The release is an important development for candidates preparing to participate in the Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 counselling process, as choice filling is scheduled to begin after the publication of the final merit list and the applicable counselling schedule. The provisional matrix covers Government, Government-Aided, Corporation, Private and Minority medical and dental colleges under Group A.

Maharashtra MBBS and BDS Seat Matrix 2026: Key Highlights

According to the provisional seat matrix, Maharashtra has listed a substantial number of seats across government and private medical and dental institutions.

The matrix includes:

• 42 Government MBBS colleges

• 23 Private MBBS colleges

• 5 Government BDS colleges

• 23 Private BDS colleges

The provisional data indicates approximately 5,950 seats in Government MBBS colleges and 3,149 seats in Private MBBS colleges. For dental admissions, the matrix lists 376 seats in Government BDS colleges and 2,200 seats in Private BDS colleges. Together, the provisional matrix represents more than 11,600 MBBS and BDS seats across the listed institutions.

Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 Provisional Seat Availability

Note: The figures are based on the provisional seat matrix released for the Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 counselling process and may be revised before or during the counselling process.

What Details Does the Provisional Seat Matrix Contain?

The Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 provisional seat matrix is an important planning document for candidates because it provides a detailed breakup of available seats at participating colleges.

The document includes information relating to:

College-wise seat availability: Candidates can identify the medical and dental colleges participating in the counselling process and review the available seats.

Course-wise details: Separate information has been provided for MBBS and BDS programmes.

Category-wise reservation: The matrix provides the distribution of seats under categories such as SC, ST, VJ, NT-B, NT-C, NT-D, OBC, SEBC, EWS and Open.

Special reservation categories: Details relating to categories such as PwD/PWD, Orphan categories, General Hilly Area and Women Hilly Area reservations are also included in the matrix.

AIQ and other seat deductions: The document reflects applicable seat distribution, including deductions or allocations connected with the All India Quota and other relevant categories.

Minority institutions: Eligible minority medical and dental colleges have also been included with the applicable minority seat details.

Minority Medical and Dental Colleges Included

The provisional matrix also includes institutions with minority status. Among the institutions mentioned in the released data are the Indian Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Jalna, listed as a Muslim Minority institution, and M. A. Rangoonwala Dental College, Pune, also listed under the Muslim Minority category.

The inclusion of minority institutions is particularly important for eligible candidates who intend to apply under the relevant minority provisions. Such candidates should carefully study the applicable eligibility requirements, certificates and reservation rules before submitting their preferences.

Why Is the Maharashtra Provisional Seat Matrix Important?

The release of the seat matrix gives candidates a clearer understanding of the options likely to be available during CAP Round 1.

Before filling in their college preferences, students can use the document to:

• Compare Government and Private college options.

• Check the number of seats available in individual institutions.

• Review category-wise seat distribution.

• Identify colleges offering MBBS or BDS courses.

• Consider minority and special reservation seats, wherever applicable.

• Prepare a realistic order of college preferences based on their NEET UG score, All India Rank and Maharashtra State Merit List position.

The seat matrix is therefore a key reference document, but candidates should remember that seat availability alone does not guarantee admission. Final allotment depends on factors including merit rank, reservation category, eligibility, college preferences, seat availability and the rules applicable to the CAP round.

Seat Matrix Is Provisional and Subject to Revision

Candidates must pay close attention to the word “provisional” in the seat matrix notification.

The CET Cell has clarified that the seat position may change on the basis of updates or approvals from the concerned institutions and competent authorities. Changes may also arise due to matters related to MUHS Nashik affiliation, National Medical Commission requirements, Dental Council-related approvals, court orders or decisions of the State and Central Governments.

The CET Cell also retains the authority to modify the seat matrix before the final allotment process. In addition, seats can be allotted only when the concerned institution receives the required affiliation or approval from the appropriate authority.

Therefore, candidates should not rely exclusively on an earlier downloaded copy of the matrix. They should continue checking the official Maharashtra CET Cell admission portal for revised or final seat details.

Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 Counselling Schedule and Choice Filling

The Maharashtra CET Cell had revised the CAP Round 1 counselling schedule following changes in the broader NEET UG counselling timeline. Under the revised schedule reported on August 20, candidates were to see the revised merit list before the commencement of choice filling, with online preference submission scheduled from August 26, 2026 and CAP Round 1 allotment scheduled thereafter.

Candidates should, however, check the latest official notification before acting on any date because counselling schedules and seat-related information can be revised.

How Candidates Can Use the Seat Matrix for Choice Filling

Students can follow a systematic approach while preparing their Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 preference list.

1. Check Your Merit Position

First, candidates should verify their position in the Maharashtra NEET UG merit list and understand the level of competition for their preferred colleges.

2. Separate Dream, Target and Safe Colleges

Instead of selecting colleges randomly, candidates can divide their choices into:

Dream Colleges: Institutions where admission may be possible only at a stronger rank.

Target Colleges: Colleges where the candidate's rank appears competitive based on available information and previous admission trends.

Safe Options: Colleges that provide a relatively more realistic possibility of securing admission.

3. Check the Category-Wise Seat Breakup

Candidates belonging to reserved categories should carefully examine the number of seats available in their respective categories.

4. Consider MBBS and BDS Preferences Carefully

Students who are open to both MBBS and BDS admissions should arrange their preferences according to their genuine course and college priorities.

5. Review the Latest Matrix Before Final Submission

Since the current document is provisional, candidates should verify whether any seats have been added, removed or modified before the final choice-locking or allotment process.

Difference Between Provisional Seat Matrix and Final Allotment

The provisional seat matrix only shows the seats that are expected to be available for counselling at that stage. It is not a seat allotment result.

The actual admission process will proceed through stages such as:

• Publication of the applicable merit list

• Release or confirmation of the seat matrix

• Online choice filling and preference submission

• Processing of candidate preferences

• Provisional or final seat allotment, as applicable

• Reporting to the allotted college

• Document verification and completion of admission formalities

Candidates should therefore avoid confusing the seat matrix with the college allotment result.

Important Advice for Maharashtra NEET UG Aspirants

Students should use the newly released seat matrix as a planning tool but remain alert for further updates from the CET Cell.

Candidates are advised to:

Check the official counselling portal regularly: New notices, revised matrices and schedule changes may be published during the counselling process.

Prepare a complete preference list: Do not limit choices only to a few highly preferred colleges if additional acceptable options are available.

Verify category eligibility: Ensure that all category, domicile, minority, PwD or other supporting documents meet the applicable requirements.

Review college approvals and affiliations: Candidates should be aware that admissions depend on the required affiliation and approvals being in place.

Check fee details separately: Seat availability does not indicate the fee structure. Government, private and minority institutions may have different fee arrangements.

Keep all documents ready: Candidates should be prepared with their NEET UG scorecard, merit details, identity documents, academic certificates, domicile certificate and applicable reservation documents.

Official Sources and Latest Updates

Candidates should follow the official Maharashtra CET Cell NEET UG admission portal for the latest notices, revised schedules, merit lists and seat matrices. The Maharashtra CET Cell has also published NEET UG 2026-related notices through its official portal.

For All India Quota counselling-related updates, candidates can refer to the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), which has separately published its NEET UG 2026 current events and seat matrix information.

Bottom Line

The release of the Maharashtra Provisional MBBS/BDS Seat Matrix 2026 is a major step in the state's NEET UG counselling process. With approximately 5,950 Government MBBS seats, 3,149 Private MBBS seats, 376 Government BDS seats and 2,200 Private BDS seats listed in the provisional data, candidates now have a detailed reference for preparing their college preferences.

However, aspirants should remember that the matrix is provisional and subject to change. Any modification in college approvals, affiliation, institutional information, regulatory decisions or official orders may affect the final seat availability.

Candidates should carefully analyse the college-wise and category-wise seat distribution, compare it with their merit position and submit preferences only after checking the latest official counselling notices. The provisional matrix can serve as an important guide, but the final available seats and the official allotment result will ultimately determine admission outcomes.