DM / M.Ch Admission 2026: DM (Doctorate of Medicine) and M.Ch. (Magister Chirurgiae) are prestigious super-speciality medical courses offered after completing an MD or MS in the relevant discipline? These three-year programs provide advanced clinical training in specialized branches such as Cardiology, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Urology, and Gastroenterology. DM and M.Ch admissions help doctors build successful careers as super-specialists, consultants, researchers, and medical faculty in leading hospitals and healthcare institutions across India.
What Is DM / M.Ch Admission in India?
DM (Doctorate of Medicine) and M.Ch (Magister Chirurgiae / Master of Surgery) are India’s highest postdoctoral medical qualifications — the super-specialty tier of medical education sitting above MD and MS. These are 3-year post-doctoral programs offered only to doctors who have already completed an MD, MS, or DNB postgraduate degree.
DM programs belong to medical disciplines — cardiology, neurology, nephrology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, and more. M.Ch programs belong to surgical disciplines — cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery, urological surgery, plastic surgery, and others.
Since 2019, admission to all DM, M.Ch, and DrNB super-specialty seats across India is through a single national examination: NEET SS (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test — Super Specialty), conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). No state-level or institution-level exam is valid for these courses in India — with only a handful of Institutes of National Importance (INIs) exempted.
NEET SS 2026 — At a Glance
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Full form | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test — Super Specialty |
| Conducting body | NBEMS (National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences) |
| Official website | natboard.edu.in / nbe.edu.in |
| Courses covered | DM, M.Ch, DrNB Super-Specialty |
| Total seats (DM/MCh) | 4,728 seats across 218 institutes |
| Exam date (2026) | 26 & 27 December 2026 (confirmed by NBEMS on 4 August 2026) |
| Mode of exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) — English only |
| Duration | 2 hours 30 minutes (150 minutes) |
| Total questions | 150 MCQs (3 sections × 50 questions) |
| Marking scheme | +4 marks correct; –1 mark wrong; 0 for unattempted |
| Total marks | 600 |
| Sectional time limit | 50 minutes per section (time-bound, cannot revisit previous section) |
| Application fee | ₹3,500 per group |
| Counseling Registration (MCC) | ₹1,000 (Non-refundable, for India Quota) |
| Counseling Security Deposit (MCC) | ₹2,00,000 (Refundable, to participate in choice filling for DM/MCh seats at deemed/central universities) |
| Minimum qualifying percentile | 50th percentile (General); 40th percentile (SC/ST/OBC/PwD) |
| Counselling body | MCC (Medical Counselling Committee) — mcc.nic.in |
| INI exceptions | AIIMS, PGIMER Chandigarh, JIPMER — conduct separate INI CET SS exam |
| Frequency | Once a year |
🔴 Latest Updates — NEET SS & DM/M.Ch 2026
- August 4, 2026: NBEMS officially revised and confirmed the NEET SS 2026 exam date from November 7–8 (earlier tentative) to December 26–27, 2026. This provides candidates approximately 7 additional weeks of preparation time.
- April 29, 2026: NBEMS announced the NEET SS 2026 key dates officially.
- April 10, 2026: MCC issued notice for addition of seats in Round 2 of SS Counselling 2025 (for the current 2025 academic year).
- April 7, 2026: MCC issued notice for add/remove seats in Round 2 SS Counselling 2025.
- March 28–April 3, 2026: NEET SS 2025 Counselling Round 2 registration window was open.
- March 18, 2026: Round 1 seat allotment result for NEET SS 2025 counselling was declared.
- March 10, 2026: MCC started NEET SS 2025 counselling and released the Information Bulletin for SS Counselling 2025.
- January 23, 2026: NEET SS 2025 results were declared on natboard.edu.in.
