Maharashtra NEET PG Counselling 2026: Seat Matrix

The counselling for Maharashtra NEET PG Counselling 2026 is conducted by the CET Cell Maharashtra. This counselling is for admission to postgraduate medical courses like MD, MS and PG Diploma courses. Seats in government, government-aided and private medical colleges in Maharashtra are filled in this counselling. Seats are filled in two quotas first the State Quota, which is for Maharashtra domicile candidates, and the other is the All India Quota, which is filled by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC).

The eligibility criteria for Maharashtra NEET PG Counselling 2026 require that the candidate should have an NMC-recognised MBBS degree, should have completed their internship before the cutoff date and should have a valid MMC or NMC registration. Reserved category candidates are also required to have valid caste certificates issued by the Maharashtra government. The entire process of seat allocation is computerised and it is done based on four major factors, NEET PG rank, candidate category, availability of seats, and college preferences filled by the candidate. The NEET PG exam 2026 is scheduled to be held in the month of the August 2026.

The process of counselling takes place after the announcement of the NEET PG 2026 results, and it is an entrance examination conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE). The process of counselling is completed in different stages, such as Round 1, Round 2, Round 3, and finally a Stray Vacancy Round in order to fill up maximum seats in all medical colleges in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra NEET PG Counselling 2026 Highlights

Maharashtra NEET PG Counselling Important Dates 2026

The Maharashtra NEET PG Counselling 2026 process is expected to commence in the third week of October. The NEET PG qualified students need to register by the first week of November. The merit list is expected to be out in the second week, followed by choice filling and allotment in the third week. The process concludes in November, while the mop-up round will tentatively occur in February 2027.

Maharashtra NEET PG Counselling Eligibility Criteria 2026

In order to be eligible for the NEET PG 2026 Counselling, the candidate should have qualified for NEET PG 2026 and possess an NMC-recognised MBBS degree with internship completed prior to the cutoff date. The candidate should also have a valid MMC or NMC registration. The state quota seats are only available to candidates from Maharashtra. The candidate should have a valid caste certificate issued by Maharashtra.

Maharashtra NEET PG Counselling Registration Process 2026

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

The first step is to visit the official website of the CET Cell Maharashtra. All the activities of Maharashtra NEET PG Counselling registration process will be carried out only on its official website.

Step 2: Find the Registration Link

The next step is to search for the Maharashtra NEET PG Counselling 2026 registration link. This link will be available on the home page of the website. Candidates can register only during the notified period.

Step 3: Fill the Online Application Form

The next step is to click on the link and fill in the online application form with all the necessary details. This includes personal details, NEET PG exam Roll Number, NEET PG Score, Category, and Domicile details. Candidates need to fill in all the details accurately as it will be used further in the counselling process.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

The next step is to upload the scanned copies of all the necessary documents. This includes NEET PG exam Scorecard, MBBS Degree Certificate, Internship Completion Certificate, Domicile Certificate, Caste Certificate (if applicable), and Photo Identity Proof.

Step 5: Pay the Registration Fee

After completing the form and uploading the documents, the candidates need to pay the registration fee online. The payment of the fee can be done through net banking, debit cards, or credit cards. The amount of the fee is different for different categories. The receipt should be kept safely for future use.

Step 6: Submit the Application Form

After making the payment, the candidates need to check all the details entered and documents uploaded. After verifying, the candidates can submit the application form. After submitting, a message or registration number will appear on the screen.

Step 7: Download and Save the Confirmation

The candidates need to download and save the registration confirmation or acknowledgement slip. The slip contains the registration number and other details that will be required during the document verification process and further counselling rounds.

Step 8: Attend Document Verification

After the registration process, the candidates are invited for document verification either online or at the help centres. The candidates need to produce all the original documents at this point. Only candidates who have completed the document verification process successfully will be included in the merit list and will be able to proceed with choice filling.

Maharashtra NEET PG Counselling Documents Required 

• NEET PG 2026 Scorecard

• NEET PG Admit Card 2026

• Class 10 Certificate (for Date of Birth proof)

• Class 12 Marksheet and Certificate

• MBBS Degree Certificate or Provisional Degree Certificate

• MBBS Final Year Marksheet

• Internship Completion Certificate

• Permanent Registration Certificate issued by Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) or MCI/NMC

• Domicile Certificate of Maharashtra

• Indian Nationality Certificate or Nationality Proof

• Caste Certificate (if applicable)

• Caste Validity Certificate (if applicable)

• Non-Creamy Layer Certificate (for OBC candidates)

• Disability Certificate (if applicable)

• Gap Certificate (if applicable)

• Migration Certificate (if applicable)

• Aadhar Card

• Passport Size Photographs

• Photo Identity Proof (Aadhar, Passport, or Driving Licence)

Maharashtra NEET PG Counselling Merit List 2026

CET Cell Maharashtra declares the Maharashtra NEET PG Counselling merit list after completion of the registration and document verification process. It is based on NEET PG results, category, and domicile of the candidate. There are three types of merit lists: the provisional merit list, in which objections are raised by the candidates, the final merit list, in which objections are resolved and the category-wise merit list, in which merit is separately generated for open, SC, ST, OBC, etc. Various factors such as NEET PG results, NEET PG tie-breaking rules, category certificate validity, and domicile eligibility influence the ranking of a candidate in the merit list.

