The NEET UG Counselling Process 2026 begins after the declaration of the NEET result. It is the procedure through which qualified candidates are allotted seats in medical and dental colleges across India. Through this process, students can secure admission to courses such as MBBS, BDS, BSc Nursing, and AYUSH programs.
The counselling process is conducted by different authorities depending on the seat quota. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) conducts counselling for All India Quota seats, while state authorities conduct counselling for state quota seats.
Understanding the counselling process is extremely important because admission depends on NEET rank, college preferences, reservation criteria, and seat availability.
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Join Official Telegram ChannelWhat is NEET Counselling?
NEET counselling is the admission process through which candidates who qualify the NEET examination are allotted medical college seats in India.
Based on the All India Rank (AIR) obtained in NEET, candidates can participate in the counselling process and select their preferred colleges and courses.
The counselling process usually includes the following stages:
- Registration
- Choice filling
- Choice locking
- Seat allotment
- Document verification
- Reporting to the allotted college
Candidates must carefully complete every step to secure admission to a medical college.
Types of NEET UG Counselling Process
NEET counselling is divided into two main categories depending on the seat quota.
All India Quota Counselling (AIQ)
All India Quota counselling is conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC).
This counselling includes:
- 15% seats of government medical colleges
- 100% seats of AIIMS institutions
- 100% seats of JIPMER institutes
- Central universities
- ESIC medical colleges
- Deemed universities
Students from any state can participate in AIQ counselling.
State Quota Counselling
State quota counselling is conducted by the respective state authorities.
This counselling includes:
- 85% seats of government medical colleges
- Private medical colleges within the state
Only candidates who satisfy the state domicile criteria are eligible for state quota counselling.
Each state releases its own counselling schedule and rules.
Also Check: List of All Medical College Fee Structure 2026
NEET Counselling 2026 Eligibility Criteria for Central Universities
The following table mentions the eligibility criteria for the Central Universities and the seat scheme.
| Central Universities | Seat Scheme | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi University (MAMC, LHMC, UCMS) | 15% of seats of the colleges affiliated with the Delhi University | Candidates who have passed Class 11 and Class 12 from an institute located in Delhi will be able to apply for these 85% seats |
| Faculty of Dentistry, Jamia Millia Islamia | The institute offers 50 BDS seats, out of which 47 seats will be filled through the MCC NEET counselling. The remaining three seats fall under the institutional quota. | The institutional quota seats will be allotted to only those candidates who have passed Class 11 and Class 12 from JMI institutes |
| Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) | The institute reserves 50 per cent of its seats. The remaining 50 per cent will be filled through the MCC counselling of NEET. | Candidates who have studied at AMU for the past three years can opt for institutional quota. |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | 15% seats | All candidates who fulfil the basic eligibility criteria for NEET MCC counselling can apply for the seats at BHU. There is no special requirement for applying to this institute. |
AIQ vs State Quota in NEET Counselling
| Feature | All India Quota (AIQ) | State Quota |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) | Respective State Counselling Authorities |
| Seat Percentage | 15% seats in government medical colleges | 85% seats in government medical colleges |
| Eligibility | Candidates from any state can apply | Only state domicile candidates |
| Colleges Covered | AIIMS, JIPMER, ESIC, Deemed Universities | State government and private colleges |
| Competition Level | Higher competition | Comparatively lower competition |
| Reservation Rules | Central reservation policy | State reservation policy |
NEET Counselling Eligibility
Candidates must satisfy certain conditions to participate in NEET counselling.
Basic eligibility requirements include:
- Candidate must qualify the NEET examination
- Candidate must score above the NEET cutoff
- Candidate must register for counselling
- Candidate must meet eligibility requirements of the selected college
Only candidates who complete the registration process can participate in seat allotment.
NEET Reservation 2026 in AIQ Seats
The Government of India has implemented 27 per cent OBC reservation (Non-Creamy Layer) and 10 per cent EWS reservation in 15 per cent Under Graduate (UG) All India Quota seats (MBBS/BDS) (contributed by the State/UTs to the Central Pool) in the selection of candidates through NEET UG counselling for MBBS.
| Category | Reservation Percentage |
|---|---|
| SC | 15% |
| ST | 7.5% |
| PwBD | 5% (Horizontal Reservation) |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 27% only in National Institutes/Central Universities |
| EWS | 10% only in National Institutes/Central Universities |
NEET Counselling Registration Process
The first step in NEET counselling is registration on the official counselling portal.