NEET SS 2026 — Full Exam Schedule (Tentative)
| Event | Date (2026–27) |
|---|---|
| NEET SS 2026 exam date | 26 & 27 December 2026 (confirmed) |
| Admit card download | 22 December 2026 |
| Application form release | 4th week of August 2026 (expected) |
| Application form deadline | 4th week of September 2026 (expected) |
| Application correction window 1 | 4th week of November 2026 (expected) |
| Application correction window 2 | 28–30 November 2026 (expected) |
| Result declaration | 28 January 2027 (expected) |
| MCC SS counselling starts | March 2027 (expected, based on 2025 pattern) |
Note: Reporting time — Candidates must report to the exam centre by 7:00 AM (morning shift) and 12:00 PM (afternoon/evening shift). Candidates not reporting within 30 minutes of start time will be denied entry.
Eligibility Criteria for DM / M.Ch Admission 2026
Academic Qualification
Candidates must hold a recognised postgraduate medical degree in the relevant feeder broad specialty:
| Course Type | Required PG Qualification |
|---|---|
| DM courses | MD or DNB in the relevant broad specialty (e.g., MD Medicine for DM Cardiology) |
| M.Ch courses | MS or DNB in the relevant broad specialty (e.g., MS Surgery for M.Ch Surgical Gastro) |
| DrNB courses | MD / MS / DNB in the relevant feeder specialty |
- The cut-off date for completing PG qualification is 30 April 2026 for NEET SS 2026.
- Candidates appearing in their final PG examination are also eligible to apply provisionally.
- No specific upper age limit is prescribed by NBEMS for NEET SS 2026.
Registration Requirement
- Candidates must hold a valid provisional or permanent NMC/MCI/State Medical Council registration in the relevant specialty.
- Foreign Nationals and OCI cardholders can appear in NEET SS 2026 without NMC registration. However, on securing a seat, NBEMS/MCI may grant temporary registration for the duration of the course, limited to the specific college/institute.
Candidates Already Enrolled in DM/M.Ch
- Candidates already registered in a DM, M.Ch, or DrNB Super-Specialty program through NEET SS are not eligible to reapply until they complete their current program.
NEET SS 2026 — Exam Pattern (New Structure)
NEET SS has operated under its revised section-based structure since 2025, and this pattern continues for 2026:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total questions | 150 MCQs |
| Sections | 3 sections of 50 questions each |
| Time per section | 50 minutes (strictly enforced) |
| Total duration | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Marking — correct | +4 marks |
| Marking — wrong | –1 mark (25% negative marking) |
| Marking — unattempted | 0 marks |
| Total maximum marks | 600 |
| Language | English only |
| Question type | Single best response MCQs |
| Section transition | Candidates cannot return to a previous section after the 50-minute timer expires |
Critical strategy note: Once a section’s 50-minute timer ends, you cannot go back. This means time management within each section is more important in NEET SS than in almost any other medical exam. Candidates must practice 50-question timed section mocks consistently.
NEET SS 2026 Super-Specialty Groups
The NEET SS exam is group-based. Candidates apply for a specific broad-specialty group and all super-specialty choices within that group. The 15 super-specialty subject groups for NEET SS 2026 are:
| Group No. | Broad Specialty (Feeder PG) | DM Super-Specialties Under Group | M.Ch Super-Specialties Under Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Medicine (MD) | Cardiology, Neurology, Nephrology, Endocrinology, Immunology, Rheumatology, Clinical Pharmacology, Geriatrics, Pulmonary Medicine, Haematology | — |
| 2 | Paediatrics (MD) | Paediatric Cardiology, Neonatology, Paediatric Neurology, Paediatric Nephrology, Paediatric Pulmonology, Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, Paediatric Infectious Diseases | Paediatric Surgery |
| 3 | Surgery (MS) | — | Neurosurgery, Paediatric Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Endocrine Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery, Surgical Gastroenterology, Urological Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Trauma Surgery |
| 4 | Obstetrics & Gynaecology (MS) | Reproductive Medicine | Gynaecological Oncology |
| 5 | Orthopaedics (MS) | — | Hand Surgery, Orthopaedic Oncology |
| 6 | Gastroenterology (MD/MS) | Gastroenterology | Surgical Gastroenterology |
| 7 | Radiology/Radiodiagnosis (MD) | — | Interventional Radiology |
| 8 | Psychiatry (MD) | Addiction Psychiatry | — |
| 9 | Neurology / Neurosurgery | DM Neurology, DM Neurophysiology | M.Ch Neurosurgery |
| 10 | Ophthalmology (MS) | — | Vitreo-Retinal Surgery, Oculoplasty, Cornea & Ocular Surface |
| 11 | ENT / Otolaryngology (MS) | — | Head & Neck Oncology, Otology, Rhinology |
| 12 | Onco Surgery (MS) | — | Oncosurgery / Surgical Oncology |
| 13 | Others | DM Medical Oncology, DM Clinical Haematology, DM Medical Genetics, Nuclear Medicine | M.Ch Burns & Plastic, M.Ch Transplant Surgery |
Fee note: The NEET SS application fee is ₹3,500 per group. If a candidate applies for two groups (e.g., Medicine group + Paediatrics group), the total fee is ₹7,000.
