NEET UG Counselling 2026 (Started): Round-wise Dates, Registration, Fees etc.

In this article, you’ll find the latest MCC NEET UG Counselling 2026 updates. It covers round-wise dates, eligibility, fees, seat matrix, Freeze/Float rules, and the complete counselling process.

NEET UG Counselling 2026 for 15% AIQ seats is conducted by DGHS through MCC. It covers Deemed and Central Universities, ESIC, AFMC, DU, BHU, and AMU. State Quota counselling is handled separately by respective state authorities. Merit lists follow the category details submitted during registration. MCC conducts counselling in four rounds: Round 1, Round 2, Round 3, and Stray Vacancy Round.

NEET UG Counselling 2026 -Overview

FactorDetails
Counselling NameNEET UG Counselling 2026
Conducting BodyMedical Counselling Committee (MCC)
Regulating BodiesNational Medical Commission (NMC) – Medical
Dental Council of India (DCI) – Dental
Courses OfferedMBBS and BDS
PurposeAdmission to UG Medical and Dental Colleges
Entrance ExamNEET UG 2026
Registration Fee₹1,000 (UR/EWS) / ₹500 (SC/ST/OBC/PwD) for AIQ & Central Institutes; ₹5,000 for Deemed Universities
EligibilityQualified NEET UG 2026 and age above 17 years old
Counselling Process1. Registration
2. Choice Filling
3. Seat Allotment
4. Document Upload
5. College Reporting
AIQ Seat Percentage15%
State Quota Seat Percentage85%
Total Medical Colleges in India823
Total MBBS Seats in India1,29,603
Total Dental Colleges in India325
Total BDS Seats in India27,806
Official Websitehttps://mcc.nic.in/
Result16 July 2026

NEET UG Counselling 2026 Information Bulletin PDF

NEET UG Counselling 2026: Complete Round-Wise Schedule

As per the official schedule released by MCC, all Saturdays, Sundays and Gazetted Holidays will be treated as working days by participating institutes to accommodate the compressed timeline:

RoundsAIQ / Deemed & Central UniversitiesLast Date of Joining (AIQ)State CounsellingLast Date of Joining (State)
Round 14th – 17th August 202622nd August 202613th – 22nd August 202628th August 2026
Round 224th August – 2nd September 20268th September 202631st August – 8th September 202614th September 2026
Round 310th – 18th September 202626th September 202616th – 26th September 20261st October 2026
Stray Vacancy28th September – 3rd October 202610th October 20263rd – 5th October 202610th October 2026
  • Verification of joined candidates by MCC: 23rd August (Round 1), 9th September (Round 2), 27th September (Round 3), 3rd October (Stray Vacancy, data shared by MCC).
  • Verification of joined candidates by State DMEs/Counselling Authorities: 29th August (Round 1), 15th September (Round 2), 2nd October (Round 3).
  • Commencement of Academic Session for UG Courses: 8th September 2026.

NEET UG Round 1 Counselling 2026 Dates

SL. No.ActivityDates
1Verification of Tentative Seat Matrix4th August 2026
2Registration / Fee Payment5th – 12th August 2026 (fee payment till 6:00 PM)
3Choice Filling / Locking6th – 13th August 2026 (locking till 11:00 AM)
4Processing of Seat Allotment13th – 16th August 2026
5Result17th August 2026
6Reporting / Joining18th – 22nd August 2026
7Verification of Joined Candidates by MCC23rd August 2026

New MCC Counselling Rules 2026: Freeze vs Float

MCC’s Information Bulletin has introduced a Freeze/Float system this year to reduce the need for physical reporting between rounds:

  • Freeze Candidates: Candidates satisfied with their allotted seat must report physically to the allotted institute with original documents to confirm admission.
  • Float Candidates: Candidates seeking upgradation can participate in the next round. Physical reporting is generally not required unless they fail to secure an upgraded seat.
  • Document Upload: Document upload is a one-time process covering all counselling rounds. Candidates should ideally complete it within 2–3 days of the final allotment result.
  • Round 3 Reporting: Physical reporting is mandatory for all candidates allotted a seat in Round 3.
  • Float Candidates Without Upgrade: Float candidates from Round 1 or Round 2 who do not receive an upgrade must physically report to the allotted institute.
  • Resignation by Freeze Candidates: Freeze candidates must physically report to the institute to resign from an allotted seat.
  • Resignation by Float Candidates: Float candidates can submit their resignation online through the MCC counselling portal.
  • Round 3 Restrictions: Candidates cannot resign from or exit a Round 3 allotted seat.
  • After Joining Round 3: Once a candidate joins a Round 3 allotted seat, resignation or surrender of the seat is not permitted.