For All India Quota seats, candidates must register on the MCC counselling website.
Steps to Register
- Visit the official counselling portal.
- Click on UG Medical Counselling Registration.
- Enter NEET roll number and personal details.
- Fill academic and contact information.
- Pay the counselling registration fee.
- Submit the registration form.
After successful registration, candidates can participate in choice filling.
Also Check Deemed University MBBS Fee
NEET Choice Filling Process
Choice filling is one of the most important steps during counselling.
During this stage, candidates must select the medical colleges and courses where they wish to study.
Important points:
- Candidates can select multiple colleges.
- Choices should be filled carefully based on preference.
- Candidates should research colleges before selecting options.
The seat allotment result depends heavily on the choices filled by candidates.
NEET Counselling Process Flowchart
Choice Locking in NEET Counselling
After filling college preferences, candidates must lock their choices before the deadline.
Once the choices are locked:
- They cannot be modified.
- Seat allotment will be based on these preferences.
Candidates should review all options carefully before locking them.
NEET Seat Allotment Process
Seat allotment is conducted based on multiple factors.
Important factors include:
- NEET All India Rank
- Candidate preferences
- Seat availability
- Reservation criteria
- Category of candidate
After the allotment result is announced, candidates can download the provisional seat allotment letter.
| Round | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | Download | To be announced |
| Round 2 | Download | To be announced |
| Round 3 | Download | To be announced |
| Stray Vacancy Round | Download | To be announced |
NEET UG Updates 2026
Get instant notifications on exam dates, counselling schedule, cutoff trends, fee structure, seat matrix updates, and admission alerts.
Join Official Telegram ChannelNEET Counselling Rounds
The counselling process usually includes several rounds.
Round 1
Candidates register, fill choices, and receive seat allotment.
Round 2
Candidates who did not get a seat in Round 1 or want to upgrade their seat can participate.
Round 3
This round is conducted to fill remaining seats.
Stray Vacancy Round
The final round is conducted to fill vacant seats in medical colleges.
Only candidates who are not holding any seat can participate in this round
Documents Required for NEET Counselling
Candidates must carry original documents during counselling and admission.
Important documents include:
- NEET admit card
- NEET scorecard
- Class 10 certificate
- Class 12 marksheet
- Passport size photographs
- Valid ID proof
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Seat allotment letter
Without these documents, candidates may not be allowed to complete admission.
Reporting to Allotted College
Candidates who are allotted a seat must report to the assigned medical college within the specified deadline.
The reporting process includes:
- Document verification
- Payment of admission fees
- Final admission confirmation
Failure to report within the deadline may result in cancellation of the seat.
Important Tips for NEET Counselling
Here are some useful tips for candidates:
- Fill as many college options as possible.
- Check previous year cutoffs before choosing colleges.
- Regularly check counselling websites for updates.
- Keep all required documents ready.
Proper planning during counselling can significantly improve the chances of getting a good medical college.
FAQs Regarding NEET Counselling 2026
If I get an up-graded seat during second round of NEET counselling, can I join that college directly?
No, you will have to get online generated relieving letter from the earlier institute, before you join the next college. Without such relieving letter, candidates will not be permitted to join the seat allotted in round 2. Upgradation is applicable for only those candidates who have joined allotted seat of first round and submit willingness for upgradation.
When will NEET Counselling 2026 start?
NEET Counselling 2026 is expected to begin in July 2026 after the NEET UG result declaration in June.
Who conducts NEET UG Counselling 2026?
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) conducts counselling for 15% All India Quota seats, while states conduct counselling for 85% state quota seats.
What documents are required for NEET Counselling 2026?
mportant documents include the NEET admit card, NEET scorecard, Class 10 and 12 certificates, identity proof, passport-size photographs, and category certificate if applicable.
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