NEET SS 2026 — Application Process (Step by Step)
- Visit the official NBEMS portal — natboard.edu.in. Click on “NEET SS 2026.”
- New registration — Enter name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number. A User ID and password will be sent to the registered email and mobile.
- Fill the application form — Log in with credentials. Enter personal details (name, father’s/mother’s name, disability status if any, address), academic qualifications (UG and PG details), SMC/NMC registration details, and preferred exam centre city.
- Select broad specialty group — Choose the relevant super-specialty group for your exam question paper.
- Upload documents — Scanned passport-size photograph, signature, and left thumb impression in the specified format and size.
- Pay the application fee — ₹3,500 per group via debit card, credit card, or internet banking (no offline/demand draft payment accepted).
- Submit and save — Submit the completed form and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
- Use the correction window — Two correction windows will be available: Window 1 for all form details; Window 2 (final) for images only.
Documents Required for NEET SS 2026 Application
- Scanned passport-size photograph (recent, colour, white background)
- Scanned signature
- Scanned left thumb impression
- MD/MS/DNB degree certificate or provisional pass certificate
- NMC/SMC registration certificate (provisional or permanent)
- Internship completion certificate (where applicable)
- Valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence)
DM / M.Ch Seats in India — National Overview 2026
| Category | Total Seats |
|---|---|
| Total DM + M.Ch seats (NEET SS route) | 4728 |
| Institutes participating in NEET SS | 218 |
| INI seats (AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER — separate INI CET SS) | Not included in the above |
| AIQ seats (MCC counselling) | 100% of NEET SS route seats |
| DrNB seats (NBEMS hospitals — same NEET SS exam) | ~600+ additionally |
DM Seats by Discipline (Approximate)
| Super-Specialty | Approximate Seats |
|---|---|
| Cardiology (DM) | 586+ |
| Neurology (DM) | 368+ |
| Nephrology (DM) | 287+ |
| Gastroenterology (DM) | 243+ |
| Endocrinology (DM) | 117+ |
| Medical Oncology (DM) | 99+ |
| Pulmonary Medicine (DM) | 51+ |
| Rheumatology (DM) | 40+ |
| Critical Care Medicine (DM) | 137+ |
| Hepatology (DM) | 33+ |
| Neonatology (DM, Paediatric) | 114+ |
M.Ch Seats by Discipline (Approximate)
| Super-Specialty | Approximate Seats |
|---|---|
| Neurosurgery (M.Ch) | 414+ |
| Urology/Genito-Urinary Surgery (M.Ch) | 345+ |
| Paediatric Surgery (M.Ch) | 222+ |
| Surgical Gastroenterology/G.I. Surgery (M.Ch) | 105+ |
| Plastic Surgery/Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (M.Ch) | 319+ |
| Vascular Surgery (M.Ch) | 26+ |
| Surgical Oncology (M.Ch) | 220+ |
| Gynaecological Oncology (M.Ch) | 32+ |
MCC Super-Specialty Counselling 2026 — Complete Guide
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, conducts centralised online counselling for 100% of All India Quota DM/M.Ch seats in participating government and private medical colleges and deemed universities.
