NEET UG Counselling 2026 is now live, and lakhs of MBBS and BDS aspirants across India are tracking every round closely. Whether you are checking the NEET UG Counselling 2026 schedule for the All India Quota, the UP NEET UG Counselling 2026 process, or the NEET counselling 2026 last date for each round, this guide brings every confirmed update together in one place, based on the latest official notices from MCC and state authorities.
What Is NEET UG Counselling 2026?
NEET UG Counselling 2026 is the admission process that allows candidates who qualified the NEET UG exam to secure a seat in MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other undergraduate medical courses. It has two parallel tracks:
- All India Quota (AIQ) Counselling — conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for 15% of government medical college seats, plus 100% seats in AIIMS, JIPMER, BHU, AMU, ESIC, and Deemed/Central Universities.
- State Quota Counselling — conducted separately by each state’s medical education directorate for the remaining 85% government seats and most private/management quota seats.
Both tracks run through registration, choice filling, choice locking, seat allotment, document verification, and reporting — repeated across multiple rounds until seats are filled.
NEET UG Counselling 2026: Complete MCC (AIQ) Schedule
The Medical Counselling Committee released the official AIQ schedule after the NEET UG 2026 result declaration. Round 1 opened in early August, and the process has since moved through choice filling, allotment, and into Round 2. The table below reflects the most recent confirmed dates.
| Counselling Activity | Round 1 | Round 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Registration & Fee Payment | 5 – 12 August 2026 | 3 – 8 September 2026 |
| Choice Filling | 6 – 13 August 2026 | 3 – 9 September 2026 |
| Choice Locking | 13 August 2026 | 8 – 9 September 2026 |
| Seat Allotment Result | 17 August 2026 | 11 September 2026 |
| Reporting to Allotted College | By 1 September 2026 | To be notified |
Note: MCC also opened a FLOAT resignation window for Round 1 candidates from 31 August (3:30 PM) to 2 September (1:00 PM), 2026, allowing candidates to exit without losing their security deposit. Round 3 (Mop-Up) and the Stray Vacancy Round are expected through mid-September to early October 2026; MCC will confirm exact dates closer to Round 2 completion. Always cross-check live updates on the official MCC counselling portal.
NEET UG Counselling 2026 Last Date — Round-wise Summary
Candidates frequently search for the exact NEET UG counselling 2026 last date for each activity. Here is a quick reference:
- Round 1 registration last date: 12 August 2026 (3:00 PM)
- Round 1 choice locking last date: 13 August 2026
- Round 1 reporting last date: 1 September 2026
- Round 2 registration last date: 8 September 2026
- Round 2 choice locking last date: 9 September 2026
- Round 3/Mop-Up and Stray Vacancy: Dates awaited; typically held between mid-September and early October
Missing any of these deadlines usually means forfeiting eligibility for that particular round, so setting reminders around registration and choice-locking cut-offs is essential.
UP NEET UG Counselling 2026: Schedule and Process
Uttar Pradesh runs one of the largest state-level medical counselling processes in the country, managed by the Directorate General of Medical Education and Training (DGME UP) through the official portal, upneet.gov.in. UP NEET UG Counselling 2026 covers 85% state quota seats in government colleges and nearly all seats in private and minority medical/dental colleges.
UP NEET UG Counselling 2026 Round 1 Timeline
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Round 1 Registration (first window) | 7 – 12 August 2026 |
| Registration Reopened | 13 – 14 August 2026 |
| Registration Extended Again | 1 – 2 September 2026 |
| State Merit List Released | 2 September 2026 |
| Choice Filling & Locking | Till 5 September 2026 |
| Round 1 Seat Allotment Result | 7 September 2026 |
| Reporting & Admission | 8 – 14 September 2026 |
The DGME published the UP NEET UG merit list 2026 for 31,653 registered candidates on 2 September 2026. Only candidates named in this merit list can proceed to choice filling. If you registered but do not find your name, check the official notice on the UP NEET portal for the reason before the choice-filling window closes.
Who Is Eligible for the UP State Quota?
To apply under the 85% Uttar Pradesh state quota, a candidate must satisfy at least one of these conditions:
- Hold a permanent domicile of Uttar Pradesh.
- Have a parent who is a permanent resident of Uttar Pradesh.
- Have studied Class 10 and Class 12 continuously from a UP-based institution, as per state eligibility norms.