Maharashtra NEET PG Counselling Seat Matrix 2026

The Maharashtra NEET PG Counselling seat matrix is published by the CET Cell Maharashtra before the start of the counseling process. It has the complete list of available MD, MS, and PG Diploma seats in all government, government-aided, and private medical colleges of Maharashtra. The seat matrix indicates the number of seats available in each college, along with the courses, categories, and quotas. 

It is very important for the candidates to go through the seat matrix carefully before filling up the college preferences. It will help the candidates get an idea of the colleges that are offering the seats for the preferred speciality. The NEET PG Counselling for 2026 will be released once the NEET PG 2026 results are declared. 

Maharashtra NEET PG Counselling 2026 Choice Filling Process

Step 1: Complete Registration and Document Verification

The candidates are required to register on the official portal of CET Cell and provide their NEET PG scores and personal details. The document verification process needs to be done before the next steps.

Step 2: Check the State Merit List

The merit list will be available on the official CET Cell portal based on the NEET PG scores of the candidates. The candidates are required to check the merit list.

Step 3: Review the Seat Matrix

The seat matrix will be available, which will include the details of the vacant seats of MD, MS and DNB courses in government, aided, and private colleges. The candidates are required to check the seat matrix before filling in their choices.

Step 4: Log In to the Preference Form Portal

The candidates are required to log in to the preference form portal using the application number, password, and document verification code available on the acknowledgement slip.

Step 5: Fill College and Course Preferences

Candidates have to fill in their preferences for colleges and courses. They can use 4-digit college codes to do this.They can use 4-digit college codes to do this and there are no restriction on the number of preferences to choose from. They can save their preferences in sets of 100. They have to make preferences in order of priority, i.e., most preferred to least preferred. 

Step 6: Modify Choices If Required

Candidates can modify their choices any number of times before they are submitted. After that, no modification is possible. They have to make sure that they have made the right choices before they proceed to the next step. 

Step 7: Lock the Preferences

The candidates have to click "FINISH" and then "Lock Preferences." This has to be done to lock the preferences. Otherwise, their forms will not be considered for allotment. 

Step 8: Seat Allotment

The seat will be allotted based on NEET PG merit rank, choices filled, and availability of seats. 

Step 9: Report to the Allotted College

The candidates have to report to the college with original documents before the deadline. They can opt for upgradation in the next round if they are not satisfied with the allotment.

Maharashtra NEET PG 2026 Seat Allotment Process

The NEET PG 2026 seat allotment in Maharashtra is based on the merit system and is entirely online. The state quota seats are handled by the DMER, and the All India Quota seats are handled by the MCC. The seat allotment is based on four main parameters, namely, NEET PG rank, candidate category, seat availability, and candidate choice. It should be remembered that securing a high rank in NEET PG does not automatically qualify the candidate for admission to their preferred seat or specialisation. The final outcome depends on the combined effect of all four parameters coming together in the computerised system.

Maharashtra NEET PG Counselling Rounds 2026 

After the declaration of the NEET PG 2026 results the qualified students are required to take part in the counselling process. The Maharashtra NEET PG counselling rounds 2026 consist of multiple stages. It gives ample opportunity to the students to get a seat in their choice of college. 

Round 1 - First Allotment Round

• This round marks the beginning of the official Maharashtra NEET PG Counselling 2026 process.

• The qualified candidates are required to register on the official DMER Maharashtra portal and pay the registration fee within the stipulated deadline.

• The college and course choices are filled by the candidate based on priority.

• The seats are allotted based on merit, category, and college or course choices filled by the candidate.

• The candidates are required to report to the allotted college within the stipulated deadline and pay the admission fee to confirm the seat.

• The candidates can freeze their seats if they are content with the allotment and leave the process.

NEET PG Counselling 2026 Round 1 Dates

Round 2 - Second Allotment Round

• Students who were not allotted a seat in Round 1 or who want to upgrade their seat can participate in Round 2.

• Fresh registrations are either required or not required as per DMER Maharashtra rules.

• Students can also change their college and speciality preferences prior to the allotment of seats in Round 2.

• The vacant seats that remain after the reporting time of Round 1 are filled in Round 2.

• The students who are allotted a seat in Round 2 are required to report to their respective colleges within the specified time.

NEET PG Counselling 2026 Round 2 Dates

NEET PG Counselling 2026 Round 3 Dates

Round 3 - Third Allotment Round (If Applicable)

• Round 3 of the counselling will be conducted only if there are some vacant seats remaining after Rounds 1 and 2.

• Round 3 of the counselling is an important round for candidates who failed to get their desired speciality and college in the previous rounds of the counselling.

• The official announcement of DMER Maharashtra regarding the third round of the counselling based on the available vacant seats has been announced.

Stray Vacancy Round or Final Mop-Up Round

• Stray Vacancy Round is the last round of the Maharashtra NEET PG Counselling 2026.