NEET UG 2026 Seat Matrix

Check the latest MBBS, BDS and AYUSH seat availability details for NEET UG 2026 counselling across participating colleges and states:

SL. No.CourseSeats
1MBBS1,29,603
2BDS27,806
3AYUSH53,000
4BVSc6,000

Of the total MBBS seats, 63,296 are at government medical colleges and 73,643 at private medical colleges, following the addition of 2,111 new government seats and 7,800 new private seats this cycle.

NEET UG 2026 Counselling Scheme for 15% AIQ

  • 15% MBBS/BDS Seats of States
  • 100% MBBS/BDS Seats of BHU
  • 100% MBBS Seats of AIIMS across India
  • All India Quota of JIPMER (Puducherry/ Karaikal)
  • All India Quota seats of AMU/ DU/ VMMC/ ABVIMS
  • All India Quota Seats of Faculty of Dentistry (Jamia Milia Islamia)
  • All India Quota Seats of ESIC

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for NEET UG Counselling 2026 are given in the table below:

CriteriaDetails
Qualifying MarksGeneral Category: Must score at least the 50th percentile in NEET-UG 2026.
SC/ST/OBC Categories: Must obtain a minimum of the 40th percentile.
Candidates with Benchmark Disabilities: Must achieve at least the 45th percentile in NEET-UG 2026.
NationalityIndian Nationals, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and Foreign Nationals are eligible to take part.
Cut-offThe NEET 2026 cut-off establishes eligibility for 85% State Quota and 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats. Candidates who meet or surpass the NEET 2026 cut-off must register for counselling.

Central University Eligibility Criteria 2026

The detailed information about Central University’s eligibility criteria is given in the table below:

University/Institute NameEligibility Criteria
Delhi University (LHMC, UCMS, MAMC)15% seats for AIQ & 85% institutional quota seats for candidates who have passed their 10+2 in Delhi.
Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)50% Institutional reservation for the AMU school candidates studying there for the last 3 years. The rest of the 50% of seats are for All India candidates.
BHUOpen to All India candidates
Faculty of Dentistry, Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi3 BDS seats are under the internal quota of JMI, and 47 seats are available to All India quota candidates. Students who have passed their 10+2 from Jamia Schools can apply for the internal quota.
VMMC & SJH15% seats for All India and the rest for Institute Quota for students who passed their 10+2 from Delhi.

NEET UG Counselling Registration Fees 2026

The fee structure for NEET UG Counselling 2026 is given below:

CategoryApplicable ToRegistration Fee (Non-Refundable)Security Deposit (Refundable)
UR / EWSAIQ / Central Universities / AIIMS / JIPMER / ESIC / B.Sc. Nursing₹1,000₹10,000
SC / ST / OBC / PwDAIQ / Central Universities / AIIMS / JIPMER / ESIC / B.Sc. Nursing₹500₹5,000
All CandidatesDeemed Universities₹5,000₹2,00,000

Candidates eligible for both AIQ/Central Institute seats and Deemed University seats need to pay only the higher of the two fee slabs, i.e. the Deemed University fee.

Refund of security deposit: Processed only after all counselling rounds are complete, credited back to the original payment source (the same card/bank account used at registration), within 15–30 days of MCC’s completion notice on mcc.nic.in.

Re NEET UG 2026 Cutoff Score

Candidates can check the NEET UG 2026 cutoff percentile below:

CategoryCut-Off PercentileCut-Off Score
UR / EWS50th Percentile715 – 213
OBC40th Percentile212 – 177
SC40th Percentile212 – 177
ST40th Percentile212 – 177
UR / EWS & PwBD45th Percentile212 – 194
OBC & PwBD40th Percentile193 – 177
SC & PwBD40th Percentile193 – 177
ST & PwBD40th Percentile191 – 177

Counselling for 15% All India Quota

  • The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Government of India, will hold the Counselling for 15% of All India Quota Seats.
  • All deemed central state universities will participate in online counselling.
  • This counselling will also fill ESIC, AFMC, BHU & AMU seats.
  • Candidates will apply for 15% All India Quota seats per the directions of DGHS, and Counselling will be stopped as soon as the seats are filled.
  • Through this counselling, candidates can get enrolled in any of the medical colleges in India.
  • Those candidates who participate in All India Counselling can also participate in the State Counselling of their respective states.

