AIIMS Releases Final Seat Matrix of 854 Seats for the INI‑SS January 2026

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has released the crucial final seat matrix for the Institute of National Importance Super-Specialty Entrance Test (INI-SS) January 2026 session. A total of 854 seats are officially available for highly coveted DM (Doctorate of Medicine) and M.Ch. (Master of Chirurgiae) programs across all participating INIs, including AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER, and NIMHANS. This updated matrix, incorporating all final institutional changes, is the definitive guide for aspirants preparing for the counselling rounds. Candidates must meticulously analyze this distribution to optimize their choice filling strategy in the highly competitive super-specialty allocation process.

The pursuit of a super-specialization (DM/M.Ch.) is the apex of medical training, demanding unparalleled dedication and academic excellence. For thousands of post-graduate doctors vying for these prestigious positions, the release of the Final Seat Matrix for the INI-SS January 2026 session by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) marks the most pivotal administrative milestone. This document is the culmination of rigorous coordination among 19 AIIMS campuses, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and SCTIMST, providing the definitive, updated count and distribution of all available super-specialty seats. The final notification confirms a robust total of 854 seats for the upcoming session. This total includes seats across all categories (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS), as well as Sponsored/Foreign National quotas, and incorporates adjustments made through recent addendums. Aspirants are strongly advised to download and scrutinize this matrix from the official AIIMS exams website, as it forms the non-negotiable basis for the subsequent counselling and choice-filling process.

​ Key Highlights of the Final Seat Position 

​The finalized seat matrix serves as the ultimate blueprint for the allocation of training positions in India's premier super-specialty institutions. The details reveal a significant allocation of seats across high-demand and niche specialties.

• ​Total Seat Availability: The matrix confirms 854 seats across all participating Institutes of National Importance (INIs) for the DM, M.Ch., and MD (Hospital Administration) courses. This number represents the final, consolidated figure after the inclusion of recent updates and addendums from participating institutes.
• ​Dominant Institutions and Specializations: Flagship institutions continue to dominate the seat share, with AIIMS New Delhi typically offering the highest number of training positions. High-volume specialties, reflecting the critical need for specialists, include: 
  • ​Cardiology and Cardiac Sciences: A substantial number of DM seats are allocated to Cardiology, Cardiac Anaesthesia, and related interventional branches.
  • ​Neurology and Neurosurgery: Both DM Neurology and M.Ch. Neurosurgery remain highly competitive, featuring significant seat counts across major INIs like AIIMS, PGIMER, and NIMHANS.
  • ​Critical Care and Emergency Medicine: The increasing focus on tertiary care capacity has led to strong representation in DM/M.Ch. courses in Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, and Neonatology.
• ​Final Adjustments and Addendums: The "Final" nature of this matrix is crucial, as it supersedes all tentative seat positions. For instance, recent addendums (like one noted in the search results introducing 6 additional seats across AIIMS Rishikesh, Raipur, Mangalagiri, and Bhubaneswar in specialized areas like Paediatric Anaesthesiology and Cardiology) have been integrated, ensuring the count is accurate down to the last vacancy.

​Strategic Analysis for Counselling 

​For candidates who have successfully qualified in the INI-SS January 2026 examination, the seat matrix is the foundation upon which their counselling strategy must be built. The unique structure of super-specialty courses necessitates a highly specific approach.

• ​Understanding Subject-Specific Eligibility: Aspirants must not only look at the total seats but also cross-reference their primary qualification (MD/MS/DNB) with the subject-specific eligibility criteria detailed in the INI-SS Prospectus (Part B, typically released separately). A seat for DM Cardiology, for example, is available only to candidates with an MD/DNB in General Medicine, Paediatrics, or other specified fields.
• ​Sponsored vs. Open Seats: The matrix clearly bifurcates seats into Open (General/Reservation) and Sponsored/Foreign National categories. Sponsored candidates, usually those deputed by government bodies or holding institutional experience, must ensure their documents comply with the strict sponsorship criteria, which are independent of the open category merit list. The majority of the 854 seats are allocated under the Open category.
• ​Prioritizing Choices Strategically: During the choice-filling stage, candidates should: 
  • ​List Widely: Given the extreme competitiveness, candidates must list all possible college/specialty combinations they are eligible for and interested in, prioritizing them strictly by preference.
  • ​Research Last-Rank Allotted: Analyzing the previous INI-SS session's closing ranks (Last Rank Allotted - LRA) for the specific specialty and institute is paramount to gauge the realistic possibility of securing a seat based on their current rank.

​ Next Steps: Documentation and Choice Locking 

​With the final seat matrix confirmed, the immediate focus for qualified candidates shifts entirely to the mandatory steps preceding and during the online counselling process. The timelines are usually very tight for super-specialty admissions.

• ​Online Choice Submission: The AIIMS exams portal will shortly activate the link for online choice submission/choice locking. Candidates who successfully registered and paid the applicable counselling fees must log in to declare their preferences. 
  • ​Caution: Double-check the order of choices before the mandatory locking deadline, as changes are strictly prohibited thereafter.
• ​Document Preparation: Successful allotment leads immediately to the physical document verification and admission process at the allotted institute. Candidates must have the following prepared: 
  • ​INI-SS Scorecard and Admit Card.
  • ​MD/MS/DNB degree/provisional certificates.
  • ​Permanent Registration Certificate from NMC/State Medical Council.
  • ​Caste/EWS certificates (as applicable, and valid as per Central Government format and date).
• ​The Waiting Game: Allotment & Reporting: The Round 1 allotment result is expected to be published shortly after the choice-locking window closes. Candidates allotted a seat must either Accept and physically report for admission or Refuse the seat and indicate their willingness to participate in subsequent rounds, strictly adhering to the specified timelines.

​Conclusion

​The release of the finalized INI-SS January 2026 seat matrix, detailing 854 super-specialty positions, is a definitive call to action for the country's brightest medical minds. The transition from the examination phase to the counselling phase requires precision, meticulous document management, and a highly strategic approach to choice filling. By thoroughly analyzing this official matrix and understanding the intricate details of institutional and subject-specific seat distribution, aspirants can navigate the upcoming counselling rounds effectively and secure their place in one of the coveted DM or M.Ch. programs at India's Institutes of National Importance.

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