NEET UG Counselling 2026: Choice Filling Begins for All India Quota; Check State-Wise Admission Status

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has officially opened the choice-filling window for Round 1 of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) Counselling 2026. Marking a major milestone in the undergraduate medical and dental admission cycle, eligible candidates across the country can now select and prioritize their preferred medical colleges and courses for the 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats, as well as seats across Central Universities, Deemed Universities, AIIMS, and JIPMER institutes.

Following the commencement of online registration on August 5, the choice-filling facility was activated on August 7 and will remain open for candidates until mid-August. Alongside choice entry, the MCC has introduced vital operational updates—including a Reset Registration facility and a new Freeze-and-Float mechanism—while individual state authorities proceed with their respective 85% state quota admissions at varying stages.

Centralized AIQ Round 1: Choice Filling and Registration Updates

Under the centralized AIQ framework, candidates who have completed their initial registration can log into the official MCC portal (mcc.nic.in) to browse the seat matrix, enter their preferred choices, and arrange them in strict order of priority.

To assist students who may have made mistakes during initial data entry, the MCC has activated a Reset Registration facility. This unlock option allows registered applicants to rectify incorrect category details, personal information, or quota choices. The reset facility will remain functional until 11:00 AM on August 12, 2026. Authorities have strongly advised candidates to double-check every field before final submission, as discrepancies can compromise seat allocation in subsequent rounds.

The New ‘Freeze and Float’ Rule

A notable reform in the NEET UG 2026 counselling framework is the introduction of the Freeze and Float seat acceptance system by the MCC:

• Freeze Option: Designated for candidates who are fully satisfied with their Round 1 allotted seat and do not wish to participate in subsequent rounds for an upgrade. Choosing ‘Freeze’ requires physical reporting to the allotted institute to complete admission formalities and document verification.

• Float Option: Designed for candidates who wish to accept the current seat allotment while remaining eligible for an upgrade in Round 2. Candidates opting to ‘Float’ submit their willingness online and undergo digital document verification without needing immediate physical reporting at this stage.

State-Wise Counselling Status Across Major States

While the MCC handles the 15% All India Quota, state counselling bodies independently manage admissions for the remaining 85% state quota seats. Because each state operates on its own timeline, counselling progress varies significantly nationwide.

Breakdown of State Developments

• Karnataka: KEA is among the most advanced in the state-level cycle. Having initiated document verification early, the authority is transitioning registered candidates toward choice entry and Round 1 mock/real seat allotments.

• Andhra Pradesh: Dr NTR University of Health Sciences opened the application window on August 5. Following the August 12 registration deadline, the university will verify submitted credentials and release the provisional state merit list before opening web options.

• Telangana: KNRUHS has released the list of NEET UG qualified candidates from the state and opened registration for Competent Authority Quota seats. In compliance with updated National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines, the state has also initiated physical disability assessment schedules for PwBD aspirants.

• Kerala: CEE Kerala is concluding its window for KEAM-registered applicants to submit their verified NEET UG 2026 marks. The state merit list and choice-filling dates will be notified following score validation.

• Punjab: BFUHS has activated its online admission portal for MBBS/BDS courses. Candidates are advised to monitor the official portal closely for the upcoming provisional merit list and choice-filling schedule.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filling AIQ Choices

To ensure a smooth choice-filling process on the MCC portal, candidates should follow these steps:

1. Log In: Visit mcc.nic.in, select ‘UG Medical Counselling’, and log in using your Roll Number and Password.

2. Review Seat Matrix: Examine the available seats across participating government colleges, AIIMS, JIPMER, and Deemed Universities.

3. Add Choices: Select preferred courses (MBBS/BDS/BSc Nursing) and institutes from the drop-down menu.

4. Arrange Priority: Use the ‘Move Up’ and ‘Move Down’ controls to order your selections from highest preference to lowest.

5. Save & Lock: Regularly save your choices. Lock your preferences before the stipulated deadline; unlocked choices will automatically lock when the system closes.

Critical Reminders for Aspirants

• Avoid Unrealistic Choice Ordering: Candidates are urged not to select choices randomly or limit their list to a few elite institutes. Enter a comprehensive list of preferred options to maximize the chances of allotment based on merit rank.

• Monitor Dual Schedules: Aspirants participating in both AIQ and state quota counselling must track both schedules independently to avoid missing document verification or reporting deadlines.

• Revised PwBD Provisions: Candidates applying under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category must obtain disability certificates strictly from designated NMC-approved assessment centers prior to seat allotment.

With Round 1 seat processing scheduled to follow the choice-locking deadline, students are advised to keep scanned copies of all essential documents—including NEET admit cards, scorecards, class 10/12 certificates, and category documents—ready for immediate reporting.

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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