MCC NEET Counselling Process for AIQ Quota

Candidates applying for Medical/Dental Colleges in India must register for the AIQ NEET counselling 2026. Counselling of NEET for All India Quota will be conducted in four rounds (1, 2, Mop Up and stray rounds) in online mode. The counselling will consist of these steps.

  1. Candidate Registration: Register online through the MCC portal and pay the prescribed counselling fee using the secure payment gateway.
  2. Choice Filling & Locking: Select preferred courses and colleges in order of priority and lock the choices within the notified schedule.
  3. Seat Allotment: MCC publishes the seat allotment result based on NEET UG merit, choices, eligibility, and seat availability.
  4. Document Upload: Upload the required scanned documents once for the counselling process. This is applicable to both Freeze and Float candidates.
  5. Reporting: Freeze candidates must physically report to the allotted institute, while Float candidates complete online document verification as required.
  6. Round 2 & 3 Registration: New candidates can register afresh, while candidates with an allotted seat can choose the Float option to participate for upgradation.
  7. Post-Round 3 Reporting: All Round 3 allottees and Float candidates who do not receive further upgradation must physically report with their original documents.

NEET UG Counselling 2026 Reservation Quotas in MCC

1. All India Quota NEET UG Counselling 15%:

  • Who can apply: Qualified NEET candidates seeking 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats in medical colleges

Open seats (no domicile restrictions):

  • 15% of MBBS/BDS seats are from participating states
  • 100% of MBBS/BDS seats at BHU (Open category)
  • 100% of MBBS seats at all AIIMS institutes. Open seats at JIPMER (Puducherry/Karaikal)
    Open seats at AMU
  • 15% of MBBS/BDS seats at DU/IP University (VMMC/ABVIMS/ESIC Dental)
  • Open seats at Jamia Hamdard (Faculty of Dentistry)
  • 15% of MBBS/BDS seats at ESIC medical colleges

Reservations:

  • 50.5%: General (Unreserved)
  • 15%: Scheduled Castes (SC)
  • 7.5%: Scheduled Tribes (ST)
  • 27%: Other Backwards Classes (OBC-NCL)
  • 10%: Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
  • 5%: Persons with Disabilities (PwD) (horizontal reservation across categories)
  • Counselling rounds: Four rounds: Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up, Stray Vacancy.

2. AIIMS

  • Number of seats: 2037 MBBS seats across 20 AIIMS institutes. Entrance exam: NEET UG scores are now used for AIIMS admissions (previously
  • separate exam).
  • Counselling: Same as NEET UG AIQ counselling with four rounds (Round 1, Round
  • 2, Mop-Up, Final).
  • Reservation policy:
  • Follows Central Government policy (applicable only to seats contributed to MCC)
  • 50.5% Unreserved
  • 15% SC
  • 7.5% ST
  • 27% OBC-NCL
  • 10% EWS
  • 5% PwD (horizontal reservation across categories) PwD reservation: Requires disability certificate as per NMC norms (Gazette
  • Notification No. MCI-34(41)/2018-Med./170045 Dated 04/02/2019).

3. JIPMER

JIPMER has its own eligibility and admission policies for its state quota seats. Check their website for details.

For NEET UG All India Quota seats:

  • Four rounds of counselling: Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up, and Online Stray Vacancy.
  • Eligibility: Based on NEET UG rank.
  • Reservation policy: Follows Central Government policy for open seats:
  • 15% SC
  • 7.5% ST
  • 27% OBC-NCL
  • 10% EWS
  • 5% PwD (horizontal reservation)

4. AFMC

Important note: AFMC admissions have their own separate process and are not part of the regular NEET UG Counselling conducted by MCC.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Registration: You must register on the MCC portal (mcc.nic.in) to express interest.
  • Selection: After registration, your details are forwarded to AFMC authorities, who conduct their own selection process based on their specific rules and regulations
  • MCC’s role: MCC only facilitates registration; they have no role in the actual selection process or seat allotment.
  • Eligibility: Before registering, thoroughly check the eligibility criteria on the AFMC website, especially regarding medical fitness.

