NEET UG Counselling Update 2026: Dates, Registration & Seat Allotment
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) governs the 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats for MBBS/BDS admissions in government medical colleges, while respective State Counselling Authorities manage the remaining 85% State Quota seats, which also include 100% of private college seats within a state. This dual allocation framework precisely defines the primary NEET UG Counselling 2026 pathways. Candidates initiating registration for these processes must pay a non-refundable fee of ₹1,000 for General/OBC (₹500 for SC/ST/PWD) and a refundable security deposit of ₹10,000 (₹5,000 for SC/ST/PWD).
NEET UG Counselling 2026: Latest MCC Schedule and Updates
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) tentatively began its NEET UG counselling in the second week of June 2026, overseeing admissions for various medical and dental courses. This section provides a crucial neet ug counselling update, including important dates, eligibility criteria, and the scope of seats covered by the MCC.
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| NEET UG Entrance Exam | 3 May 2026 |
| NEET UG Result | 14 June 2026 |
| Seat Matrix of First Round | To be announced later on the website |
| Registration & Payment for Round 1 | To be announced later on the website |
| Choice Filling/locking of Round 1 | To be announced later on the website |
| Processing of Seat Allotment of Round 1 | To be announced later on the website |
| Result of Round 1 | To be announced later on the website |
| Reporting to the allotted college of Round 1 | To be announced later on the website |
| Seat Matrix of Round 2 | To be announced later on the website |
| Registration & Payment for Round 2 | To be announced later on the website |
| Choice Filling/locking of Round 2 | To be announced later on the website |
| Processing of Seat Allotment of Round 2 | To be announced later on the website |
| Result of Round 2 | To be announced later on the website |
| Reporting to the allotted college of round 2 | To be announced later on the website |
| MOP-UP ROUND FOR ALL INDIA QUOTA/ DEEMED AND CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SEATS/AIIMS/ JIPMER SEATS | To be announced later on the website |
The table above outlines the key dates for the counselling process. The NEET UG Entrance Exam was held on 3 May 2026, and its result was released on 14 June 2026, with most round-specific schedules yet to be announced by the MCC.
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Percentile |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 50th Percentile |
| Unreserved Physically Handicapped (UR-PH) | 45th Percentile |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 40th Percentile |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 40th Percentile |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 40th Percentile |
| SC-PH | 40th Percentile |
| ST-PH | 40th Percentile |
| OBC-PH | 40th Percentile |
This table details the minimum qualifying percentiles required for different categories to be eligible for the counselling process.
- Conducting Authority: Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on behalf of Medical Counselling Committee (MCC)
- Official MCC Website: www.mcc.nic.in
- Additional Website for Queries: neetugguidance.in
- Counselling Rounds for 15% All India Quota (AIQ) Seats: Two rounds
- Counselling Rounds for Central & Deemed Universities: Three rounds (First Round, Second Round and Mop-Up Round)
- Eligibility for 15% All India Quota (Jammu and Kashmir candidates): Not eligible till further notice
The MCC, acting for DGHS, manages the counselling through its official website, conducting distinct rounds for AIQ and Central/Deemed University seats, with specific eligibility for J&K candidates.
| Institution Type | Counselling Coverage |
|---|---|
| Government Medical Colleges | 15% of the seats |
| Deemed and Central Universities | 100% of seats |
The MCC plays a pivotal role in the counselling process, managing 15% of seats in government medical colleges and 100% of seats in deemed and central universities.
| Seat Category | Coverage |
|---|---|
| 15% All India Quota | MBBS/BDS |
| BHU | 100% MBBS/BDS Seats |
| AIIMS across India | 100% MBBS Seats |
| JIPMER (Puducherry/Karaikal) | 100% Seats |
| AMU | 100% Seats |
| DU/I.P University (VMMC/ABVIMS/ESIC Dental) | 85% of State Quota seats |
| Faculty of Dentistry (Jamia Milia Islamia) | 100% Seats along with 5% internal Quota of Jamia students |
| ESIC | 15% IP quota seats (MBBS/BDS/BSc-Nursing) |
The MCC counselling covers a wide array of medical and dental seats, including a significant portion of All India Quota seats and 100% of seats in various central institutions.
Step-by-Step Registration Guide for 2026 Admissions
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) manages the 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats for medical admissions. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of the registration process, crucial for securing your desired college. Understanding each stage, from initial registration to fin
NEET UG Counselling Registration Steps
- Step 1: Visit the Official MCC Portal: Go to mcc.nic.in and click “UG Medical Counselling.”
