseling committees have also been given directions regarding discrepancies in the notified matrix. If a committee identifies any discrepancy or deviation in the latest seat matrix, it must immediately refer the matter to MARB for clarification.

The NMC has further directed the concerned Medical Colleges/Institutions and Counseling Committees to comply with the approved seat matrix and all applicable directions, regulations and conditions issued by the Commission and MARB.

Any deviation identified at any stage will be dealt with under the provisions of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, and the regulations framed under the Act.

Candidates preparing for NEET PG counseling should refer to the latest institute and course-wise seat matrix while considering their choices. The approved intake may vary by institution and specialty, and candidates will also need to follow the applicable eligibility, reservation and counseling rules.

Since the NMC has stated that the matrix is subject to revision, candidates should check the Commission's official website for subsequent updates before and during the counseling process.

The revised matrix, if issued, will be taken into consideration by the Central government and respective state and Union Territory counseling committees during PG medical admissions for 2026-27.