NEET UG Seat Matrix — MBBS, BDS, AYUSH

Total seats, government vs private, category-wise availability

Total seats for NEET UG 2026

Note: Exact seat count for 2026 will be published in the MCC seat matrix released just before counselling. AIIMS institutions (23 campuses) and JIPMER (2 campuses) are included in the MBBS total.

How seats are distributed by quota

Key definitions and how they affect applicants

• MCC (Medical Counselling Committee): The central body that conducts counselling and publishes the seat matrix for All India Quota (AIQ), deemed universities, central universities, AIIMS and JIPMER seats.
• AIQ (All India Quota): 15% of seats in government medical colleges are reserved for candidates across India. AIQ counselling is run centrally by MCC and is open to eligible candidates irrespective of state domicile.
• State quota: 85% of government seats are filled through state counselling authorities. Eligibility is usually limited by domicile rules set by each state; each state conducts its own counselling and publishes a state seat matrix.
• Deemed/Private/Central Universities: Deemed and central universities (and many private institutions) have seat allocation procedures; deemed and central university seats are generally filled through MCC; private colleges may participate in state counselling for their management and institutional quota seats depending on state rules.
• AIIMS & JIPMER: Seats at AIIMS and JIPMER are included in the MCC counselling schedule and are filled through central counselling; competition for these campuses is typically very high.

How to read and use the seat matrix

• The seat matrix is an official table published by MCC (mcc.nic.in) before counselling begins; it lists each college, course, location, total seats and category-wise seat breakup.
• The seat matrix is the authoritative source for the number of seats available in each round and for each category (General, SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PwD, etc.).
• Always check the latest version before filling or freezing choices; the matrix may be updated before each counselling round to reflect new approvals, withdrawals, or seat changes.
• Use the seat matrix to shortlist colleges that actually have seats for your category and quota rather than relying on previous years' data.
• When a college shows multiple entries, these may represent different quotas (AIQ, state quota, institutional quota) or different courses; read the column headings carefully.
• For colleges with separate seats for reserved categories and PwD, the matrix will show individual seat counts; use these counts when estimating admission chances.
• If a college is newly approved in the current year, it will appear in the updated seat matrix; older matrices will not contain such colleges.

Practical guidance for candidates

• Open the official seat matrix PDF on MCC's website and use the browser/pdf search to find specific colleges quickly.
• Verify the quota column: AIQ seats are available during MCC counselling; state quota seats are available during the specific state's counselling process.
• Check the category column for seat counts under General, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, and PwD, and note any horizontal reservations (example: 15% AIQ is derived from the government college count).
• Cross-check domicile or eligibility notes in the seat matrix and the state counselling brochure before applying under a state quota.
• Remember that seat numbers shown are the starting positions; actual availability in later rounds may change due to seat allotments, cancellations, or upgrades.

New colleges added in 2026

The National Medical Commission (NMC) approves new medical colleges and intake increases each year. Typically, 10-20 new government and private colleges are added annually, marginally increasing total seats. For 2026, the final list and seat figures will be confirmed in the official MCC seat matrix.

Effect of new colleges on competition and counselling strategy

• New colleges increase the total seat pool and may slightly improve admission chances, especially for mid-rank candidates.
• New institutions may have different infrastructures, affiliations and clinical exposure; always check college details (infrastructure, faculty, hospital beds, recognitions) before prioritising them in choice filling.
• Keep an eye on the seat matrix updates and the NMC/State government press releases; newly approved colleges will be reflected in the seat matrix and counselling lists.

Additional tips and checklist before counselling

• Download the latest MCC seat matrix and the counselling information bulletin; read the eligibility and fee rules carefully.
• Prepare a realistic preference list: include safe, moderate and ambitious colleges based on category-wise seat counts and your projected rank.
• Confirm domicile rules and required documents for state counselling if applying under state quota.
• Track counselling schedules, reporting dates and seat acceptance/fee deposit rules to avoid missing deadlines.
• Use official sources only (MCC, NMC, state counselling authorities); avoid relying on unofficial seat counts or rumours.

Final reminder: The approximate numbers shown above are based on commonly reported estimates and previous patterns. The authoritative and final seat counts for NEET UG 2026 will be published in the MCC seat matrix and respective state counselling notifications. Always verify details from official publications before acting on them.