NEET PG Counselling Dates 2026: Dates & Choice Filling
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) manages the counselling process for 50% of All India Quota (AIQ) seats and 100% of seats in Central and Deemed Universities, while individual state authorities handle the remaining 50% state quota seats. NEET PG 2026 counselling dates define the official schedule for online registration, choice filling, and seat allotment, commencing after the tentative NEET PG 2026 exam on August 30, 2026. While the official NEET PG 2026 counselling dates have not been announced, the MCC plans to open registration tentatively in October 2026.
Official Schedule & Key Dates
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) will manage the seat allocation process, which is expected to begin in October 2026. This section outlines the key dates and the expected timeline for the four rounds of counselling, providing you with a clear schedule.
| Event | Month (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| NEET PG 2026 Exam | August 30, 2026 |
| Result Notification | September 2026 |
| MCC Counselling Registration | October 2026 |
| Round I Choice Filling | October / November 2026 |
| Round I Allotment | November 2026 |
| Round II Registration and Choice Filling | November / December 2026 |
| Round II Allotment | December 2026 |
| Round III / Mop-up Round | January 2027 |
| Stray Vacancy Round | February 2027 |
This timeline provides a tentative overview of the counselling process, starting with the exam in August 2026 and concluding with the Stray Vacancy Round in February 2027. You should monitor the official MCC website for precise announcements following the exam results.
How to Register: Step-by-Step Guide
To participate, candidates must follow a clear seven-step online registration process. This guide outlines each crucial stage, from visiting the official MCC website to finalizing your college choices, ensuring you complete your application successfully for seat allocation.
- Step 1: MCC Website: Visit mcc.nic.in for NEET PG Counselling.
- Step 2: Online Registration: Input your NEET PG details to create a login ID and password.
- Step 3: Pay Fees: Submit non-refundable registration and refundable security deposit via card or Net Banking.
- Step 4: Fill Choices: Select preferred medical colleges and courses (MD/MS/Diploma) after registration.
- Step 5: Finalize Choices: Lock your selections before the deadline; the system locks them automatically otherwise.
- Step 6: Seat Allocation: Results are based on your NEET PG rank, category, preferences, and available seats.
After these initial stages, the final step involves securing your allocated position.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Step 7: Reporting | Download your allotment letter and report to the designated institution for document verification and admission. |
This final action completes your admission into your chosen program.
Counselling Rounds, Choice Filling & Seat Allotment
Official dates have not been announced yet. This section provides you with tentative timelines, the structure of the counselling process, and details on choice filling and seat allotment for the upcoming exam.
- Official Notification: The official notification was tentatively released between February and March 2026.
- Registration Start (Source 1): Counselling registration is tentatively set to begin in September 2026.
- Registration Start (Source 2): Another source indicates registration may start in October 2026.
- Process Completion: The entire counselling process is tentatively expected to conclude by November 2026.
- Number of Rounds: The counselling process will include four distinct rounds.
- Counselling Rounds: The four rounds are Round 1, Round 2, Mop-up (Round 3), and Stray Vacancy (Round 4).
Candidates should note the varying tentative registration start dates and plan accordingly. The multi-round structure ensures multiple opportunities for seat allocation based on your rank and preferences.
| Rounds | Counselling Type |
|---|---|
| MCC conducted registration round 1 | Deemed university, AIQ, DNV, and central universities |
| MCC conducted registration round 2 | Deemed university, AIQ, DNV, and central universities |
| MCC conducted a mop-up round | Deemed university, AIQ, DNV, and central universities |
| MCC conducted a stray vacancy round | Deemed university, AIQ, DNV, and central universities |
This table outlines the specific types of institutions covered by each registration round conducted by MCC, ensuring clarity on the scope of each stage of the process.
AIQ vs State Quota Schedule Comparison
Understanding the distinct processes for All India Quota (AIQ) and State Quota is crucial for your application. This section outlines the key differences in how these two counselling streams are administered, the seats they cover, and their respective procedures, helping you navigate the process.
| Feature | AIQ Counselling | State Quota Counselling |
|---|---|---|
| Administering Body | Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) | Relevant state authorities / Each state does its own counselling. |
| Seats Covered | 50% All India Quota (AIQ) seats in government medical colleges, 100% of seats at Deemed and Central Universities (including AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, BHU, AMU, ESIC), and DNB (Diplomate of National Board) seats. | Remaining 50% of the state quota seats. |
| Process/Rounds | Four rounds: Round 1, Round 2, Round 3 (Mop-up), and Round 4 (Stray Vacancy). | Candidates need to register separately with each state through its respective official website. |
The table highlights the distinct authorities and seat allocations for AIQ and State Quota counselling, emphasizing the separate registration processes candidates must undertake for state-level admissions.
Tentative Dates Based on Previous Year Trends
Tentative registration is expected to begin in October 2026, based on previous years’ trends. This section outlines the anticipated schedule for the counselling process, helping you prepare for the upcoming stages.
| Event | Details/Timeline |
|---|---|
| MCC Counselling Registration Start | October 2026 |
| Basis for Tentative Dates | Previous years’ trends |
| Official Date Announcement | MCC will make a formal announcement on the counselling dates (normally takes a few weeks following the exam results) |
The table provides an estimated timeline for the counselling registration, which is based on historical patterns. You should note that MCC will issue a formal announcement regarding the exact dates after the exam results are declared.
State-Wise Counselling: Kerala & Other States
Understanding state-wise counselling for medical postgraduate admissions is crucial. Each state manages its own process for 50% state quota seats and all private college seats. This section details the specific procedures, eligibility, and current status of these state-level counselling rounds.
- Counselling Authority: Each state conducts its own counselling for 50% state quota seats.
- Seat Coverage: State authorities cover all private PG medical college seats within the state.
- State-Specific Rules: Each state has unique rules, reservation policies, and its own schedule.
- Registration Process: You must register separately with each state via its respective official website.
- Eligibility Criteria: Candidates need to meet domicile or state-specific eligibility for participation.
- Current Status: Overall neet pg 2026 counselling dates are tentative and not yet officially announced.
| State Counselling Entity | Description |
|---|---|
| UP NEET PG counselling | Operates as its own independent entity. |
| Maharashtra CET Cell | Functions independently for state admissions. |
These examples highlight the autonomous nature of state-level bodies in managing their respective medical postgraduate admission processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the NEET PG 2026 exam tentatively scheduled?
The NEET PG 2026 exam is tentatively scheduled for August 30, 2026.
When is the MCC counselling registration tentatively expected to begin for NEET PG 2026?
MCC counselling registration is tentatively expected to begin in October 2026, though another source indicates it may start in September 2026.
How many rounds are there in the NEET PG 2026 counselling process?
The NEET PG 2026 counselling process will include four distinct rounds: Round 1, Round 2, Mop-up (Round 3), and Stray Vacancy (Round 4).
Who manages the counselling process for 50% of All India Quota (AIQ) seats?
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) manages the counselling process for 50% of All India Quota (AIQ) seats, as well as 100% of seats in Central and Deemed Universities.
What is the final step after seat allocation in the NEET PG counselling process?
After seat allocation, the final step involves downloading your allotment letter and reporting to the designated institution for document verification and admission.
