If you are preparing for NEET-UG and planning to pursue MBBS, there is an important update you should know. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved 13,186 additional MBBS seats for the 2026–27 academic year.
With this addition, the total approved undergraduate medical intake has increased from 1,27,028 to 1,40,214 seats across 836 medical colleges, excluding Institutes of National Importance.
For you as a NEET-UG aspirant, this means the overall pool of MBBS seats has become larger. But does that automatically make getting an MBBS seat easier? Let’s understand what the latest numbers mean for you.
Over 13,000 New MBBS Seats Added
The latest NMC seat matrix, updated as of September 1, includes approvals for new medical colleges as well as increased intake in existing colleges.
Out of the 13,186 additional seats:
- 10,400 seats have been added in private medical colleges.
- 2,786 seats have been added in government medical colleges.
- Private colleges account for nearly 79% of the newly added seats.
- The total MBBS intake has increased by approximately 10.4%.
So, if you are currently going through the NEET-UG counselling process, you may now have more seats and colleges to consider while making your preferences.
However, you should not assume that every newly added seat will be available to you. Your admission will still depend on your NEET-UG rank, category, eligibility, domicile requirements, college preferences and seat availability during counselling.
Karnataka Records the Highest Increase
Among the states, Karnataka has recorded the highest addition of 1,650 MBBS seats. It is followed by:
| State | Additional MBBS Seats |
| Karnataka | 1,650 |
| Tamil Nadu | 1,250 |
| Bihar | 1,240 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 1,200 |
| Rajasthan | 1,100 |
| Telangana | 1,010 |
| West Bengal | 975 |
Karnataka's total MBBS intake now stands at 15,745 seats, including 4,600 seats in government colleges and 11,145 seats in private colleges.
Tamil Nadu has a total of 14,299 MBBS seats, while Uttar Pradesh has 14,400 seats. Maharashtra's total MBBS intake stands at 13,249 seats.
What Does This Mean for Your NEET-UG Counselling?
If you are participating in NEET-UG counselling, the increase in seats could give you more options while filling your college preferences.
For example, a newly approved or expanded seat intake can affect the choices available during different counselling rounds. As seats move from one round to another, you may see changes in the colleges and courses available to you. So, instead of looking only at previous years' cut-offs, you should keep an eye on the latest seat matrix and counselling updates.
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NEET-UG Counselling Is Still Underway
The expansion of the MBBS seat pool comes while counselling for the 2026–27 MBBS batch is underway. The counselling schedule has also pushed back the start of the academic session, with subsequent rounds, including the stray vacancy round, expected to continue into October.
The addition of 13,186 seats is expected to widen the pool of MBBS seats available during the ongoing admission cycle. However, the actual allocation of these seats will depend on the ongoing counselling process.
If you are waiting for a preferred college or considering changing your choices in a subsequent round, check the latest official information before making your decision.
More Seats, but Your Strategy Still Matters
The addition of 13,186 MBBS seats is certainly significant for NEET-UG aspirants. It expands the overall medical seat pool and can create additional opportunities during the admission process. But remember, more seats do not mean that you can afford to be less careful with your counselling choices.
Keep your documents ready, track every counselling update and review your preference list carefully. Most importantly, don't rely solely on old cut-offs when making your choices.
If you are aiming for MBBS, your NEET-UG rank gets you into the counselling process, but informed choices can help you make the most of the opportunities available.
