New seat matrix cleared after appeals; authorities told not to delay counselling process
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved additional super speciality seats in medical colleges across India for the academic year 2025–26, following decisions taken by its First Appeal Committee.
Seats Approved After Appeal Review
In a public notice dated March 30, 2026, the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) under the NMC confirmed that the additional seats were granted after reviewing appeals filed by medical colleges under Section 28(5) of the NMC Act, 2019.
Counselling to Continue Without Waiting for LoPs
The Board clarified that Letters of Permission (LoPs) for the newly approved seats will be issued shortly. However, the approved seat list itself will be treated as a valid document for the counselling process. Authorities conducting counselling have been instructed not to wait for LoPs before including these seats.
NMC Secretary Dr. Raghav Langer directed all stakeholders, including Deans and Principals, to take note of the development and act accordingly.
Official Communication to Stakeholders
The official communication stated that the list of sanctioned seats approved by the First Appeal Committee should be considered sufficient for immediate inclusion in the ongoing counselling process. The issuance of LoPs will follow separately.
Seat Matrix Updated Across Multiple Colleges
As per the First Appeal Committee meeting held on March 24, 2026, and the subsequent memorandum issued on March 27 by the Policy and Coordination Division, additional seats have been allocated across several super speciality courses.
Key Additions in Super Speciality Courses
The updated seat matrix includes expansions in DM and M.Ch courses across institutions nationwide. Some notable additions include:
- B. J. Medical College, Ahmedabad: Significant increase in DM Cardiology, Cardiac Anaesthesia, and M.Ch Cardiovascular Thoracic Surgery seats
- Gauhati Medical College and Hospital: Added seats in DM Cardiology, Endocrinology, Urology, and Neurosurgery
- Government Doon Medical College: Additional seats in M.Ch Urology
- Topiwala National Medical College: Increase in DM Neurology seats
- Heritage Institute of Medical Sciences: Expansion in Endocrinology and Gastroenterology
Other institutions across states such as Telangana, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh have also received seat enhancements in various super speciality disciplines.
Directive to Update Counselling Records
The memorandum issued by Director Rajiv Sharma instructed authorities to immediately update the seat matrix and communicate the changes to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), and Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) to ensure smooth conduct of the ongoing PG counselling.
Boost to Super Speciality Medical Education
The move is expected to strengthen super speciality medical education capacity in India and provide more opportunities for postgraduate aspirants, while ensuring that administrative processes do not delay admissions.
