The National Medical Commission (NMC) has released the latest postgraduate medical seat matrix for the academic year 2026–27, listing 2,091 seats in MD Community Medicine/Social and Preventive Medicine across medical colleges in India. The state-wise distribution provides postgraduate medical aspirants with an overview of the available training opportunities in this speciality.

According to the published seat matrix, Maharashtra has the highest number of MD Community Medicine seats, with 279, followed by Karnataka with 244 and Uttar Pradesh with 235. Tamil Nadu has 174 seats, while Gujarat has 141 and Madhya Pradesh has 134.

Community Medicine is an important postgraduate medical speciality that focuses on disease prevention, public health, epidemiology, health promotion and the delivery of healthcare services to communities. The updated seat figures will be relevant to MBBS graduates exploring postgraduate specialities and preparing for the applicable NEET PG counselling process.

The broader NMC postgraduate seat matrix lists 63,177 MD, MS, Diploma, DM and MCh seats nationally for the 2026–27 academic session. However, the commission has clarified that the published matrix does not include seats related to applications for increasing intake in existing postgraduate courses or starting new postgraduate courses for the same academic year. The figures may therefore be revised through subsequent official updates.

NMC MD Community Medicine Seat Matrix 2026–27: Highlights

State-Wise Distribution of MD Community Medicine Seats 2026–27

The latest seat matrix provides a detailed breakdown of MD Community Medicine/Social and Preventive Medicine seats across states and Union Territories. Maharashtra, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh account for the largest numbers of seats in the speciality.

The table shows that the availability of MD Community Medicine seats varies considerably across the country. While several larger states have more than 100 seats, some smaller states and Union Territories have only a few seats or no seats listed in the current matrix.

The absence of seats in the published matrix for a particular region does not necessarily mean that no additional seats can be approved later. Candidates should check subsequent official updates before finalising their counselling preferences.

Maharashtra Leads With 279 MD Community Medicine Seats

Maharashtra has 279 MD Community Medicine/Social and Preventive Medicine seats, the highest number among all states and Union Territories in the latest matrix.

Karnataka ranks second with 244 seats, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 235. Together, these three states account for 758 seats, representing approximately 36.3% of the national total of 2,091 seats in this speciality.

The higher seat counts in these states provide candidates with a comparatively larger number of listed opportunities. However, the number of seats alone does not determine admission chances. Competition and allotment outcomes depend on factors such as NEET PG rank, category, institutional preferences, applicable quota and seat availability during counselling.

Tamil Nadu Has 174 MD Community Medicine Seats

Tamil Nadu has 174 MD Community Medicine/Social and Preventive Medicine seats in the 2026–27 seat matrix, placing it among the states with the highest availability in this speciality.

The number is relevant for medical graduates considering postgraduate public health training in Tamil Nadu. Candidates should examine the college-wise seat matrix to identify the institutions offering the course and confirm the applicable admission route.

Applicants should also review tuition fees, institutional facilities, course recognition, training opportunities and the counselling rules relevant to their category before submitting their preferences.

Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh Also Have Substantial Seats

Uttar Pradesh has 235 MD Community Medicine seats, making it the third-largest contributor to the national total. Gujarat has 141 seats, while Madhya Pradesh has 134.

Other states with notable seat availability include Andhra Pradesh with 116 seats, Rajasthan with 98, West Bengal with 83 and Telangana with 82.

These figures demonstrate that postgraduate training opportunities in Community Medicine are distributed across multiple regions. Candidates may consider colleges in different states where they meet the eligibility criteria and are permitted to participate in the relevant counselling process.

States With Fewer Than 50 MD Community Medicine Seats

Several states and Union Territories have fewer than 50 seats listed in the current matrix.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Meghalaya and Mizoram have no MD Community Medicine/Social and Preventive Medicine seats listed in the current matrix.

Candidates interested in studying in these regions should check the latest approved seat matrix and counselling notices, as seat availability may change if additional courses or intake increases receive approval.

What Is MD Community Medicine/Social and Preventive Medicine?

MD Community Medicine, also known as MD Social and Preventive Medicine, is a postgraduate medical speciality concerned with improving the health of populations and communities.

Unlike specialities that primarily focus on treating individual patients in clinical settings, Community Medicine places significant emphasis on disease prevention, population health, epidemiology, public health planning and the organisation of healthcare services.

The programme may involve training in areas such as:

• Epidemiology and disease surveillance

• Preventive and social medicine

• Public health programmes and policies

• Biostatistics and research methodology

• Health education and promotion

• Environmental and occupational health

• Maternal and child health

• Communicable and non-communicable disease prevention

• Community diagnosis and field-based health services

• Health systems, healthcare management and programme evaluation

The precise curriculum and clinical or field-training requirements depend on the applicable regulations and the institution.

