The NEET PG counselling 2026 process will have a larger pool of postgraduate medical seats this year after the National Medical Commission (NMC) released its institute- and course-wise seat matrix for the 2026-27 academic session. The latest data lists around 58,000 MD, MS and diploma seats, compared with 52,173 seats in the previous academic year.
This represents an increase of approximately 5,827 seats, or around 11 percent. The additional seats could expand the range of colleges and postgraduate courses available to candidates during counselling.
Private and deemed universities record major increase
According to the latest seat matrix, postgraduate seats in private and deemed medical universities have increased by around 32 percent compared with last year. Government medical colleges have recorded an increase of approximately 10 percent.
The rise covers multiple postgraduate medical specialities, including anaesthesia, ophthalmology, ENT, pathology, psychiatry and respiratory medicine.
The NEET PG 2026 result was declared on September 24 following the main examination on August 30 and a re-test on September 5. The counselling schedule is yet to be announced.
NMC says seat matrix may be revised
Candidates should note that the current NEET PG seat matrix may not be the final version. The NMC has stated that changes could be made based on decisions of the Appeal Committee or other competent authorities.
The current matrix also does not include seats linked to applications seeking an increase in intake for existing postgraduate courses or proposals to introduce new PG courses for 2026-27.
Any subsequently approved seats or courses will be added through an updated matrix on the NMC website.
Colleges must follow approved intake
The NMC has directed medical colleges and institutions to conduct admissions only against the number of seats approved by the Commission.
Counselling authorities have also been instructed to refer discrepancies or deviations in the notified seat matrix to the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) for clarification.
What NEET PG candidates should check
Aspirants should review the latest institute- and course-wise matrix before filling their counselling choices. Since the NMC may revise the available seats, candidates should check for updated notifications before finalising their preferences.
With around 58,000 seats currently listed, the 2026-27 counselling process offers a larger seat pool than last year. However, the final availability will depend on subsequent approvals and revisions. The official NEET PG counselling schedule is still awaited.
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