NEET-PG 2026: Highest Vacancies in Maharashtra, Karnataka & Tamil Nadu

Following the second round of counselling, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have been identified as the states with the highest number of vacant NEET PG 2025-26 seats.

For the latest updates on seat allotment results, applicants can visit the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) website, as Round 3 results are expected to be declared on January 29, 2026.

The states face persistent vacancy problems because of their operational expenses, colleges' infrastructure needs, and staff requirements in different organisational branches. The regulatory authorities implemented new eligibility standards for upcoming rounds of testing to fill the seats.

A total of 18,000 NEET PG Seats are vacant after round 2 counselling, including 9000 seats that come under AIQ (All India Quota).

Statewise Seat Vacancies

In these three states alone, vacancies after the first round were significantly high.

• Maharashtra: 2,801 Vacant Seats

• Karnataka: 2,161 Vacancies 

• Tamil Nadu: 1,932 Vacancies 

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) established zero qualifying percentile requirements for reserved categories in Round 3 to increase the available candidate number because of existing gaps in qualifications.

As per subject-wise data, most vacancies are concentrated in non-clinical or para-clinical branches like Microbiology, Pathology, Biochemistry, Forensic Medicine, and Pharmacology.

Who Can Apply for Vacant Seats?

Reduced Cut-off Candidates: Reserved category candidates (SC/ST/OBC/PwD) can participate in Round 3 and subsequent rounds by using a 0th percentile score.

Unseated Candidates: Applicants who did not receive any seat allotment and candidates who resigned their seats with fee forfeiture are permitted to participate in the Mop-Up and Stray Vacancy rounds.

Non-Domicile Students (Open States): Students from other states can apply for private and management quota seats in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu without needing to show proof of local residency.

NRI Candidates: Eligible applicants who switched to NRI status during the January 15–17, 2026, window can apply for NRI quota seats.

Qualified FMGE Candidates: FMGE December 2025 pass-outs who have completed their internship and registration formalities can apply for vacant seats.