- Step 2: New Registration: Fill in your NEET UG Roll Number, date of birth, and personal details; save generated credentials securely.
- Step 3: Pay Registration Fees: Submit non-refundable fees and a refundable security deposit via the official payment gateway.
- Step 4: Fill In Personal & Academic Details: Upload scanned documents and accurately fill academic, category, and domicile details.
- Step 5: NEET Choice Filling: Log in, browse colleges/courses, and add them to your preference list in priority order.
- Step 6: Lock Your Choices: Manually lock your preferences; the system auto-locks last-saved choices if you miss the deadline.
People Also Read
Important Counselling Rules by Round
- Round 1 (Free Exit): You may exit freely without penalty; your security deposit is refunded.
- Round 2 (Binding): Forfeit your deposit if you do not report or withdraw after the specified date.
- Mop-up Round: This round is for remaining vacant seats; forfeiture rules apply here as well.
- Stray Vacancy Round: Direct reporting is required; there is no exit option once a seat is allotted.
Key Counselling Authorities
- AIQ Counselling Authority: Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) under the Directorate General of Health Services.
- State Quota Counselling Authority: Individual state-level counselling authorities manage these seats.
- Simultaneous Participation: You should participate in both AIQ (MCC) and your State Quota counselling simultaneously.
Factors Determining Seat Allotment
- NEET Rank: Your merit is a primary factor in the automated algorithm.
- Category: Reservations apply per government norms.
- Choice Preferences: The system gives higher priority to your higher-listed colleges.
- Domicile/State Eligibility: This is essential for securing State Quota seats.
NEET UG Counselling 2026: Expected Schedule
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| NEET UG 2026 Result Declaration | was declared in the 2nd Week of June 2026 |
| MCC Counselling Registration Opens | 1st Week of July 2026 |
| Round 1 Choice Filling & Locking | Mid-July 2026 |
| Round 1 Seat Allotment Result | 1st Week of August 2026 |
| Round 2 Registration & Choice Filling | Mid-August 2026 |
| Round 2 Seat Allotment Result | Late August 2026 |
| Mop-up Round | 1st–2nd Week of September 2026 |
| Stray Vacancy Round | Late September 2026 |
The schedule outlines key dates for the counselling process, with registration opening in the 1st Week of July 2026 and subsequent rounds extending into September 2026.
Detailed Overview of the 2026 Counselling Process
This section provides a detailed overview for 2026 admissions, outlining crucial changes and guidelines compared to the 2025 process. Understanding these differences is vital for your application, covering registration, upgradation, and reporting procedures.
| Feature | 2024 | 2025 (New) |
|---|---|---|
| Rounds | 3 + Stray Vacancy | 4 + Stray Vacancy; seats retained post Round 2 |
| Upgradation | Allowed until mop-up | Same, but stricter binding after Round 3 |
| Security Deposit | Forfeiture common | Forfeiture for late exit/document errors; no NRI refunds |
| Data Editing | Minor edits possible | None—auto from NTA |
| Multiple Registrations | Possible with warning | Disallowed—leads to barring |
| OCI/NRI policies | OCI treated as NRI; conversions allowed | Reaffirmed; algorithmic conversions introduced |
| Reporting | Physical, proxies sometimes allowed | In-person only with originals |
| Technology & Transparency | Online portal | Unified software for centres/states |
The table illustrates the significant changes introduced in the 2025 counselling process compared to 2024, which largely shaped the current guidelines. Notably, for 2026, you must complete fresh registration for each round, a key difference from the single registration allowed in 2025.
Important Dates for Allotment Rounds in 2026
The NEET 2026 counselling process is expected to begin in July 2026, following the re-exam result declaration anticipated on 20 July 2026. This section outlines the expected timelines for various allotment rounds, helping you prepare for each stage of the admission process.
| Particulars | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|
| NEET UG 2026 Result Declaration | July 2026 |
| Counselling Registration (Round 1) | July 2026 |
| Choice Filling & Locking | July 2026 |
| Round 1 Seat Allotment Result | July 2026 |
| Reporting to Allotted College | July–August 2026 |
| Round 2 Counselling | August 2026 |
| Mop-Up Round | September 2026 |
| Stray Vacancy Round | October 2026 |
The table above details the phased approach to NEET UG 2026 admissions, starting with result declaration and concluding with the Stray Vacancy Round in October 2026.
