General medicine leads NEET-PG 2026 Round 1 allotments with 51 of the first 100 seats

NEW DELHI: General medicine accounted for more allotments than radiodiagnosis among top entries in the first round of NEET-PG 2026 counselling, highlighting the competing career attractions of the two sought-after PG specialties, reports Anuja Jaiswal.An analysis of Medical Counselling Committee’s Round 1 allotment list shows 51 allotments in general medicine as against 28 in radiodiagnosis among the first 100 entries. Dermatology was a distant third with six allotments, while paediatrics and general surgery had three each. Doctors say the choices reflect different career priorities. Radiology attracts candidates because of its good work-life balance.

General medicine appeals to those who enjoy clinical challenges

Radiology attracts candidates because of its prospect of earning well early in their careers. General medicine, on the other hand, remains an evergreen specialty, offering opportunities to pursue super-specialisation and earn more in the long run. However, financial settlement can take longer, as candidates must complete a DM course and then build their practice, which could take another two to three years.

“General medicine appeals to candidates who enjoy clinical challenges, patient interaction and managing complex diseases. While the financial rewards may take longer to materialise, the scope for super-specialisation and professional growth is immense. Ultimately, the choice should be guided by what fulfils you as a doctor, not just by how quickly you can start earning,” said Prof Neeraj Nischal, internal medicine, AIIMS.According to a senior doctor, radiology is attractive because it offers good earning potential early in one’s career. However, with AI advancing rapidly, some candidates may also be weighing the technology’s long-term impact on the specialty.While this does not mean that human expertise will not be needed, the growing role of AI could influence how students assess radiology as a career choice.