NEET PG Counselling 2026: MCC Releases Round 1 Seat Matrix, PwD Assessment From October 1

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has released the NEET PG Counselling 2026 Round 1 seat matrix for postgraduate medical admissions. The seat matrix, prepared with inputs from the National Medical Commission (NMC), covers MD, MS, DNB and PG Diploma seats available through the counselling process.

The release comes ahead of the Round 1 counselling process, with PwD candidates set to access the assessment process from October 1, 2026. Candidates can use the seat matrix to check course-wise and college-wise availability before participating in the choice-filling process.

NEET PG 2026 Seat Matrix Released

The latest seat-matrix data shows that the total number of MD, MS and diploma seats has increased to around 58,000 for the 2026-27 academic session. This is higher than the 52,173 seats reported in the previous academic year, representing an increase of around 11%.

The increase has been recorded across different categories of medical institutions. According to the published data, postgraduate seats in private and deemed universities have increased by around 32%, while government medical colleges have recorded an increase of approximately 10%.

Candidates can check the available seats according to the medical college, postgraduate course and applicable category while preparing their choices for Round 1.

NEET PG Counselling 2026: PwD Assessment Schedule

MCC has also issued the schedule for the medical assessment of Persons with Disabilities (PwD) candidates participating in Round 1.

The Primary Medical Assessment Board will conduct assessments from October 1 at 5 pm to October 9, 2026. Candidates who need reassessment or wish to appeal can appear before the Appellate Medical Assessment Board, which will function from October 5 at 10 am to October 12 at 5 pm.

PwD candidates should report to their designated assessment centres within the prescribed dates and complete the assessment requirements before proceeding with the counselling process.

NEET PG 2026: Courses With Increased Seats

The latest seat-matrix update indicates higher availability in several postgraduate medical specialties. These include:

• Anaesthesiology
• Ophthalmology
• ENT
• Pathology
• Psychiatry
• Respiratory Medicine

The availability of seats may vary by institution and category. Candidates should therefore refer to the detailed Round 1 seat matrix before filling their choices.

NBEMS NEET PG 2026 Response Details

Meanwhile, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) is scheduled to release the NEET PG 2026 question ID numbers, correct answers, candidates' recorded responses and question-wise scores on or after October 1, 2026.

Candidates should monitor the official NBEMS website for the release of these examination-related details and the MCC portal for counselling notifications.

What NEET PG Candidates Should Do Next

Candidates participating in NEET PG Counselling 2026 should carefully review the Round 1 seat matrix and identify the courses and institutions available to them. PwD candidates should complete their mandatory assessment within the notified schedule.

The MCC counselling portal will carry updates related to registration, choice filling, seat allotment and reporting. Candidates are advised to check the latest official notices before submitting their choices, as the counselling schedule and seat availability may be updated during the admission process.