Ritik Kumar · November 22, 2025 
Introduction
Every NEET PG aspirant knows that choosing the right medical college is about more than just ranking—it’s about understanding the seat matrix. A college’s seat matrix not only reflects its academic capacity but also determines the level of competition, specialty exposure, and residency opportunities.
But here’s the challenge: with hundreds of institutions and constantly evolving DNB vs MD/MS debates, comparing seat distribution across colleges becomes overwhelming.
In this blog, we bring clarity by breaking down the NEET PG seat matrices of six prominent institutes—PGIMER Chandigarh, Kasturba Medical College (KMC) Manipal, JSS Medical College (Mysuru), King George’s Medical University (KGMU) Lucknow, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education (Chennai), and Symbiosis Medical College (Pune).
By the end, you’ll have a clear, side-by-side understanding of how these institutes stack up, so you can base your decision on facts and strategy, not just assumptions.
NEET PG Seat Matrix Overview
Before jumping into college-wise details, let’s understand what the seat matrix really represents.
- Total PG seats = MD + MS + PG Diploma across specializations.
- Seat categories: General/All India, State Quota, NRI/Management quota.
- Superspecialty pipeline: Institutes with higher PG intake often have stronger DM/MCh pathways.
- Impact on competition: Fewer seats = higher rank required.
PGIMER Chandigarh: Structured Excellence
PGIMER is one of India’s most prestigious government-run institutes with autonomous admission processes.
Seat Distribution Highlights:
- Total PG Seats: ~610 (MD/MS + DM/MCh included)
- NEET PG-Based Disciplines: Around 220+ seats
- Strong focus on Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Pediatrics, and Radiology.
- Minimal or no management/NRI quota, ensuring merit-driven admissions.
Why Choose PGIMER?
- National-level exposure with pan-India aspirants.
- Strong focus on research and super-specialties.
- Affordable fee structure compared to private colleges.
Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal: Private Pioneer
Seat Distribution Highlights:
- Total PG Seats: ~450 across MD/MS and diplomas.
- Significant representation in Anaesthesiology, Radio-diagnosis, and Orthopaedics.
- Management quota and NRI options available.
Strengths:
- International collaborations and global exposure.
- High-end infrastructure and advanced diagnostic facilities.
- Reputation in Radiology and Surgical branches.
JSS Medical College, Mysuru: Balanced Growth
Seat Distribution Highlights:
- Total PG Seats: ~300+ across clinical, para-clinical, and pre-clinical specialties.
- Major strengths in General Medicine, Pathology, and Anaesthesiology.
- Mix of government quota seats (through KEA) and management.
Key Advantages:
- Well-rounded exposure with strong patient inflow.
- Moderate fee compared to other private colleges.
- Good balance between clinical and academic output.
King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow: Traditional Giant
Seat Distribution Highlights:
- Total PG Seats: ~450+ (among the largest in North India).
- Dominance in Internal Medicine, General Surgery, and Dermatology.
- 50% State quota and 50% All India quota distribution.
Why KGMU Stands Out:
- Historic academic reputation in North India.
- Large patient load giving unmatched clinical exposure.
- Lower fees as a state university compared to private counterparts.
Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education (SRIHER), Chennai: Private with Scale
Seat Distribution Highlights:
- Total PG Seats: ~300-350 across MD/MS courses.
- Good presence in Radiology, Pediatrics, and Anaesthesia.
- Attractive options under NRI/Management quota.
Unique Features:
- Multispecialty hospital with excellent patient diversity.
- Emphasis on both academics and single specialty institutes (like Cardiac Sciences).
- Considered among the more expensive private options.
Symbiosis Medical College, Pune: Emerging Private Player
Seat Distribution Highlights:
- Total PG Seats: Recently developing; ~150-200 seats.
- Growing in General Medicine, Paediatrics, and Community Medicine.
- Primarily a self-financed model, offering management quota pathways.
Emerging Strengths:
- Backed by Symbiosis University’s educational excellence.
- Urban location with good patient flow in Pune.
- Still building its reputation compared to established players.
Comparative Seat Matrix Table
| College/Institute | Approx. PG Seats | Major Strength Specialties | Quota Types | Fee Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGIMER Chandigarh | ~220 (NEET PG-based) | Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Radiology | Central merit | Low |
| KMC Manipal | ~450 | Radiology, Anaesthesia, Surgery | Govt/Management/NRI | High |
| JSS Mysuru | ~300+ | Medicine, Pathology, Anaesthesia | Govt/Management | Moderate |
| KGMU Lucknow | ~450+ | Surgery, Dermatology, Medicine | 50% AIQ / 50% State | Low |
| Sri Ramachandra Chennai | ~300+ | Radiology, Paediatrics, Anaesthesia | Mgmt/NRI | High |
| Symbiosis Pune | ~150-200 | Medicine, Pediatrics, Community Medicine | Management-focused | High |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which of these colleges offer the most affordable PG seats?
PGIMER Chandigarh and KGMU Lucknow are government institutions with very affordable fees compared to private colleges like KMC, JSS, or Sri Ramachandra.
2. How do private institutes like KMC and JSS compare to government ones?
They provide state-of-the-art infrastructure and global exposure but come with significantly higher fees. Government institutes provide unmatched patient volume and affordability.
3. Is Symbiosis a good choice for NEET PG aspirants?
Symbiosis is relatively new in the PG medical space. It’s an emerging option suited for students seeking a private, urban setting with a developing academic ecosystem.
4. Which college is best for research opportunities?
PGIMER leads in research, with specialized departments and national-level recognition. KMC also collaborates internationally for academic research.
5. Do management/NRI quota seats affect competition?
Yes. While they provide alternative entry routes, they are much costlier. Merit seats in both government and private institutes remain highly competitive.
Conclusion
When it comes to NEET PG seat matrices, the choice between government and private medical colleges is a trade-off between affordability, exposure, and infrastructure.
- If budget and patient volume are a priority: PGIMER and KGMU should top your list.
- If you value infrastructure and global exposure: KMC Manipal or Sri Ramachandra stand out.
- For a balanced approach: JSS Mysuru is a solid pick.
- For emerging private options in metro cities: Symbiosis Pune can be considered.
Making the right decision depends on your individual priorities—cost, specialty, location, or exposure. At Career Plan B, we guide medical aspirants in decoding seat matrices, comparing institutions, and crafting the most realistic admission strategy.
Your next step? Evaluate your rank, clarify your goals, and align them with the right seat matrix. That’s how you transform your NEET PG dream into a concrete reality.
