What’s New in the NMC Seat Matrix for 2025-26
Total Seats & Net Change
The latest matrix shows a total of 1,24,825 MBBS seats available across India for 2025-26.
Compared to the previous year (which had 1,17,750 seats), this reflects a net increase in seats.
Specifically, 7,375 new seats have been granted by NMC.
However, in the process, 456 seats have been reduced / de-licensed (due to non-renewal, compliance issues, or legal constraints).
This dual action means while there is expansion overall, some colleges or states may lose some seats they earlier held.
Why Some Seats Were Removed
NMC’s revised matrix mentions that certain seats were not renewed or cancelled due to non-compliance with standards, court cases, or regulatory concerns.
Thus, individual institutions must carefully check whether their seat counts held up, or if any reductions apply to them.
State-Wise Seat Allocation & Changes
The notification also provides state/UT wise seat changes so candidates can see where additional opportunities or reductions have occurred.
Some key observations:
States with significant increases include:
• Bihar: +400 seats (from 2,995 → 3,395)
• Assam: +225 seats (from 1,650 → 1,875)
• Karnataka: +999 seats (12,395 → 13,394)
• Maharashtra: +679 seats (11,845 → 12,524)
• Kerala: +499 seats (4,755 → 5,254)
• Rajasthan: +475 seats (6,505 → 6,980) States with reductions or minor negative change:
• Delhi lost seats (1,497 → 1,396)
• Telangana shows a slight reduction (9,065 → 8,990) per some reports.
• Andhra Pradesh saw a small drop (6,785 → 6,765) in some sources.Several states show moderate increases or stable seat numbers.
This redistribution means certain states will see enhanced competition (because more seats) while others might find seat availability constricted compared to expectations.
What This Means for NEET UG Counselling & Aspirants
1. More Choices in Many States
Because of increased seats in many states, aspirants will have more college options in their home state or state quota counselling.
2. Pressure in Reduced States
If your state has seat reductions (e.g. Delhi, Telangana), competition may become stiffer — even with the same number of aspirants, fewer seats pushes cut-offs higher.
3. Colleges Need to Update Portals
Medical colleges must update their seats in the MCC / UG counselling portal to match the new NMC matrix. Institutes reporting wrong (higher) numbers may face cancellations or legal complications.
Also, the matrix includes changes in new colleges and added seats in existing ones.
4. All India Quota (AIQ) Provisions
New colleges and seat increases must abide by AIQ / state quota rules — many new government colleges will contribute a portion of their seats to AIQ.
5. Legal & Regulatory Risks
Some seats are frozen or removed due to legal issues or noncompliance. Colleges and students must watch out for updates or court orders that could further impact seat availability.
How to Access / Download the Seat Matrix Notification & PDF
If you want to check the official notification or PDF:
Look for the NMC / MARB (Medical Assessment & Rating Board) notification dated about 24 September 2025which includes the updated seat matrix.
Many medical portals and news sites have published the PDF of updated seat matrix (e.g. Medical Dialogues).
Alternatively, you can check on the official NMC website – “All News / Notices” for the release. nmc.org.in
I saw one PDF link in the Medical Dialogues article:
“To view the revised seat matrix, click here: … nmc-mbbs-seat-matrix-as-on-24-09-2025.pdf”
You might use that to directly download the official PDF.
What You Should Do Next: Tips for Applicants
Check your state’s seat changes: See whether your desired state / college has gained or lost seats.
Revise your preference order in counselling accordingly — colleges in states with more seats may become more accessible.
Stay updated on MCC / counselling portal so that your seat options reflect the new matrix.
Cross-verify college seat counts in portal vs matrix to ensure no discrepancies.
Be ready for changes / corrections — some colleges may adjust last minute if they fail compliance.
Prepare for competition in states with reduced seat count — you may need higher rank / score to secure seats there.
Conclusion
The NMC’s release of the revised seat matrix for 2025-26 MBBS admissions marks a significant shift in the medical education landscape. With 7,375 new seats approved and 456 seats withdrawn, the total count rises to 124,825 seats this year.
While many states will see expanded opportunities, some will face tighter competition due to removal of seats. Therefore, aspirants must adapt their strategies, check updated matrices, and align their counselling choices carefully.
