When Will NEET Counselling Start 2026: Schedule, Merit List & Choice Filling
The National Testing Agency (NTA) establishes category-wise eligibility criteria, including UR/OBC/SC/ST/EWS, for NEET UG 2026, which fundamentally determines a candidate’s qualification for the subsequent counselling process. This crucial step precedes the NEET UG & PG Counselling 2026, typically managed by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), where registration fees are ₹1000 for General category and ₹500 for SC/ST/OBC candidates. While the original NEET UG 2026 exam on 3
UG Counselling 2026: Expected Start Dates & Key Milestones
Counselling for NEET 2026 is expected to begin in July 2026, following the official result declaration of the re-exam. This section provides a comprehensive overview of the key dates and milestones for the upcoming process, including important rounds and state-specific schedules, to help you
| 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 central counselling process for NEET UG 2026 is set to commence in July 2026, with key rounds extending through October 2026. You should note the staggered timelines for registration, choice filling, and seat allotment.
| State | Round 1 (Expected) | Round 2 | Spot/Mop-Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | July 2026 | Aug 2026 | Sep 2026 |
| Maharashtra | July 2026 | Aug 2026 | Sep 2026 |
| Karnataka | Aug 2026 | Sep 2026 | Sep 2026 |
| Tamil Nadu | July 2026 | Aug 2026 | Sep 2026 |
| Rajasthan | July 2026 | Aug 2026 | Sep 2026 |
| Gujarat | Aug 2026 | Sep 2026 | Sep 2026 |
| Andhra Pradesh | July 2026 | Aug 2026 | Sep 2026 |
| Telangana | July 2026 | Aug 2026 | Sep 2026 |
| Kerala | July 2026 | Aug 2026 | Sep 2026 |
| West Bengal | Aug 2026 | Sep 2026 | Sep 2026 |
Many states, including Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, will begin their Round 1 counselling in July 2026, while others like Karnataka and West Bengal start in August. This variation means you must monitor specific state portals for precise schedules.
- Re-exam Date: The NEET 2026 re-exam was held on 21 June 2026.
- Stray Vacancy Round: This final round occurs at the college level for leftover seats.
- Management Quota: Opens September–October 2026, after government counselling closes.
- Classes Commencement: MBBS classes are expected to begin September–October 2026.
- AIIMS MBBS Classes: AIIMS MBBS 2026 batch classes start August–September 2026.
- Final Joining Deadline: Expect October 31, 2026, for the MBBS 2026 batch.
PG Counselling 2026: Tentative Start Dates and Schedule
Candidates wondering about the start of PG counselling in 2026 should note that the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) tentatively plans to open registration in October 2026. The NEET PG 2026 exam is scheduled for August 30, 2026, with counselling dates announced a few weeks after results.
| 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 tentative schedule outlines key milestones for the NEET PG 2026 counselling process, managed by MCC for All India Quota seats. Remember, these dates are based on past trends and may change.
UG Counselling 2026: Step-by-Step Registration and Choice Filling Process
Understanding the online registration and choice filling process for UG admissions in 2026 is crucial. This guide details the steps involved, from initial registration on the official website to strategically locking your college preferences, ensuring you are well-prepared for the counselling.
- Process Nature: Completely online
- Official Website: https://mcc.nic.in/ug-medical-counselling/
- Access Section: UG Medical Counselling section
- Required Credentials: NEET Roll Number, Application Number, personal details
- Post-Details Action: Create a password
- Eligibility: Must qualify NEET UG 2026
During registration, you must pay two types of fees: a non-refundable Registration Fee and a refundable Security Deposit. The amounts vary based on your category and college type.
| Fee Type | Category / College Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | General | ₹1000 |
| Registration Fee | SC / ST / OBC | ₹500 |
| Security Deposit | Government Colleges | ₹10,000 |
| Security Deposit | Deemed Universities | ₹2,00,000 |
The Security Deposit is refundable after the counselling completion, while the Registration Fee is non-refundable, so ensure you understand the financial commitments.
- Action: Select and arrange colleges in order of preference
- Required Action: Lock choices manually
- Consequence of Not Locking: System may auto-lock, disrupting your strategy
- Strategy Tip 1: Check previous years’ opening and closing ranks
- Strategy Tip 2: Include dream, realistic, and safe colleges
- Strategy Tip 3: Include multiple college options, not just top institutes
Avoid the common mistake of wrong choice filling order. Before applying, confirm all necessary documents are available. Round 1 registration and choice filling are expected in July 2026.