5. ESIC Insured Persons Quota:

Who can apply:

  • Candidates qualified for NEET-UG seeking seats reserved for insured persons under the ESIC scheme.
  • No domicile restrictions.

Counselling process:

  • Conducted by MCC through four rounds (Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up, Stray Vacancy).
  • Eligibility based on NEET UG rank.

Reservation policy:

  • 15% SC
  • 7.5% ST
  • 27% OBC-NCL
  • 10% EWS
  • 5% PwD (horizontal reservation)

PwD reservation:

  • Requires disability certificate as per NMC norms (Gazette Notification No. MCI34(41)/2018 Med./170045 Dated 04/02/2019) from designated centres.

6. Central Universities (BHU/AMU/DU) Admissions:

Who can apply:

  • Candidates who qualified for NEET-UG

Eligibility:

  • Specific eligibility criteria may vary for each university (BHU, AMU, DU). Always check their official websites.

Counselling process:

  • Conducted by MCC through four rounds (Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up, Stray Vacancy).
  • Based on NEET-UG rank. Download the rank letter/result from the NTA website.

7. Deemed Universities

Counselling rounds:

  • Four rounds: Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up, Stray Vacancy.
  • MCC handles Rounds 1, 2, and Mop-Up online.
  • Stray Vacancy rounds are handled by individuals from Deemed universities.

Eligibility:

  • Qualified NEET-UG candidates.
  • Specific NRI eligibility criteria apply for NRI seats.

Documents Required

Below is the list of documents required at the time of NEET Counselling 2026. Candidates will have to carry their original documents along with the attested photocopies during the Counselling process.

  • 10th and 12th Class Mark Sheets.
  • 0th and 12th Class Passing Certificate.
  • Birth Certificate.
  •  NEET Rank Letter
  • Eight passport-size photographs are similar to those affixed on the online application form.
  • Caste Certificate (If applicable).
  •  NEET 2026 Admit Card
  • PWD Certificate (If applicable).
  • Counselling Letter issued by the NEET Authority.

Reservation Criteria of AIQ Seats

The detailed information about MCC NEET UG 2026 AIQ Counselling Seat reservation criteria is given below:

CategoryReservation Percentage
SC15%
ST7.5%
PwD5% (Horizontal Reservation)
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)27% only in National Institutes/Central
Universities
EWS10% only in National Institutes/Central Universities

What is the Mop-Up Round Counselling for NEET UG?

What does the mop-up round mean in the admission process through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test?

Most of the students have this query in their minds. Mop-Up Round NEET 2026 is the counselling process provided by the respective states, against the reverted seats from the All India 15% Quota.

It can also be called the second last step for NEET Admission. The seats that remain vacant after 1st and 2nd round counselling are filled by the Mop-up round for NEET UG.

The candidates who did not get the seat allotment in the NEET second round of counselling are eligible to participate in this round.

What is All India Quota Rank in NEET?

NEET State Counselling 2026

For the remaining 85% of state quota seats, NEET Counselling for Private Colleges is done by the respective counselling committee for the particular state. The NEET State Counselling is done based on the rank in the state merit list.

NEET State Counselling 2026-Get the List of the Participating States!

The candidates who want to get admission to the State Medical Colleges based on NEET 2026 scores must check the list of states participating in NEET UG/PG Counselling 2026.

The NEET Counselling participating states are mentioned in the table below.