State Quota Admissions 2026: UP, Bihar, Karnataka Updates
Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) manages the Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026, which covers State, All India, Management, and NRI quotas. This section provides a comprehensive update for Karnataka, along with key details for Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, highlighting important
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the Counselling | Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Courses Offered | MBBS, BDS and Ayush |
| Entrance Exam | NEET UG 2026 |
| Mode of Counselling | Online |
| Eligibility Criteria | NEET-qualified candidates fulfilling Karnataka state eligibility norms |
| Quota Covered | State Quota, All India Quota (15%), Management Quota and NRI Quota |
| Participating Colleges | Government, Private and Deemed Medical & Dental Colleges |
| Seat Allotment Basis | NEET Rank, Category, Preferences Filled, Seat Availability |
| Reservation Policy | As per Karnataka Government rules |
| Counselling Rounds | Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up Round and Stray Vacancy Round |
| Application Mode | Online Registration |
| Required Documents | NEET Scorecard, Admit Card, Academic Certificates, Domicile (if applicable), Category Certificate (if applicable) |
| Reporting Process | Physical reporting to allotted college with document verification and fee payment |
| Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in |
This table outlines the Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026 process, detailing the conducting authority, courses, eligibility, and various quotas. You can find comprehensive information on the official website, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| NEET UG 2026 Notification Release | 8 March 2026 |
| NEET UG 2026 Online Application Period | 8 February to 8 March 2026 |
| NEET UG 2026 Admit Card Release | 14 June 2026 |
| NEET UG 2026 Re-Examination Date | 21 June 2026 |
| NEET UG 2026 Result Declaration | 15 July 2026 |
| Karnataka Medical Counselling Registration Begins | August 2026 |
| Document Verification and Security Deposit | August 2026 |
| Publication of Karnataka Medical Merit List | August 2026 |
| Online Choice Filling and Locking | August 2026 |
| Round 1 Seat Allotment Result | September 2026 |
| Round 2 Seat Allotment Result | September 2026 |
| Mop-Up Round Counselling | October 2026 |
| Stray Vacancy Round and Final Admissions | October 2026 |
The NEET UG 2026 notification was released on 8 March 2026, and the online application period closed on 8 March 2026. The exam’s admit cards were released on 14 June 2026, and a re-examination was held on 21 June 2026. You can expect the results on 15 July 2026, with Karnataka medical counselling registration beginning in August 2026.
- State Quota Preference: Karnataka residents receive preference for state quota seats.
- Uttar Pradesh Counselling: It forms part of the NEET UG State Counselling 2026.
- Bihar Counselling: This also participates in the NEET UG State Counselling 2026.
- State Quota Percentage: The state quota allocates 85% of seats.
- MBBS Admission Expo: Affinity Education presented an expo in Patna on 10 May 2026.
Fee Refund Process and Bank Details for 2026
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has opened a final window for you to confirm or update your bank account details for the NEET UG 2026 examination fee refund. This crucial update ensures you receive your refund accurately, addressing any previous discrepancies.
- Opportunity: This is a ‘Final Opportunity’ or ‘Final Window’.
- Purpose: Update bank details for the NEET (UG) 2026 examination fee refund.
- Window Start: The final update window started on June 25, 2026.
- Authority: The National Testing Agency (NTA) opened this window.
- Exam Date: The NEET (UG) 2026 examination was held on 03 May 2026.
- Optional Document: You can upload a cancelled cheque.
This final window is critical for ensuring your refund is processed correctly, following the examination held earlier this year.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Notice Publish Date | The final opportunity notice was published on June 14, 2026. |
| Initial Portal Availability | The refund portal was initially available from 22 May 2026 to 27 May 2026, until 11:50 PM. |
This table highlights the timeline of previous refund opportunities and the official announcement of the current final window.
Understanding Seat Matrix and Allotment for 2026
The NEET 2026 Seat Matrix, crucial for admissions, is updated annually by the MCC to reflect changes in available medical seats. This section details the various seat quotas, counselling authorities, and the multi-round allotment process, ensuring you understand how seats are allocat
- AIQ Seats: Comprise 15% of total MBBS/BDS seats in government medical colleges.
- State Quota Seats: Include the remaining 85% government MBBS/BDS seats and 100% of overall private seats within a state.