People Also Read
UG & PG Counselling 2026: Expected Dates Table
UG counselling is set to begin in July 2026, with registration opening in the first week. This section provides a comprehensive overview of the expected schedule for both UG and PG counselling, detailing important dates for the upcoming admission cycles.
| Event | NEET UG 2026 | NEET PG 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Result Declaration | was declared in the 2nd Week of June 2026 | Date yet to be announced |
| MCC Counselling Registration Opens | 1st Week of July 2026 | October 2026 (tentative) |
| 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 | – |
| Exam Date | – | August 30, 2026 (tentative) |
| Start Date for Online Application | – | Date yet to be announced |
| Last Date for Online Application | – | Date yet to be announced |
| Issue of Admit Card | – | Date yet to be announced |
The table highlights that while NEET UG counselling begins in July, the NEET PG exam is scheduled for August 30, 2026, with its counselling registration starting in October.
AIQ vs State Quota Counselling 2026: Start Dates and Differences
Understanding the distinct processes for All India Quota (AIQ) and State Quota admissions is crucial for your NEET UG 2026. This section details the start dates for both types, with AIQ Round 1 registration expected in July 2026 following the result declaration.
| Feature | All India Quota (AIQ) | State Quota |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | MCC (mcc.nic.in) | Respective State DME portals |
| Seat Share (Govt) | 15% of total seats | 85% of total seats |
| Domicile Requirement | Not Required | Strictly Required |
| Private Colleges | Does not cover private colleges | Controls 100% |
This table clearly outlines the fundamental distinctions between AIQ and State Quota counselling, particularly regarding the conducting authority, seat distribution, and domicile requirements for admission.
Pre-Counselling Checklist: Documents Required for UG 2026
The pre-counselling checklist for NEET UG 2026 requires meticulous document preparation. Ensuring you have all necessary original and attested copies is crucial for a smooth admission process, as any discrepancy can lead to rejection, irrespective of your exam score.
- NEET 2026 Admit Card: Issued by NTA, compulsory for identity verification.
- NEET 2026 Result/Scorecard: Contains All India Rank, required for MCC counselling.
- Class 10th Certificate and Marksheet: Official Date of Birth Proof, verifies name.
- Class 12th Certificate and Marksheet: Academic record, verifies PCB eligibility for MBBS.
- Valid Government Photo ID Proof: Aadhaar, PAN, Driving License, or Passport accepted.
- Passport Size Photographs: 6 to 8 copies, identical to application form photo.
Beyond these core documents, several specialized certificates and proofs are essential, particularly for specific quotas or deemed universities. When will NEET counselling start 2026? You must prepare all required documents, including originals, multiple self-attested photocopies, and digital soft copies, well in advance of the counselling schedule.
| Document | Purpose/Details |
|---|---|
| Provisional Allotment Letter | Downloaded from MCC/State Counselling authority after seat allotment. |
| State Domicile Certificate | Critical for State Quota counselling, proving state residency. |
| State Caste Certificate | If claiming state-level benefits, issued by respective state government. |
| Income Certificate | Required for state-sponsored fee waivers, scholarships, or EWS quotas. |
| State Merit / Rank Card | Many states release their own separate State Merit List. |
| SC/ST Certificate | Issued by competent authority, follows MCC format for AIQ. |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) Certificate | For AIQ, caste must be in Central List. Was issued on or after April 1, 2025. |
| EWS (Economically Weaker Section) Certificate | Valid for one financial year. Was issued on or after April 1, 2025. |
| PwD (Persons with Disability) Certificate | Generated online from MCC designated Disability Assessment Boards. |
| Demand Draft (DD) / RTGS Proof | Required for Deemed Universities for massive first-year tuition fees. |
| Anti-Ragging Affidavits | Two notarized affidavits for Deemed Universities (student and parent). |
| Bond Agreement | Required for Deemed Universities, often for fee payment if dropping out. |
| Bank Guarantee | Required by some states for private college admissions to ensure fees. |
| NRI Documents (If applicable) | Sponsor’s passport, embassy certificate, relationship affidavit, foreign bank statements. |
| Transfer Certificate (TC) | Required for NEET counselling. |
| Migration Certificate | Required for NEET counselling. |
| Character Certificate | Required for NEET counselling. |
| Medical Fitness Certificate | Required for NEET counselling. |
Carefully review all specific requirements for your chosen quota or institution, as any invalid or expired documentation, or even minor discrepancies like name mismatches, can lead to immediate rejection of your candidature.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is NEET UG 2026 counselling expected to start?
Counselling for NEET UG 2026 is expected to begin in July 2026, following the official result declaration of the re-exam.
What are the registration fees for NEET UG 2026 counselling?
The registration fees for NEET UG 2026 counselling are ₹1000 for General category candidates and ₹500 for SC/ST/OBC candidates.
When was the NEET 2026 re-exam held?
The NEET 2026 re-exam was held on 21 June 2026.
When are MBBS classes for the 2026 batch expected to commence?
MBBS classes for the 2026 batch are expected to begin in September–October 2026, with AIIMS MBBS 2026 batch classes starting in August–September 2026.
When is NEET PG 2026 counselling tentatively scheduled to start?
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) tentatively plans to open registration for NEET PG 2026 counselling in October 2026.
Related Reading
