The latest matrix includes a total of 63,177 postgraduate medical seats across MD, MS, Diploma, DM and MCh programmes. Among the various postgraduate specialties, MD General Medicine has emerged as the largest single specialty with 6,143 seats, making it the leading choice in terms of available postgraduate intake.

Karnataka has the highest number of MD General Medicine seats at 827, followed by Maharashtra with 687 seats and Tamil Nadu with 625 seats. The distribution provides important information for NEET PG 2026 aspirants preparing their counselling strategy and evaluating specialty and state-wise opportunities.

The NMC has also clarified that the published matrix does not include applications that were still pending approval for increasing the intake of existing postgraduate courses or for starting new PG courses for 2026-27. Additional seats approved subsequently may therefore be incorporated through an updated seat matrix.

NMC PG Seat Matrix 2026-27: Key Highlights

The matrix covers postgraduate medical programmes across government, private and deemed medical institutions.

MD General Medicine Has the Highest Number of Seats

MD General Medicine continues to occupy a prominent position in India's postgraduate medical education landscape.

The 2026-27 NMC seat matrix lists 6,143 MD General Medicine seats, the highest number among the major postgraduate specialties.

The large intake reflects the importance of General Medicine as a core clinical specialty. It also serves as an important foundation for doctors who may later pursue super-specialisation in areas such as cardiology, gastroenterology, nephrology, neurology, endocrinology and medical oncology.

Despite having the highest number of seats, MD General Medicine remains highly competitive because of its broad clinical scope, career opportunities and popularity among NEET PG candidates.

Karnataka Leads MD General Medicine Seat Distribution

Karnataka has emerged as the state with the highest number of MD General Medicine seats, with 827 seats listed in the 2026-27 matrix.

The state-wise distribution among the leading states is:

The distribution demonstrates significant variation in postgraduate opportunities across states.

Karnataka Has 8,323 PG Seats Overall

Karnataka is not only the leading state for MD General Medicine but also has the largest overall number of postgraduate medical seats in the latest matrix.

The state has 8,323 PG and super-speciality seats listed for 2026-27.

It is followed by:

• Maharashtra – 6,992 seats

• Tamil Nadu – 6,306 seats

• Uttar Pradesh – 6,082 seats

• Andhra Pradesh – 4,142 seats

• Telangana – 3,998 seats

• Gujarat – 3,862 seats

• Rajasthan – 3,857 seats

• Madhya Pradesh – 3,052 seats

• West Bengal – 2,384 seats

• Kerala – 2,145 seats

This makes Karnataka an important destination for NEET PG aspirants considering both specialty availability and the overall number of postgraduate opportunities.

State-Wise Total PG Seat Distribution

The latest matrix shows the following broad distribution of postgraduate seats across states and Union Territories:

The figures demonstrate that postgraduate medical seats remain concentrated in a relatively small number of states with large medical education networks.

Government, Private and Deemed Institution Seats

The 63,177-seat matrix includes seats across different types of medical institutions.

The distribution is:

• Government institutions: 33,088 seats

• Private institutions: 21,892 seats

• Deemed institutions: 8,197 seats

Government institutions therefore account for the largest portion of the published PG seat pool.

However, candidates should remember that the actual counselling pathway, fee structure, eligibility criteria and quota applicable to a seat can vary depending on the institution and counselling authority.

Other Major PG Specialties in the NMC Matrix

While MD General Medicine leads the list, several other specialties also have substantial numbers of seats.

These numbers provide candidates with a useful overview of the relative size of different postgraduate specialties.

MD Anaesthesiology Has 5,672 Seats

MD Anaesthesiology is the second-largest major specialty in the latest matrix, with 5,672 seats.

The specialty plays a central role in surgical services, critical care, emergency medicine and perioperative care. Its relatively large seat pool makes it one of the significant options available to NEET PG candidates.

MS General Surgery Has 5,591 Seats

The NMC matrix lists 5,591 MS General Surgery seats across participating institutions.

General Surgery remains one of the most important surgical postgraduate disciplines and can also provide a pathway towards multiple surgical super-specialties.

MS Obstetrics and Gynaecology Has 4,690 Seats

There are 4,690 MS Obstetrics and Gynaecology seats in the 2026-27 matrix.

The specialty remains an important component of India's postgraduate medical training system, particularly given the continuing demand for women's health, obstetric and reproductive healthcare services.

MD Paediatrics Has 4,203 Seats

The matrix includes 4,203 MD Paediatrics seats, placing the specialty among the largest postgraduate programmes nationally.

Paediatrics is a popular choice for candidates interested in child health and offers pathways to several paediatric super-specialties.

Radiology and Orthopaedics Also Have Large Seat Pools

The NMC matrix lists:

• 3,656 MS Orthopaedics seats

• 3,224 MD Radio-Diagnosis/Radiology seats

• 2,479 MS Ophthalmology seats

These specialties remain highly sought after by NEET PG candidates, although the number of available seats alone does not determine their competitiveness during counselling.

Dermatology and Psychiatry Seat Availability

The latest matrix includes:

• 1,880 MD Dermatology seats

• 1,596 MD Psychiatry seats

The relatively smaller intake compared with General Medicine, Anaesthesiology and Surgery means candidates should carefully assess their rank and counselling options when targeting these specialties.

Super-Speciality Seats Also Included

The NMC matrix also covers DM and MCh super-speciality programmes.

Some of the prominent super-speciality seat figures include:

These courses are generally pursued after completion of the required feeder postgraduate qualification and are subject to the applicable admission regulations.

What Does the NMC Seat Matrix Mean for NEET PG 2026 Aspirants?

The seat matrix is an important resource for candidates preparing for NEET PG 2026 counselling.

