The National Medical Commission (NMC) has released the approved MBBS seat matrix for the 2026-27 admissions cycle. The matrix, issued by the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB), sets the total undergraduate intake at 1,36,939 seats across 823 medical colleges, for NEET UG 2026 counselling. Of the total, 1,27,028 seats are renewed and 9,911 seats are newly approved. The seat distribution includes 63,296 seats across 441 government medical colleges and 73,643 seats across 382 private medical colleges. The NMC also states that the approvals cover both the establishment of new MBBS colleges and increases in intake capacity of existing colleges.

As part of the additions, 25 new medical colleges are approved, bringing 2,400 additional MBBS seats. The NMC directs private medical colleges that received approvals for new colleges or intake increases to submit the required Electronic Bank Guarantee to MARB within seven days of the relevant notice. It also instructs the Medical Counselling Committee and state authorities to conduct admissions strictly according to the approved seat matrix and not permit admissions beyond the notified seats. The NMC notes the matrix can be revised if further decisions are made by the appeal or other competent authorities and that any updated matrix will be uploaded on its website.