Published on October 13, 2025
Delhi, India
As of October 13, 2025—the final day for Round 3 choice-filling—the National Medical Commission (NMC) has supercharged opportunities for NEET UG 2025 aspirants with a revised seat matrix. This update adds a net 9,075 new MBBS seats across India (excluding AIIMS and JIPMER), elevating the national total to 1,26,600 for the 2025-26 academic year. Driven by the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) Phase 3 and state-level expansions, these changes address India’s doctor shortage while easing competition for over 23 lakh qualifiers. With the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) extending Round 3 deadlines, this guide delivers a structured breakdown, state insights, and actionable steps to navigate admissions.
Key Highlights of the Seat Matrix Revision
- Total Seats Added: 9,075 new MBBS seats approved, reflecting multiple waves: +6,850 in September, +7,375 in early October.
- Seats Removed: 456 seats cut due to court cases, compliance issues, and delays; earlier September removals totaled 1,056.
- Overall National Total: 1,26,600 MBBS seats, a ~7-8% increase from prior years, excluding ~2,000 AIIMS and 200 JIPMER seats.
- Government vs. Private Split: ~47% (59,416) in government colleges; new additions favor private institutions (~60%) for rapid growth.
- Quota Overview: 15% All India Quota (AIQ) via MCC; 85% state quota with reservations (SC/ST/OBC: 27-50% by state).
- Timeline Milestones: Revisions align with Cabinet’s 10,000-seat CSS Phase 3 approval; full matrix finalized October 10, 2025.
State-Wise Breakdown of Seats and Changes
Expansions target underserved areas, with southern states leading gains. Below is an updated table of key states based on NMC’s October 10 matrix (full PDF at nmc.org.in). Figures include approximate totals and net additions.
| State/UT | Total MBBS Seats (2025-26) | Net New Seats Added | Key Institutions/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karnataka | 12,545 | +1,000+ | ESIC expansions (+197 at select colleges); highest national addition, strong private growth. |
| Maharashtra | 11,846 | +800+ | Multiple private upgrades; +25 in Round 3; ~10% of national total. |
| Tamil Nadu | 10,500+ | +600+ | New approvals in Chennai/Coimbatore; private sector surge. |
| Uttar Pradesh | 12,050 | +500+ | New Autonomous State Medical College (+100); +7 in Round 3; rural focus. |
| Andhra Pradesh | 5,000+ | +400+ | Santhiram Medical College (+100 to 250); Anna Gowri (+150 new). |
| Gujarat | 7,250 | +300+ | Rural college additions; +25 in Round 3. |
| Rajasthan | 5,418 | +200+ | “One District, One Medical College” initiative. |
| West Bengal | 4,500+ | +150+ | Raniganj (+100); PKG Medical (+50). |
| Delhi (NCT) | 1,500+ | -150 (net) | Hamdard Institute reduction; but +42 in Round 3 offsets. |
| Others (e.g., Haryana, Punjab) | Varies (e.g., 4,181 in MP) | +100-300 each | +15 Haryana, +25 Punjab in Round 3; minimal in Northeast (e.g., Meghalaya: 50 total). |
- Round 3 Specifics: 139 additional seats, including 42 in Delhi, 25 each in Gujarat/Maharashtra/Punjab.
Reasons for the Seat Expansion
- Policy Drive: CSS Phase 3 targets 10,000 seats to improve doctor-patient ratio (current: 1:1,366 vs. WHO’s 1:1,000).
- Compliance & Legal Factors: Adjustments for court rulings, faculty/infrastructure norms, and supernumerary seats (e.g., foreign students).
- Equity Focus: Prioritizes rural/underserved districts; boosts female enrollment (~40%) and new colleges (34 added in 2025).
- NMC Commitment: Ensures transparency; revisions reflect state participation in expansions.
Impact on NEET UG 2025 Counselling and Admissions
- Round 3 Schedule (As of Oct 13):
- Choice Filling/Locking: Extended to 11:59 PM today (Oct 13, 2025).
- Seat Allotment: Now expected October 15, 2025 (postponed from Oct 11).
- Reporting: Oct 16-20, 2025; data verification Oct 18-19.
- Subsequent: Mop-up (late Oct), Stray Vacancy (Nov).
- For Candidates: New seats may drop cut-offs 10-20 marks; ~1,134 virtual/clear vacancies from prior rounds. Expected AIQ Cut-Offs: General 610-635; Reserved 450-550 (adjusted from 2024).
- State Counselling: Handles 85% seats; e.g., Karnataka KEA notes 9,263 total (slight dip).
- Challenges: High competition (13+ lakh qualifiers); monitor for post-Oct 13 revisions.
How to Access and Prepare for the Updated Matrix
- Official Resources: Download matrix PDF from nmc.org.in (“What’s New” > Oct 10 update); check mcc.nic.in for AIQ.
- Counselling Steps: Log in at mcc.nic.in; update choices today. Use rank predictors for matches.
- Documents Needed: NEET scorecard, ID, category proofs; PwD candidates visit MCC centers.
- Alternatives: BDS (27,868 seats), AYUSH (52,720), BVSc (603) via separate quotas.
- Pro Tip: Prioritize govt seats first; stack state/AIQ preferences. If unallotted, opt for Round 4.