Private and minority medical/dental colleges in UP also admit candidates through the same UP NEET UG counselling process, though management-quota seats may follow slightly different fee structures.
UP NEET UG Counselling 2026 Seat Overview
| College Category | Approximate MBBS/BDS Seats |
|---|---|
| Government Medical Colleges (MBBS) | Around 3,825 seats across 35 colleges |
| Government Dental Seats (KGMU) | 85 BDS seats |
| Private Medical Colleges | Around 6,600 MBBS seats (36 colleges) |
| Private Dental Colleges | Around 2,200 BDS seats (23 colleges) |
Figures for private-sector seats are based on the most recent finalised seat matrix and may see minor revisions once DGME publishes the final round-wise matrix for 2026.
AIQ vs State Quota Counselling: Key Differences
Many first-time candidates confuse the AIQ and state processes. This comparison clears up the differences at a glance.
| Parameter | AIQ (MCC) Counselling | State Quota Counselling (e.g., UP) |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) | State directorate (e.g., DGME UP) |
| Seat Share | 15% of government seats + 100% central institutes | 85% government seats + most private seats |
| Eligibility | Open to all India candidates | Usually domicile-based |
| Registration Portal | mcc.nic.in | State-specific portal (e.g., upneet.gov.in) |
| Number of Rounds | Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up, Stray Vacancy | Round 1, Round 2, Round 3, Stray Vacancy |
| Counselling Fee | Uniform across India | Varies by state and category |
Candidates can register for both AIQ and their home-state counselling simultaneously, provided they meet each process’s eligibility rules and deadlines.
NEET UG Counselling 2026: Schedule Snapshot for Other Major States
Apart from Uttar Pradesh, several large states have also begun their NEET UG Counselling 2026 process for the 85% state quota. Timelines differ from state to state, so candidates outside UP should always confirm dates on their respective state medical education websites.
| State | Counselling Authority | Round 1 Status (as of early September 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | DGME UP | Merit list released; choice filling underway |
| Maharashtra | State CET Cell | Round 1 reporting underway |
| Bihar | BCECEB | Counselling schedule active |
| Rajasthan | DME Rajasthan | Registration and verification stage |
| Delhi | DGHS Delhi | Schedule aligned with MCC rounds |
Because state processes often run in parallel with MCC rounds rather than strictly after them, candidates eligible for both quotas need to track two separate portals at the same time and avoid missing either deadline.
Reservation Categories in NEET UG Counselling 2026
Seat allotment in both AIQ and state counselling follows applicable reservation norms. The broad categories generally recognised are:
- General/Unreserved (UR)
- Other Backward Classes (OBC – Non-Creamy Layer)
- Scheduled Castes (SC)
- Scheduled Tribes (ST)
- Economically Weaker Section (EWS)
- Persons with Disability (PwD), applicable across categories
Category certificates must be valid, in the prescribed government format, and uploaded before the document verification deadline, since invalid or expired certificates are a common reason for allotment cancellation.
How to Register for NEET UG Counselling 2026: Step-by-Step
- Visit the correct portal — mcc.nic.in for AIQ, or your state’s official counselling website for state quota.
- Create a login using your NEET UG roll number, application number, and a new password.
- Fill the registration form with personal, academic, and category details.
- Pay the registration fee and refundable security deposit as applicable to your category.
- Upload required documents for verification.
- Fill and arrange your college/course choices in order of preference.
- Lock your choices before the deadline — unlocked choices may be auto-locked or ignored.
- Check the seat allotment result on the scheduled date.
- Download the provisional allotment letter and report to the allotted institute within the reporting window.
Skipping choice locking is one of the most common mistakes candidates make; unlocked preferences can lead to no allotment even if you filled dozens of choices.
Documents Required for NEET UG Counselling 2026
Keep both original and photocopies of the following documents ready before reporting:
- NEET UG 2026 admit card and rank/scorecard
- Class 10 certificate and mark sheet (proof of date of birth)
- Class 12 certificate and mark sheet
- Provisional/final seat allotment letter
- Valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar card, passport, or voter ID)
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), if applicable
- PwD certificate, if applicable
- Domicile/residence certificate (for state quota candidates)
- 8–10 recent passport-size photographs
- Migration certificate and transfer certificate, where required by the institute
Requirements can vary slightly between MCC-affiliated institutes and state colleges, so it is wise to confirm the exact checklist on your allotted college’s admission notice.
Understanding the Counselling Rounds
NEET UG counselling typically runs across four stages, and understanding the purpose of each helps candidates plan strategically.