• Stray Vacancy Round is conducted to fill the vacant seats that remained unfilled in the previous rounds of counselling.

• Stray Vacancy Round is conducted for those candidates who could not get a seat in the previous rounds of counselling or want to improve their present seat allotment.

• In this round, seats are limited, and candidates have to compete for those seats that are available in government and private colleges.

• No further round of counselling for upgrades is held. Admission in this round is final.

NEET PG Counselling 2026 Stray Vacancy Round or Final Mop-Up Round Dates

Important Tips Across All Rounds

• It is always recommended that candidates refer to the official website of DMER Maharashtra, i.e., dmer.maharashtra.gov.in, for round-wise schedules.

• Never miss reporting deadlines, as failure to report will lead to the cancellation of the admission.

• Keep the documents ready at all times during the counselling period.

• Be aware of seat availability after each round to make the best choice of preference.

• Candidates applying under the All India Quota seats need to refer to the counselling schedule on the website, mcc.nic.in.

Maharashtra NEET PG Counselling Reservation Policy 2026

The Maharashtra NEET PG Counselling reservation policy in 2026 provides equal opportunities to candidates from various social and economic classes. Percentage of seats allotted from state quota has SC, ST, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), EWS, and Special Backward Classes such as VJ and NT, reserved for them.  Another 5% of seats are reserved as a horizontal quota for all disabilities across all categories.  This policy attempts to create equilibrium in the representation and includes all peoples in the postgraduate medical courses.

SEBC and EWS Reservation Quota

Participating Medical Colleges in Maharashtra

Popular Government Medical Colleges in Maharashtra 

Private Medical Colleges in Maharashtra 

Top MD, MS Specialisations Available in NEET PG 2026

NEET PG 2026 has a number of MD/MS courses in different specialisations that provide a bright scope for a medical graduate’s career. The most popular specialisations are General Medicine, General Surgery, Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Orthopaedics, Radiology, Dermatology, Anaesthesiology, Ophthalmology, ENT, Psychiatry, etc. These specialisations are in high demand because they promise a wide scope of practice, a bright scope for growth in a stable field, and a high demand in terms of jobs. The super specialisations of Cardiology and Neurology are also in high demand because of their immense scope in terms of a bright professional life.

Maharashtra NEET PG Counselling Cut off 2026

For securing a seat in Maharashtra NEET PG Counselling 2026, it is essential to understand the different NEET PG cutoff 2026 trends. The top government colleges like KEM Mumbai and Grant Medical College require a percentile of 95 and above for general category candidates. The top specialities like MD Radiology, MD Dermatology, and MS Surgery are highly competitive, and only the top scorers in NEET PG 2026 qualify, thereby increasing the cutoffs year after year. The cutoffs in private colleges are flexible, but they are associated with high fees. It is essential to understand the previous year's trends in cutoffs from 2024 to 2025, and one should always refer to the official portals of DMER Maharashtra and MCC.

Note- The cutoff mentioned in the above table are based on previous year trends and for exact data candidates should visit the official website.  

Common Mistakes Candidates Should Avoid in NEET PG Counselling 2026

• Not registering on time- Many candidates miss counselling rounds simply because they forget deadlines. Always check the MCC and state counselling portals regularly and set reminders for every important date.

• Filling wrong choice preferences- Take the college and speciality choices seriously. Researching each college thoroughly is important before filling up the preferences. Making a hasty decision might lead to regret for the next three years.

• Not considering eligibility for state quota seats- Most students assume they are eligible for state quota seats. However, they must double-check their eligibility.

• Not considering stray vacancy rounds- Most students miss valuable seats by not attending stray vacancy rounds. These seats are available in good colleges.

• Not reporting after allotment- Getting a seat allotted is not enough. It is important to report to the allotted college within the allotted time. Not reporting will lead to cancellation of allotment permanently.

• Not considering document verification- It is important to carry original documents and multiple copies during reporting. Not carrying any document will lead to the cancellation of admission permanently.

• Making emotional decisions instead of rational decisions- Specialities must be chosen based on aptitude, scope, and interest. Not choosing specialities based on interest will lead to regret for the next three years.

Tips to Secure a PG Medical Seat in Maharashtra  in NEET PG 2026

• Start early and plan smart- Start preparation at least 12-18 months prior to the exam. Start with high-yield subjects such as Medicine, Surgery, OBG and Pediatrics.

• Know the Maharashtra quota system- Get familiarised with the difference between State quota seats and All India quota seats. Maharashtra domicile holders should ensure that their domicile documents are in place well before counselling.

• Practice with mock tests- Attempt previous years' NEET PG papers. Mock tests are extremely helpful for improving speed, accuracy, and temperament for exams.

• Plan to achieve a high percentile- If you want to secure a seat in government colleges like KEM or Grant Medical College, Maharashtra, then you need to score a high percentile above 95.

• Stay updated on MCC and DMER counselling Maharashtra counselling through DMER (Directorate of Medical Education and Research) needs to be kept an eye on. Failure to comply with dates will result in losing a seat despite a high score.

• Revising for the exam- The last three months should be dedicated to revising. Short notes, flashcards, and subject-wise summaries are helpful tools to retain maximum information.