NEET UG 2026: UCMS Flags Counselling Delay, Seeks Revised MBBS Academic Session Dates

The University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS), Delhi, publicly raised concerns on September 1, 2026, regarding delays in central counselling for NEET UG 2026 admissions. UCMS has formally requested the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and the National Medical Commission (NMC) to announce revised dates for the MBBS academic session 2026–27, which was originally slated to commence on September 8, 2026.

This intervention by UCMS highlights a significant misalignment between the counselling schedules and the academic calendar, creating practical difficulties for medical colleges nationwide and impacting the smooth induction of new MBBS batches. With subsequent counselling rounds extending into October 2026, the current schedule poses challenges for institutions to begin teaching effectively.

NEET UG 2026 Counselling: Overlapping Schedules

The core issue, as flagged by UCMS, is the direct overlap between the ongoing NEET UG 2026 counselling process and the official academic session start date. While the MBBS academic year was designated to begin on September 8, 2026, Round 2 counselling is scheduled from September 3 to September 11, 2026. In addition, the deadline for candidates to join their allotted colleges after Round 2 extends until September 18, 2026, meaning many students will still be in the process of securing their seats and completing formalities well past the supposed get going date.

Dr. Satendra Singh, Chairperson of the Foundation Course at UCMS and GTB Hospital, underscored the gravity of the situation. He stated, “The NEET UG 2026 admission cycle has entered a critical phase where counselling schedules and academic calendars no longer align smoothly.” He further elaborated that “This overlap means many students will still be accepting seats, reporting to colleges, and completing document verification while institutions are expected to have already started the academic year.”

Impact on Medical Colleges and Students

The discrepancy in schedules affects more than 700 MBBS colleges across India, including central institutions, deemed universities, and state medical colleges. UCMS, affiliated with the University of Delhi and attached to Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital, emphasized that treating September 8 as the official commencement date while counselling remains active creates significant practical difficulty. “When an institution of this stature flags planning difficulties, it signals a nationwide challenge affecting AIIMS-like centres, state medical colleges, and deemed universities alike,” a statement noted.

Subsequent counselling rounds, including the mop-up and stray vacancy rounds, are anticipated to continue until October 2026. This extended timeline makes it challenging for colleges to conduct the mandatory foundation courses and other preparatory activities for new students, potentially disrupting the academic year from its very beginning.

NEET UG 2026 Counselling: Important Dates

The NEET UG 2026 exam was held on May 3, 2026, with results declared on July 16, 2026. The MCC, responsible for online counselling for All India Quota (AIQ) seats and other categories, has already conducted Round 1 and released the schedule for subsequent rounds.

What Happens Next?

UCMS has formally requested the MCC and NMC to address this scheduling conflict by announcing revised dates for the MBBS academic session 2026–27. Students and institutions are now awaiting a decision from these central authorities. Official updates regarding any changes to the academic calendar or counselling schedule will be published on the MCC website, mcc.nic.in, and respective state counselling portals.

Written by Simran

Simran is currently working as a Senior Content Writer at Findmycollege , where she creates engaging and research-driven learning resources for students. She has completed her Graduation in Journalism from Delhi University. With 4 years of experience in the EdTech industry, she has previously contributed to leading platforms like Leverage Edu and Aakash. Her expertise lies in simplifying Engineering and Medical entrance exam content to guide aspirants in their preparation journey. Beyond writing, Simran enjoys sketching, watching movies, and finding creative inspiration in everyday life.

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