NEET UG 2026 Counselling: The Complete Guide

Counselling Overview MCC (15% AIQ) Process State Quota (85%) Documents Required Choice Filling Strategy Exit & Refund Rules FAQs

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NEET Counselling Overview

Understanding the NEET Counselling Ecosystem

Securing a good rank is only half the battle. The real challenge lies in the counselling process. For NEET UG 2026, admission to all MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH seats is divided into two distinct authorities. Understanding this split is crucial for your application strategy.

1. MCC Counselling (Central)
Scope:
  • 15% All India Quota (AIQ) in Govt Colleges.
  • 100% Seats in AIIMS, JIPMER, BHU, AMU.
  • 100% Seats in Deemed Universities.
2. State Counselling (DME)
Scope:
  • 85% State Quota in Govt Colleges.
  • 100% Seats in Private Colleges (State).
  • Domicle rules apply strictly.
MCC Counselling Steps

The MCC Counselling Process (4 Rounds)

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) conducts the process online at mcc.nic.in. It involves four rounds: Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up Round (Round 3), and Stray Vacancy Round.

  • 1Registration & Payment

    Candidates must register online. Payment includes a Non-Refundable fee and a Refundable Security Deposit (₹10k for Govt / ₹2 Lakh for Deemed).

  • 2Choice Filling & Locking

    Select colleges and arrange them in order of preference. Lock your choices before the deadline, or they will be auto-locked.

  • 3Seat Allotment Result

    MCC releases the result based on your rank and choices. You can download the Provisional Allotment Letter.

  • 4Reporting / Upgradation

    Visit the allotted college to confirm admission. If you want a better college in the next round, choose the "Upgrade" option.

State Quota Counselling

State Quota Counselling (85%)

Each state has its own Directorate of Medical Education (DME) that conducts counselling for the remaining 85% government seats and 100% private seats.

Important Concept: Open vs. Closed States
  • Open States: Allow non-domicile students to apply for Private College seats (e.g., UP, Karnataka, Kerala, Bihar).
  • Closed States: Reserve 100% private seats for their own domicile students (e.g., Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab).

Top State Counselling Websites:

  • UP: upneet.gov.in
  • Maharashtra: cetcell.mahacet.org
  • Karnataka: kea.kar.nic.in
  • Tamil Nadu: tnmedicalselection.net
Documents Checklist

Documents Required for Reporting

Carry both original and 2 sets of attested photocopies.

  • NEET 2026 Admit Card
  • NEET 2026 Scorecard (Rank Letter)
  • Class 10th Certificate (Date of Birth)
  • Class 12th Marksheet & Certificate
  • ID Proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport)
  • 8 Passport Size Photos (Same as application)
  • Provisional Allotment Letter
  • Caste Certificate (if applicable)
  • Domicile Certificate (For State Quota)
  • Gap Certificate (if droppers)
Choice Filling Strategy

Smart Choice Filling Strategy

The order in which you list colleges determines your fate. The computer checks your 1st choice, then 2nd, and so on.

Golden Rules of Choice Filling:
  1. Top to Bottom: Always put the best colleges (AIIMS, MAMC) at the top, even if your rank is low. The system will skip them if your rank doesn't match, but you won't lose anything.
  2. Mix & Match: Include a mix of "Dream Colleges," "Realistic Colleges," and "Safe Backup Colleges."
  3. Check Bond Status: Be careful with states having high service bonds (e.g., Haryana, Assam) if you don't intend to serve.
  4. Fee Check: For private colleges, verify the hidden costs (hostel, mess, laundry) before adding them to the list.
Exit and Refund Rules

Critical Rules: Free Exit & Security Refund

Understanding when you can leave a seat without penalty is vital to save your security deposit.

Round Rule Description Penalty
Round 1 Free Exit: You can choose not to join the allotted seat. No Penalty.
Round 2 Exit with Forfeiture: If you don't join after allotment. Security Deposit Forfeited.
Mop-Up No Exit: If allotted, you MUST join. Loss of Deposit + Debarred.
Stray Strict: If allotted and not joined. Debarred from NEET for 1 Year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can participate in both simultaneously. However, once you join a seat in the Mop-Up round of AIQ, you are often ineligible for further state rounds (depending on specific state rules).

Don't panic. MCC has an "Auto-Lock" feature. The choices you saved last will be automatically locked at the deadline. However, it is always recommended to lock them manually to be safe.

Yes, the Security Deposit (e.g., ₹2 Lakh for Deemed) is refundable to the same bank account if you are not allotted a seat or if you join the allotted seat. It is forfeited only if you exit in Round 2 or later.