Comprehensive Guide to NEET PG 2026: MD/MS Admission and Counselling Procedures
NEET PG Overview
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduates (NEET-PG) is the mandatory entrance examination for admission to MD/MS and PG Diploma courses in India. It serves as the single window entrance system for PG medical courses across government, private, and deemed medical colleges.
The exam assesses the clinical knowledge and competency of MBBS graduates to ensure they are prepared for the rigors of specialized medical training in their chosen clinical or para-clinical branches.
| Course Name | MD / MS / PG Diploma |
| Course Duration | 3 Years (MD/MS), 2 Years (Diploma) |
| Entrance Exam | NEET-PG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduates) |
| Conducting Body | National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) |
| Counseling Authority | MCC (All India Quota) & Respective State Authorities |
| Admission Level | Postgraduate (PG) |
Eligibility for NEET PG 2026
Candidates must meet specific criteria set by the National Medical Commission (NMC) to be eligible for the exam and the subsequent counseling process.
| Qualification | MBBS Degree or Provisional MBBS Pass Certificate recognized by NMC/MCI |
| Internship | Completion of 12-month compulsory rotating internship on or before the cutoff date |
| Registration | Permanent/Provisional Registration with NMC or State Medical Council |
| Category Rank | Must qualify NEET-PG with minimum percentile as prescribed by NBEMS |
Counseling & Seat Allocation (AIQ vs State)
Conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), this covers 50% of MD/MS seats in government medical colleges and 100% of seats in Deemed/Central Universities and AFMS.
Managed by the respective State Medical Education Directorates. This covers 50% of seats in government colleges and 100% of seats in private colleges within that state.
Major Specialties (MD vs MS)
| Doctor of Medicine (MD) | Master of Surgery (MS) |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The NEET PG score is valid only for the current academic session for which the exam is conducted. For 2026, the score cannot be used for admissions in 2027.
Typically, MCC conducts four rounds: Round 1, Round 2, AIQ Mop-up Round, and AIQ Stray Vacancy Round. The availability of rounds depends on seat vacancy.
Once the seat is joined and the counseling rounds are concluded, you cannot change your specialty or college. You would need to resign the seat and appear for the exam again, often subject to a penalty bond.