S.No.NEET State CounsellingOfficial Website
1Andhra Pradeshhttp://ntruhs.ap.nic.in
2Assamhttps://dme.assam.gov.in
3Biharhttp://bceceboard.bihar.gov.in
4Chandigarhhttps://gmch.gov.in
5Chhattisgarhhttp://cgdme.co.in
6Delhihttp://www.ipu.ac.in
7Goahttp://dte.goa.gov.in
8Gujarathttp://www.medadmgujarat.org
9Haryanahttp://uhsr.ac.in
10Himachal Pradeshhttps://www.hids.ac.in
11Jammu and Kashmirhttp://www.jkbopee.gov.in
12Jharkhandhttp://jceceb.jharkhand.gov.in
13Karnatakahttp://kea.kar.nic.in
14Keralahttps://cee.kerala.gov.in
15Madhya Pradeshhttps://dme.mponline.gov.in
16Maharashtrahttp://www.dmer.org/
17Odishahttp://www.dmetodisha.gov.in
18Punjabhttp://bfuhs.ac.in
19Rajasthanhttp://education.rajasthan.gov.in
20Tamil Naduhttp://www.tnhealth.org
21Telanganahttps://www.knruhs.in
22Tripurahttp://dme.tripura.gov.in
23Uttar Pradeshhttp://www.updgme.in
24Uttarakhandwww.hnbumu.ac.in
25West Bengalhttp://wbmcc.nic.in

NEET Counselling Refund Process

MCC starts the refund process for those candidates who do not want to study in the colleges after the second counselling. The Medical Counselling Committee will start the refund process soon. The aspirants would receive the refund on the same account through which registration fees were paid.

If candidates face any problem regarding the refund, they can contact us at 1800-102-7637 (toll-free no).

Note: The issue regarding the refund will be resolved only on the above-mentioned no. and if candidates contact any other number, the grievance shall not be entertained.

NEET Counselling 2026 FAQs (Most Asked Questions)

Q. Where should I report for counselling registration and choice filling?

A: The NEET Counselling Registration and choice filling can be done from a place of convenience (including home) through the Internet. There is no need to report to any counselling center.

Q. Can I fill in more than one college choice in the choice filling form?

A: Yes, you can fill in many choices; however, the choices should be in the order of candidates ‘preference.

Q. Can I edit my choices during Choices Filling and Locking during round 1?

A: Yes, you can edit, add or delete your filled choices during the period before locking your final choices. But once you lock the choices, you will not be able to modify them.

Q: What are the Quotas and seats on which admission will be offered through NEET?

A: NEET offers admissions through the following seats/ quotas.

All India Quotas

State Government Quota Seats

State/ Private/ Management/ NRI Quota seats in all Private Medical/ Dental Colleges or any deemed university.

Central pool quota seats.

Q: I got a seat in MBBS Course, how much time I will get to join the allotted college?

A: You have to report to the allotted college within a given period which is mentioned in the counselling schedule. You are advised to join the allotted college as early as possible.

Q: How and when do I register for the Mop-Up Round NEET 2026 in non-domicile states?

Answer: There is no separate way to apply for this NEET Mop-up round in non -a domicile state. If you want to apply, there are 2 options-

If you have a good rank, then go for All India Quota or else go for a deemed university.

The complete information related to NEET Counselling 2026 is provided in this blog. If we have missed anything, tell us in the comment section provided below.

Was the above information helpful? Please share your views and provide us with valuable feedback. We love to hear from our readers.

Q: When will NEET UG 2026 counselling start?

A: NEET UG 2026 counselling is expected to begin in June or July 2025, after the result declaration by NTA.

Q: What is the difference between AIQ and State Quota in NEET counselling?

A: AIQ (All India Quota) reserves 15% of government MBBS/BDS seats nationwide, while State Quota covers 85% of seats for state-domiciled candidates.

Q: Can I participate in both All India and State counselling?

A: Yes, eligible candidates can register and participate in both AIQ counselling by MCC and State counselling conducted by respective state authorities.

Q: Is it mandatory to register separately for deemed university admission?

A: Yes, for deemed universities, you must register through MCC counselling portal under the specific deemed university quota.

Q: What documents are required during NEET UG 2026 counselling?

A: You’ll need your NEET scorecard, admit card, 10th & 12th mark sheets, ID proof, domicile, and category certificates (if applicable).

Q: Can I upgrade my seat after the first counselling round?

A: Yes, you can opt for upgradation in Round 2, but once you take admission and join, free exit is not allowed after Round 2.

Disclaimer: The information shared here is collected from multiple reliable sources for educational and informational purposes. While we strive to provide accurate and updated details, some information may change over time. If you notice any incorrect data or discrepancies, please get in touch with us at mbbsenquiry1[@]gmail.com so our team can review and update the information accordingly. Read More
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