Career Opportunities After MD Community Medicine

Candidates completing MD Community Medicine may explore a range of academic, research, public health and healthcare programme roles, subject to the relevant qualifications and recruitment requirements.

Potential career pathways include:

Public health services: Opportunities may exist in public health administration, disease prevention programmes and population health initiatives.

Medical colleges and teaching: Qualified specialists may pursue academic and teaching positions in medical institutions, subject to applicable regulatory requirements.

Research and epidemiology: Graduates may work in epidemiological research, health surveys, disease surveillance and public health studies.

Government health programmes: Career opportunities may be available in public health projects, national health initiatives and state-level healthcare programmes.

Healthcare organisations: Some roles involve health programme management, community outreach, monitoring and evaluation, and health systems planning.

International and non-governmental organisations: Opportunities may exist in public health research, community health interventions and health development programmes, depending on the organisation's requirements.

Career options and eligibility for specific posts vary according to recruitment rules, experience, qualifications and institutional requirements.

How Can Candidates Use the NMC Seat Matrix During NEET PG Counselling?

The seat matrix helps candidates identify the number of seats listed for a particular speciality and the regions where the course is offered. It is an important reference document, but it does not by itself determine admission eligibility or guarantee a seat.

Candidates should follow these steps:

1.    Check eligibility: Confirm that you meet the applicable NEET PG and postgraduate medical admission requirements.

2.    Review the speciality: Make sure MD Community Medicine aligns with your academic interests and career goals.

3.    Identify participating colleges: Use the official college-wise seat matrix to locate institutions offering the programme.

4.    Check the quota and category: Review the applicable reservation, state quota and institutional admission rules.

5.    Compare colleges: Consider recognition, facilities, training, location, fees and other relevant factors.

6.    Follow the counselling schedule: Complete registration, choice filling, locking and reporting according to the competent counselling authority's instructions.

7.    Check for revised seat matrices: Confirm whether any additional seats or changes have been officially approved before finalising choices.

The actual seat availability for an individual candidate depends on the applicable counselling process and the current approved matrix.

Important Clarification About the 2026–27 NMC Seat Matrix

The NMC's published postgraduate medical seat matrix lists 63,177 seats across MD, MS, diploma, DM and MCh programmes for the 2026–27 academic year.

The commission has clarified that the matrix does not include seats related to applications received for an increase in intake in existing postgraduate courses or for the commencement of new postgraduate courses for the same session. Additional seats or courses, where approved subsequently, may be included in an updated matrix.

Medical colleges, counselling committees and candidates should therefore use the latest applicable official seat matrix when making admission-related decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How many MD Community Medicine seats are available in India for 2026–27?

The latest NMC postgraduate seat matrix lists 2,091 MD Community Medicine/Social and Preventive Medicine seats across India.

Q2. Which state has the highest number of MD Community Medicine seats?

Maharashtra has the highest number, with 279 seats, followed by Karnataka with 244 and Uttar Pradesh with 235.

Q3. How many MD Community Medicine seats are available in Karnataka?

Karnataka has 244 seats in the published 2026–27 matrix.

Q4. How many seats are available in Tamil Nadu?

Tamil Nadu has 174 MD Community Medicine/Social and Preventive Medicine seats.

Q5. How many seats are available in Uttar Pradesh?

Uttar Pradesh has 235 seats in the current matrix.

Q6. Are there MD Community Medicine seats in every state and Union Territory?

No. The current matrix lists zero seats for Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Meghalaya and Mizoram. The published figures may change if additional seats are approved and included in a subsequent update.

Q7. Does the seat matrix guarantee admission?

No. It indicates approved seats listed for the speciality. Admission depends on NEET PG rank, eligibility, category, quota, preferences, availability and the applicable counselling rules.

Q8. Where can candidates check the official NMC seat matrix?

Candidates can visit the National Medical Commission's official website at nmc.org.in and navigate to the notifications or postgraduate seat matrix section.

Q9. Can the number of seats change after publication?

Yes. The NMC has stated that the matrix may be revised and that additional seats or courses, where approved subsequently, may be included in an updated version.

Conclusion

The latest NMC postgraduate seat matrix lists 2,091 MD Community Medicine/Social and Preventive Medicine seats across India for the 2026–27 academic session. Maharashtra leads with 279 seats, followed by Karnataka with 244 and Uttar Pradesh with 235. Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh also have substantial seat availability.

The figures offer an important overview for medical graduates considering postgraduate training in public health and preventive medicine. However, candidates should check the college-wise seat matrix, confirm eligibility and follow the applicable NEET PG counselling instructions before making their final choices.

Since the published matrix excludes certain pending applications for new courses and increased intake, applicants should monitor official updates for any revisions that may affect seat availability.