Round 1 and Round 2
These are the primary rounds where the largest number of seats are allotted. Fresh registration and full choice filling apply in both rounds, and candidates who wish to improve their allotment can use the “upgrade” or “float” option depending on the counselling authority’s rules.
Mop-Up / Round 3
This round consolidates seats that remained vacant after Round 2, including new seats added by regulatory bodies. Candidates who did not register earlier may also be allowed to join at this stage, subject to eligibility.
Stray Vacancy Round
The final round fills any remaining vacant seats, often through an offline, institute-level process rather than fresh online choice filling. Once a candidate accepts a seat in this round, the decision is typically final and binding, with no further upgradation.
NEET UG Counselling 2026 Fee and Security Deposit (Indicative)
| Category | Registration Fee | Security Deposit (Government Seats) | Security Deposit (Private/Deemed) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/OBC | ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 | ₹10,000 | ₹2,00,000 |
| SC/ST/PwD | ₹500 – ₹1,000 | ₹5,000 | ₹2,00,000 |
Fees vary between MCC and individual state counselling authorities; always verify the exact amount on the official portal before payment, as figures are revised periodically.
Tips to Avoid Common Counselling Mistakes
- Register for both AIQ and state counselling if you are eligible for both — they are independent processes.
- Fill as many realistic choices as possible; a longer, well-researched list improves your allotment chances.
- Always lock your choices manually rather than relying on auto-lock.
- Keep scanned copies of every document in the correct format and size before the portal opens.
- Track official notices directly on mcc.nic.in or your state portal, since counselling dates are sometimes revised at short notice.
- Do not miss the reporting deadline after allotment, as this can lead to seat cancellation and forfeiture of the security deposit.
Round 1 vs Round 2: How to Plan Your Strategy
Candidates often ask whether it is better to accept a Round 1 seat or wait for Round 2. A few practical pointers can help:
- If you are satisfied with your Round 1 college and course, report and join immediately rather than waiting, since a confirmed seat is safer than a hypothetical upgrade.
- If you wish to try for a better college, most counselling authorities allow float/upgrade options — check whether your category permits this before opting out of your current seat.
- If you did not get any seat in Round 1, you generally remain eligible to register fresh for Round 2, provided you meet the round’s eligibility conditions.
- Always read the exit rules carefully — resigning after choice locking in some rounds may lead to forfeiture of the security deposit, while resigning during specific “free exit” windows may not.
Why Accurate Counselling Information Matters
Every year, thousands of qualified candidates lose a seat not because of their NEET UG rank, but because of missed deadlines, incomplete documents, or incorrect choice filling. NEET UG Counselling 2026 involves multiple portals, overlapping timelines between MCC and state authorities, and frequent notice updates — so cross-verifying dates directly with official sources before every action remains the safest approach for candidates and parents alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the NEET UG Counselling 2026 last date for Round 1 registration?
Round 1 AIQ registration closed on 12 August 2026, while UP NEET UG state registration ran until 12 August 2026, with later reopened windows.
Q2. When will NEET UG Counselling 2026 Round 2 results be declared?
The MCC Round 2 seat allotment result is scheduled for 11 September 2026.
Q3. Is UP NEET UG Counselling 2026 separate from MCC counselling?
Yes. UP NEET UG Counselling 2026 is a state-level process for 85% state quota and private college seats, run independently of MCC’s 15% AIQ counselling.
Q4. Can a candidate participate in both AIQ and UP state counselling?
Yes, eligible candidates can register for both AIQ counselling via MCC and UP state counselling via DGME UP at the same time.
Q5. What happens if a candidate misses the choice-locking deadline?
Choices that are filled but not locked may not be considered for seat allotment in that round, depending on the counselling authority’s rules.
Q6. How many rounds does NEET UG Counselling 2026 have?
Both AIQ and most state counselling processes, including UP, are conducted across four stages: Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up/Round 3, and the Stray Vacancy Round.
Final Word
NEET UG Counselling 2026 is progressing on schedule, with MCC Round 2 now underway and UP NEET UG Counselling 2026 having released its Round 1 merit list and moved into choice filling. Since exact dates are periodically revised by MCC and state authorities, candidates should treat this guide as a reliable reference point and confirm every deadline on the MCC official website or the UP NEET counselling portal before taking any action. Staying organised with documents, choices, and deadlines remains the single biggest factor in securing the right medical seat this year.
