Among the most sought-after colleges in Northeast India is the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) in Shillong. However, understanding the distribution of NEIGRIHMS MBBS seats can be complex. Consequently, it is important for applicants to understand these differences to navigate the admissions process effectively.
In this article, we will look at the complete breakdown of the NEIGRIHMS MBBS seats matrix, counseling processes, and the differences between the All India Quota (AIQ) and State Quota for the 2026 academic session.
NEIGRIHMS Seat Matrix 2026
The total NEIGRIHMS MBBS seats are 50. Unlike most state government medical colleges, which follow a simple 15/85 percentage split, NEIGRIHMS operates as a regional institute under the Government of India. As a result, the NEIGRIHMS seat matrix 2026 particularly favors the North-Eastern states. However, it remains open to national talent as well.
| Category | Number of Seats | Counseling Authority |
| All India Quota (AIQ) | 8 | Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) |
| Meghalaya State Quota | 14 | DHS, Meghalaya |
| Nagaland State Quota | 10 | Govt. of Nagaland (Nominated) |
| North East (NE) Open Category | 18 | NEIGRIHMS (Internal) |
| Total | 50 |
AIQ vs State Quota Cutoff: The Competitive Edge
When calculating your chances of admission, comparing the AIQ vs state quota cutoff is important. The competition levels vary drastically between these entry points.
1. All India Quota (AIQ)
The 8 seats under AIQ are open to candidates from any part of India. However, the seat count is extremely limited. As a result, the closing ranks tend to be quite high. For the 2025 session, the General category closing rank was approximately 10,679 in Round 1.
Furthermore, it stretched to about 27,238 by the Stray Vacancy round. Typically, a score of 610–630 and above is required to be considered safe.
2. State Quota and NE Open
The state quota seats are specifically reserved for Meghalaya and Nagaland. Additionally, there are 18 North East Open Category seats. These seats are designated for candidates who possess a Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC). Importantly, the PRC must be from one of the eight North Eastern states.
a. NE Open Cutoff: In recent years, the first-round cutoff for this regional pool was roughly 492 marks.
b. Meghalaya State Cutoff: This tends to be even lower, especially for ST candidates, where scores between 360 and 410 have historically secured admissions.
Meghalaya NEET Counselling Process
The Meghalaya NEET counselling serves as the gateway for local students. They are able to claim their 14 dedicated seats. Additionally, regional students have the opportunity to apply for the NE Open pool. Unlike the AIQ process, which is entirely online via the MCC portal, the state-level process often involves some offline components. Therefore, it is important for students to be aware of the differences given below:
1. Application: Candidates must download and fill out an offline application form from the NEIGRIHMS website.
2. Fee Payment: A non-refundable fee (typically ₹500) must be paid via a bank challan deposited into the “NEIGRIHMS MBBS ACCOUNT.” Online transfers like UPI are generally not accepted.
3. Submission: The form and the original challan must be submitted via Speed Post or dropped in the application box at the NEIGRIHMS Director’s Block.
4. Verification & Merit List: Based on the submitted NEET scores, the institute releases a state-specific merit list.
5. Offline Screening: Shortlisted candidates must report physically to designated screening centers (like Civil Hospital, Shillong) with original documents for verification.
Since Meghalaya NEET counselling involves offline procedures, domicile verification, and strict documentation requirements, many aspirants seek expert guidance from trusted counselling and legal advisory platforms like SPM & Lallans to avoid application errors.
Conclusion
Understanding the breakdown of NEIGRIHMS MBBS seats is essential for a strategic application. First, the All India Quota offers a path for students nationwide. Additionally, the North East Open Category and State Quotas provide a vital advantage to local residents. However, with only 50 seats available in this prestigious “Mini-AIIMS” of the North East, it’s important to stay informed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many total NEIGRIHMS MBBS seats are available?
There are 50 seats available for the MBBS program. These are divided into the All India Quota (8 seats), Meghalaya State Quota (14 seats), Nagaland State Quota (10 seats), and the North East Open Category (18 seats).
2. Who is eligible for the North East Open Category?
To be eligible for the 18 regional seats, you must be a Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) holder from any of the eight North-Eastern states (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, or Tripura) and must have qualified for NEET UG.
3. Is there a service bond for MBBS students at NEIGRIHMS?
Yes. Candidates selected under the Meghalaya State Quota must sign a bond to serve in rural areas for 5 years after completion, or pay a penalty of ₹10 Lakh. Additionally, all students must sign an agreement to pay ₹10 Lakh if they leave the course before completion.
4. How can I apply for the Meghalaya NEET counselling?
For state-specific and NE Open seats, you must download the application form from the official NEIGRIHMS website. The process usually requires paying a ₹500 fee via a bank challan and submitting the form either in person or by Speed Post to the institute.