MCC SS Counselling 2025 — Status Update (for current year)
- Counselling began: 10 March 2026
- Round 1 seat allotment result: 18 March 2026
- Round 2 registration: 28 March – 3 April 2026
- Round 2 result: Expected April 2026
- Additional seats notices: Issued 7 April and 10 April 2026
MCC SS Counselling 2026 (for NEET SS 2026 exam takers)
Expected timeline based on 2025 pattern (NEET SS 2026 result January 2027):
| Round | Tentative Period |
|---|---|
| Round 1 registration & choice filling | March 2027 |
| Round 1 seat allotment result | March 2027 |
| Round 2 registration | April 2027 |
| Round 2 seat allotment result | April–May 2027 |
| Mop-up / stray vacancy (if applicable) | May 2027 |
MCC SS Counselling Fee Structure
| Category | Registration Fee | Security Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹5,000 | ₹2,00,000 (refundable) |
| SC / ST | ₹5,000 | ₹2,00,000 (refundable) |
The security deposit of ₹2,00,000 is refundable. MCC initiates the refund within 15 days of counselling completion and completes it within 30 days. Candidates must keep their bank account active until the refund is processed.
How MCC SS Counselling Works
- Register on mcc.nic.in — Enter NEET SS details, personal information, and pay the registration + security deposit.
- Choice filling — Select preferred DM/M.Ch courses and colleges in order of preference. Any number of choices can be filled.
- Choice locking — Lock the choices before the deadline. Locked choices cannot be changed.
- Seat allotment — MCC allots seats based on NEET SS rank, choice order, seat availability, and reservation criteria.
- Reporting — Report to the allotted institution with original documents within the prescribed timeframe (typically 48–72 hours of allotment).
- Upgrade option — Candidates allotted in Round 1 can participate in Round 2 for a better seat without forfeiting their Round 1 seat.
Two Counselling Rounds Only
As directed by the Supreme Court of India, there are only two rounds of AIQ Super-Specialty (SS) online counselling. Unlike NEET PG (which has multiple rounds), candidates must participate in both SS rounds to maximise their chances.
INI CET SS 2026 — Separate Route for AIIMS, PGIMER & JIPMER
Institutes of National Importance (INIs) conduct a separate entrance examination — INI CET SS — managed by AIIMS New Delhi. This covers super-specialty admissions exclusively at:
| Institution |
|---|
| AIIMS New Delhi |
| AIIMS Bhopal, Jodhpur, Patna, Rishikesh, Raipur, Bhubaneswar, Nagpur, Kalyani, Mangalagiri, Gorakhpur, Bathinda, Bibinagar, Rajkot, Deogarh, Guwahati |
| PGIMER Chandigarh |
| JIPMER Puducherry |
| NIMHANS Bengaluru |
| SCTIMST Thiruvananthapuram |
Key Differences: NEET SS vs INI CET SS
| Parameter | NEET SS | INI CET SS |
|---|---|---|
| Conducted by | NBEMS | AIIMS New Delhi |
| Official website | natboard.edu.in | aiimsexams.ac.in |
| Covers | All govt, private, deemed colleges (excluding INIs) | INI institutions only |
| Exam date 2026 | 26–27 December 2026 | Separate schedule (check aiimsexams.ac.in) |
| Should candidates appear for both? | Yes — appear for both to maximise opportunities | Yes — simultaneously |
| Counselling by | MCC (mcc.nic.in) | AIIMS New Delhi internal |
Expert advice: Every DM/M.Ch aspirant in India should appear for both NEET SS and INI CET SS simultaneously. There is no conflict between the two, and appearing for both maximises the total number of DM/M.Ch seats you can compete for.