- Central/Deemed University Seats: The MCC counsels 100% of these seats.
- Counselling Rounds: Generally divided into 4 major rounds: Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up Round, and Stray Vacancy Round.
- Seat Matrix Update: The MCC updates the NEET 2026 Seat Matrix annually.
- Allotment Basis: Allotment primarily relies on merit.
The official NEET 2026 Seat Matrix will be published soon on the MCC’s official website. The Stray Vacancy Round, the final round of the process, is conducted at the college level for leftover seats, and you cannot exit once allotted.
| Category | Anticipated Total Seats (NEET 2026) |
|---|---|
| MBBS | Over 100,000+ |
| BDS | 27,868 |
| AYUSH | 52,720 |
| BVSc & AH | 603 |
| New Medical Seats Added | Over 300+ |
This table highlights the significant number of medical and allied health seats available, including over 300 new medical seats added across several states for the current year.
| All India Quota (AIQ) counselling | State Quota Counselling |
|---|---|
| The AIQ quota is for the central government medical institutes, which are officially regulated by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC). | State quota counselling is for the remaining 85% seats for government and private medical college seats. |
| The AIQ quota covers 15% of total MBBS/BDS seats, along with 100% seats in deemed universities, AIIMS, JIPMER, ESIC, and central universities. | The state-wise counselling seats for NEET MBBS are managed by the state medical authorities. |
| The allocation of seats in the NEET exam counselling process is mainly based on merit, where anyone who appeared in the same year‘s NEET exam can participate under this category | Only candidates fulfilling the domicile or eligibility conditions of that state can apply under this counselling category. Each state’s medical committee has its own counselling and seat allocation process as per the state’s reservation policies. |
This table clarifies the distinct processes and eligibility criteria for All India Quota and State Quota counselling, emphasizing the role of merit and domicile requirements.
| Types of NEET Counselling 2026 Seats | Counselling Authority |
|---|---|
| NEET 2026 Counselling for 15% AIQ Seats in government medical and dental institutess | DGHS, on behalf of MCC |
| NEET Counselling for IP Quota seats in ESIC Colleges | DGHS, on behalf of MCC |
| NEET counselling 2026 for all the seats in Deemed and Central Universities including BDS course at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi | DGHS, on behalf of MCC |
| NEET Counselling for BAMS/ BHMS/ BUMS | AACCC |
| NEET 2026 Counselling for Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) | DGHS, on behalf of MCC and AFMC Pune |
This table details the specific counselling authorities responsible for various seat categories, from AIQ and Deemed University seats to AYUSH and AFMC admissions.
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Seat Matrix of First Round | To be announced later on the website |
| Processing of Seat Allotment of Round 1 | To be announced later on the website |
| Result of Round 1 | To be announced later on the website |
| Seat Matrix of Round 2 | To be announced later on the website |
| Processing of Seat Allotment of Round 2 | To be announced later on the website |
| Result of Round 2 | To be announced later on the website |
| MOP-UP ROUND FOR ALL INDIA QUOTA/ DEEMED AND CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SEATS/AIIMS/ JIPMER SEATS | To be announced later on the website |
The MCC will announce the specific dates for the seat matrix publication and allotment processing for all counselling rounds on its official website soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the NEET UG 2026 entrance exam take place, and when were the results released?
The NEET UG Entrance Exam was held on 3 May 2026, and its result was released on 14 June 2026.
What are the key differences in seat allocation between the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and State Counselling Authorities?
The MCC governs the 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats for MBBS/BDS admissions in government medical colleges, while respective State Counselling Authorities manage the remaining 85% State Quota seats, which also include 100% of private college seats within a state.
What fees are required for NEET UG Counselling 2026 registration?
Candidates must pay a non-refundable fee of ₹1,000 for General/OBC (₹500 for SC/ST/PWD) and a refundable security deposit of ₹10,000 (₹5,000 for SC/ST/PWD).
What is the minimum qualifying percentile for the Unreserved (UR) category in NEET UG Counselling 2026?
The minimum qualifying percentile for the Unreserved (UR) category is the 50th Percentile.
Which institutions' seats are fully covered by MCC counselling?
The MCC covers 100% of seats in Deemed and Central Universities, BHU, AIIMS across India, JIPMER (Puducherry/Karaikal), AMU, and Faculty of Dentistry (Jamia Milia Islamia).
Related Reading