It helps aspirants understand:

• The number of seats available in each specialty

• State-wise distribution of seats

• Overall postgraduate seat availability

• Relative size of different specialties

• Institutions and courses available through counselling

• Potential choices based on rank and eligibility

However, candidates should not interpret a larger number of seats as an automatic indication of easier admission.

Specialties such as General Medicine, Radiology, Dermatology and other popular branches may continue to have strong competition despite their comparatively large intake.

Seat Matrix Does Not Equal Guaranteed Counselling Seats

Candidates should distinguish between the total number of seats approved/listed in the NMC matrix and the number of seats available to a particular candidate through a particular counselling route.

Quota, category, domicile requirements, institution type, eligibility and counselling rules can determine whether a candidate can compete for a specific seat.

Therefore, aspirants should use the NMC matrix as a starting point and then consult the relevant counselling authority's seat matrix before making final choices.

NMC Warns Colleges Against Admissions Beyond Approved Intake

The NMC has directed medical colleges and institutions to admit postgraduate students only against the number of seats approved by the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) and reflected in the latest notified seat matrix.

Institutions have been cautioned against admitting students beyond their approved postgraduate intake capacity.

The Commission has also asked counselling committees and other stakeholders to carefully examine the published matrix and report any discrepancy, omission, error or inconsistency to the appropriate authority for examination and clarification.

This is important for candidates because admission should be made only against an approved seat reflected in the applicable notified matrix.

Seat Matrix May Be Updated

The current 2026-27 matrix is not necessarily the final word on postgraduate seat availability.

The NMC has clarified that the published matrix does not include seats related to pending applications for increased intake in existing PG courses or commencement of new postgraduate courses.

If additional applications are approved subsequently, the corresponding seats may be incorporated through an updated matrix.

Therefore, NEET PG aspirants should continue checking for revised seat matrices before and during counselling.

How Candidates Can Use the Seat Matrix for Counselling

Candidates can use the seat matrix strategically while preparing their counselling preferences.

Step 1: Check Your NEET PG Rank

Begin with your expected or actual All India Rank.

Step 2: Identify Preferred Specialties

Prepare a realistic list of preferred specialties based on career interests rather than seat numbers alone.

Step 3: Compare State-Wise Availability

Check which states offer a larger number of seats in your preferred specialty.

Step 4: Check Institution Type

Separate government, private and deemed-university options.

Step 5: Review Fees and Eligibility

A large seat pool does not necessarily mean every seat is financially or otherwise suitable.

Step 6: Study the Counselling Seat Matrix

Use the relevant MCC or state counselling seat matrix once it is released to identify the actual seats available to your counselling category.

Step 7: Prepare a Balanced Preference List

Include ambitious, realistic and backup options rather than concentrating exclusively on a handful of colleges.

Why Karnataka Is Significant for NEET PG Candidates

Karnataka's position at the top of the state-wise postgraduate seat distribution makes it particularly important for NEET PG aspirants.

The state has 8,323 PG seats overall, including 827 MD General Medicine seats, the highest state-wise allocation for the specialty.

It also has substantial numbers of seats in other major branches, including:

• 712 MD Anaesthesiology

• 676 MS General Surgery

• 615 MS Obstetrics and Gynaecology

• 583 MD Paediatrics

• 551 MS Orthopaedics

• 471 MD Radiology

• 450 MD Pathology

• 339 MS Ophthalmology

• 309 MS ENT

• 300 MD Dermatology

The breadth of postgraduate options makes Karnataka an important state to consider during counselling, subject to individual eligibility and applicable quota rules.

What NEET PG Aspirants Should Remember

Candidates should keep the following points in mind:

1.    The NMC has released the 2026-27 postgraduate seat matrix.

2.    The matrix contains 63,177 PG medical seats.

3.    MD General Medicine has the highest intake with 6,143 seats.

4.    Karnataka leads MD General Medicine availability with 827 seats.

5.    Karnataka also has the highest overall PG seat count at 8,323.

6.    Maharashtra has 687 MD General Medicine seats.

7.    Tamil Nadu has 625 MD General Medicine seats.

8.    Government institutions account for 33,088 seats.

9.    Private institutions account for 21,892 seats.

10.                   Deemed institutions account for 8,197 seats.

11.                   The matrix includes MD, MS, Diploma, DM and MCh programmes.

12.                   Additional seats may be added through subsequent updates.

13.                   Candidates should not assume that every listed seat is available through every counselling quota.

14.                   The applicable MCC or state counselling matrix should be checked before choice filling.

15.                   Colleges are required to admit candidates only against approved seats.

Conclusion

The release of the NMC PG Seat Matrix 2026-27 provides NEET PG aspirants with an important overview of postgraduate medical education opportunities across India. With 63,177 seats listed across MD, MS, Diploma, DM and MCh programmes, the matrix offers a comprehensive picture of the current approved postgraduate seat capacity.

MD General Medicine leads all major specialties with 6,143 seats, while Karnataka has the highest state-wise allocation at 827 seats. Maharashtra follows with 687 seats and Tamil Nadu with 625 seats.

Karnataka also leads the overall state-wise postgraduate seat distribution with 8,323 seats, followed by Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. This makes these states particularly significant for candidates planning their NEET PG counselling strategy.

At the same time, candidates should not rely on the total seat figures alone. Specialty popularity, NEET PG rank, category, quota, institution type, fees and counselling rules all influence the actual admission possibilities.

The NMC has also made it clear that the current matrix excludes certain applications that were pending approval for increased intake or new PG courses. Consequently, the seat position may be updated later.

NEET PG aspirants should therefore use the current matrix as an important planning tool while continuing to monitor revised seat matrices and the official counselling notifications before locking their final preferences.