NEET SS Syllabus 2026 — What to Study
The NEET SS syllabus is based on the entire postgraduate (MD/MS/DNB) curriculum of the relevant feeder broad specialty. There is no separate or additional super-specialty syllabus — the exam tests mastery of the parent specialty at a post-doctoral depth.
| Syllabus Type | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Feeder broad specialty topics | Complete MD/MS/DNB curriculum of the relevant specialty |
| General specialty questions | Foundational topics from the MD/MS parent specialty |
| Sub-specialty questions | Advanced topics relevant to the chosen DM/M.Ch super-specialty |
| Clinical application | Case-based MCQs testing clinical reasoning |
| Recent advances | Current guidelines, landmark trials, new treatment protocols |
Section-wise Strategy
Since each of the 3 sections carries 50 questions with a hard 50-minute cutoff:
- Plan to attempt all 50 questions per section — do not leave questions unattempted due to hesitation (0 marks for unattempted; no additional loss)
- Negative marking is only 25% (–1 for every 4-mark question), so educated guessing is mathematically beneficial
- Practice section-wise timed mocks (50 questions in 50 minutes) consistently from 3 months before the exam
Category-wise Qualifying Cutoff — NEET SS
| Category | Qualifying Percentile |
|---|---|
| General / EWS | 50th percentile |
| OBC | 40th percentile |
| SC | 40th percentile |
| ST | 40th percentile |
| PwD – General | 45th percentile |
| PwD – SC/ST/OBC | 40th percentile |
Qualifying the percentile cutoff means your name appears on the merit list and you are eligible for MCC counselling. However, the actual seat allotment depends on your rank within the merit list, the number of available seats in your specialty, and your counselling choices.
Reservation Policy for DM / M.Ch Seats (AIQ — MCC)
| Category | Reservation % |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% |
| Other Backward Class (OBC — non-creamy layer) | 27% |
| EWS (Economically Weaker Section) | 10% |
| PwD (Persons with Disability) | 5% (horizontal, across all categories) |
| Unreserved / General | 40.5% |
Tamil Nadu in-service candidates: As per the Supreme Court order dated 16/03/2022, 50% reservation for in-service candidates is provided in Tamil Nadu. In-service counselling for Tamil Nadu is conducted separately by the Tamil Nadu State authority.
Documents Required for DM / M.Ch Counselling
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| NEET SS 2026 admit card | Original |
| NEET SS 2026 scorecard | Original + copies |
| MD / MS / DNB degree certificate | Original + copies |
| Provisional pass certificate | If degree not yet awarded |
| Internship completion certificate | Original |
| NMC / SMC permanent or provisional registration certificate | Original |
| Class 10 certificate (date of birth proof) | Original |
| Class 12 certificate | Original |
| Valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence) | Original |
| Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD) | Original + copies (where applicable) |
| Recent passport-size photographs | 6–10 copies |
Key Institutions Offering DM / M.Ch Courses (Representative List)
Government Institutions (Top — NEET SS Route)
| Institution | City | Notable DM/M.Ch Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| AIIMS New Delhi | New Delhi | All DM/M.Ch (INI CET SS route) |
| PGIMER | Chandigarh | All DM/M.Ch (INI CET SS route) |
| JIPMER | Puducherry | DM/M.Ch (INI CET SS route) |
| SGPGIMS | Lucknow | DM Cardiology, Neurology, Gastro, Endocrinology; M.Ch Neurosurgery, CTVS |
| NIMHANS | Bengaluru | DM Neurology, DM Psychiatry (INI route) |
| Madras Medical College | Chennai | DM/M.Ch (State quota) |
| Osmania Medical College | Hyderabad | DM/M.Ch (State route) |
| KGMU | Lucknow | DM/M.Ch (NEET SS/AIQ) |
| RIMS Ranchi | Jharkhand | DM/M.Ch |
| IGIMS Patna | Bihar | DM/M.Ch |
Private/Deemed Universities (Top — NEET SS Route)
| Institution | City | Notable DM/M.Ch Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Kasturba Medical College (MAHE) | Manipal | DM Cardiology, Nephrology, Neurology; M.Ch Neurosurgery |
| Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences | Kochi | DM Cardiology, M.Ch Neuro, CTVS |
| Christian Medical College | Vellore | DM/M.Ch (limited quota) |
| JSS Medical College (JSS Academy) | Mysuru | DM Neurology, Gastro |
| Sri Ramachandra Medical College | Chennai | DM/M.Ch multiple specialties |
| DY Patil Medical College | Pune | DM Cardiology, Gastro |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. When is the NEET SS 2026 exam date?
