Likhith · October 14, 2025 
Introduction
Ever wondered why some NEET PG aspirants get their dream branch anywhere in India while others seem locked to home-state options? The answer lies in how seats are divided between All India Quota (AIQ) and State Quota. This split not only determines eligibility and choices, but also impacts your rank, competition, and admission strategy. With NEET PG counselling 2025 in full swing, every medical graduate faces crucial decisions around these quotas. Which offers better odds? Is seat location more important than specialty? Let’s unpack the numbers, processes, and pathways so you can make smart, early choices for your postgrad future.
Demystifying All India Quota (AIQ) and State Quota
What Is the All India Quota?
- AIQ refers to 50% of PG medical seats in government colleges across India reserved for candidates from any state.
- MCC (Medical Counselling Committee) manages AIQ counseling online; no travel needed beyond document reporting.
- AIQ seats exclude colleges in Jammu & Kashmir; central/deemed universities, ESIC colleges and AFMS run their own quotas.
What Is the State Quota?
- The remaining 50% of seats are state quota, allotted primarily to domicile candidates or those who studied MBBS in that state.
- State governments conduct their own counseling and may have rules on reservation, eligibility, and fee structure.
Key Differences: AIQ vs State Quota
| Feature | All India Quota (AIQ) | State Quota |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Share | 50% Gov’t seats nationwide | 50% Gov’t seats in state |
| Who Can Apply? | All NEET PG qualifiers | State MBBS/domicile |
| Reservation | Central Govt rules | State-specific |
| Counseling Authority | MCC (mcc.nic.in) | State Directorates |
| Choice Pool | All India (except J&K) | In-state only |
| Rounds | 4 | State-specific |
| Tie Breaker (Rank) | All India Rank | State Rank |
How Does NEET PG Counselling Work?
The AIQ Process
- Online Registration: Visit the MCC website—no physical centers required.
- Choice Filling: Mark preferred courses and colleges nationwide.
- Seat Allotment: Based on rank, category, seat matrix, and reservation.
- Document Reporting: Submit MBBS degree, NEET rank, ID, and certificates to the allotted institute.
- Rounds: Four total—Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up, Stray Vacancy.
The State Quota Process
- State Registration: Fill forms on the State DME website.
- Local Eligibility: Qualifying MBBS/state domicile essential.
- Seat Allotment: Follow state reservation (OBC, SC/ST, EWS, etc.).
- Institute Reporting: Similar documents required, plus domicile or study proof.
- Rounds: Vary by state (commonly 3–4).
Rhetorical Question:
Which matters more—branch preference or geographical flexibility in postgrad seat selection?
Seat Matrix & Statistics: How Many Seats, Where, for Whom?
AIQ Seat Matrix
- ~20,000 MD/MS/DNB seats offered nationwide under AIQ annually.
- Largest pools: General Medicine, Pediatrics, Radiology, General Surgery.
- Competitive ranks needed: Government colleges under AIQ see highest cut-offs.
State Quota Seat Matrix
- A similar number (~20,000) under state quota—varies by number of colleges per state.
- Top states: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh.
- Easier cut-offs for local candidates due to reduced pool and local reservations.
Table: Sample Seat Distribution
| State | Gov’t PG Seats | AIQ Seats | State Quota Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | 1,400 | 700 | 700 |
| Karnataka | 1,350 | 675 | 675 |
| Maharashtra | 1,200 | 600 | 600 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 800 | 400 | 400 |
Source: NEET PG official seat matrix 2025.
Pros and Cons: Which Route Is Right for You?
All India Quota
Pros:
- More colleges & branches nationwide
- No domicile restriction
- Opportunity to study anywhere in India
Cons:
- Higher cut-off ranks (tougher competition)
- More paperwork, higher travel/adaptation needs
State Quota
Pros:
- Lower cut-offs for in-state candidates
- Reservation benefits (category, rural, etc.)
- Lower living costs, familiar environment
Cons:
- Fewer college choices
- May miss out on top city/central institutes
How Career Plan B Can Help
At Career Plan B, our mission is clear—Right to Quality Education and Career, hence Quality Life! With over 15 years of expertise in medical and PG counseling, our unbiased advisors help students and families:
- Analyze AIQ vs State Quota seat matrix to maximize choices
- Track cut-off trends, rank requirements, and hidden reservation rules
- Navigate registration, document checklist, and counseling rounds with ease
- Use psychometric tests to match specialty with interest and career prospects
- Provide up-to-date market insights so candidates make informed, confident decisions
Whether you’re optimizing your chances in competitive all-India rounds or want to leverage state benefits, Career Plan B tailors strategies to match your goals.
Have any doubts?
📞 Contact our expert counsellor today and get all your questions answered!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I apply for both AIQ and State Quota counselling in NEET PG?
Yes! All India Quota is open to all NEET PG qualifiers, while State Quota depends on in-state eligibility or MBBS study. You can simultaneously register for both if you meet requirements.
2. Are cut-off ranks lower in state quota?
Usually yes—each state’s pool is smaller, and reservation rules help local candidates. But top specialties can remain highly competitive.
3. Do central institutes participate in AIQ?
Central universities/deemed universities (e.g. AIIMS, JIPMER, BHU, AMU) run their own counseling—check specific notifications before applying.
4. How do I check the NEET PG seat matrix for AIQ and state quota?
MCC publishes a detailed AIQ seat matrix; state authorities release seat lists on official sites. Download and analyze both sets for complete choice mapping.
5. What documents are needed for NEET PG counseling?
Essential documents: NEET PG scorecard, MBBS degree, registration certificate, internship completion, government ID, reservation certificate (if any), and for state quota—domicile or MBBS study proof.
6. How can Career Plan B personalize my NEET PG counseling plan?
We map your scores, preferences, and eligibility to seat trends, provide expert guidance through each counseling stage, and ensure you make a confident, quality choice for your medical future.
Conclusion: Ready to Secure Your Optimal NEET PG Seat?
All India Quota and State Quota each offer unique routes to PG admission—broad national opportunity versus focused local advantage. Know the numbers, assess your eligibility, and don’t leave outcomes to guesswork. Let Career Plan B’s seasoned counseling team help you optimize every step, from seat matrix to specialty selection. Your medical career deserves a plan that is strategic, informed, and uniquely yours!