A. NEET SS 2026 is officially confirmed by NBEMS on 26 and 27 December 2026 as a computer-based test. The exam date was revised from November 7–8 to December 26–27 by NBEMS on 4 August 2026.
Q. What is the eligibility for DM/M.Ch admission 2026?
A. Candidates must hold a recognised MD, MS, or DNB postgraduate degree in the relevant feeder broad specialty, with a valid provisional or permanent NMC/State Medical Council registration. The cutoff date for completing PG qualification is 30 April 2026. No upper age limit applies.
Q. How many DM and M.Ch seats are available through NEET SS?
A. NEET SS 2026 covers 4,728 DM and M.Ch seats across 218 participating institutes. This excludes INI seats at AIIMS, PGIMER, and JIPMER, which require the separate INI CET SS exam.
Q. What is the NEET SS application fee?
A. The NEET SS application fee is ₹3,500 per broad-specialty group. A candidate applying for two groups pays ₹7,000. The fee must be paid online via debit card, credit card, or net banking.
Q. What is the NEET SS exam pattern?
A. NEET SS 2026 consists of 150 MCQs across 3 time-bound sections of 50 questions each, with 50 minutes per section. Marking scheme: +4 for correct, –1 for wrong, 0 for unattempted. Total marks: 600. Once a section’s time expires, candidates cannot go back to it.
Q. Is NEET SS mandatory for all DM/M.Ch admissions?
A. Yes, NEET SS is the only valid entrance exam for DM, M.Ch, and DrNB Super-Specialty courses in India as per the Indian Medical Council Act. The only exceptions are Institutes of National Importance (AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER, NIMHANS, SCTIMST), which conduct their own INI CET SS exam.
Q. Can foreign nationals or OCI cardholders appear for NEET SS?
A. Yes. Foreign nationals and OCI cardholders can appear in NEET SS 2026 without NMC registration, provided they are duly registered with the appropriate medical authority in their own country. On securing a seat, temporary NMC registration is granted for the duration of the course.
Q. Should I appear for both NEET SS and INI CET SS?
A. Absolutely yes. Appearing for both NEET SS and INI CET SS maximises the total DM/M.Ch seat pool you can compete for. Both exams have different dates and schedules, so there is no conflict in appearing for both.
Q. When does MCC SS counselling 2025 (for current 2025 NEET SS candidates) conclude?
A. As of June 2026, MCC SS counselling 2025 Round 2 was ongoing. Round 2 registration was held 28 March–3 April 2026, with notices for seat additions issued in April 2026. Candidates should check mcc.nic.in for the latest status.
Q. What is the security deposit for MCC SS counselling?
A. The refundable security deposit is ₹2,00,000 for all categories. The registration fee is ₹5,000 (non-refundable). MCC initiates the refund within 15 days of counselling completion.
Q. How many rounds are there in MCC SS counselling?
A. There are only two rounds of AIQ Super-Specialty counselling by MCC, as directed by the Supreme Court of India. Candidates must participate in both rounds to maximise seat options.
All dates and schedules are based on NBEMS and MCC official announcements as of June 2026. NEET SS 2026 exam date is officially confirmed as 26–27 December 2026 by NBEMS (August 4, 2026). Always cross-check the latest notices at natboard.edu.in and mcc.nic.in before taking any admission or counselling actions.
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