The NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is the gateway to medical education in India. Each year, lakhs of students aspire to secure admission to MBBS and BDS courses, but qualifying for the exam is only the first step. The next and equally critical stage is medical admission counselling, a structured, transparent, and merit-based process that determines which student gets which college in which round.
For NEET 2026 aspirants, understanding the counselling process is essential to secure the best possible seat based on rank, preference, and eligibility.
Medical Admission Counselling
Medical Admission counselling is an online seat allotment procedure that follows the declaration of NEET-UG results. Eligible candidates are allotted medical seats in government, private, and deemed medical and dental colleges across India.
It ensures fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity through a computerised system that considers:
- NEET All India Rank (AIR)
- Category (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/UR)
- Quota type (AIQ, State, Deemed, etc.)
- Domicile
- Choice of college and course
NEET 2026 Admission Counselling Process
The NEET-UG counselling process consists of multiple well-defined stages, each designed for clarity and efficiency.
1. Registration
Candidates register on the official portals:
- MCC website (for All India Quota, Deemed, Central Universities)
- State counselling portals (for 85% State Quota seats)
During registration, students enter personal details, NEET score, category, and upload required documents.
2. Payment of Registration and Security Fee
A registration fee and a refundable security deposit must be paid online. Only after successful payment can candidates proceed to the next step.
3. Choice Filling and Locking
- Candidates must select their preferred colleges and courses in order of priority.
- Choices can be added, deleted, or reordered before the deadline.
- Once satisfied, candidates must lock their choices.
- If not locked, the system automatically locks based on last saved preferences.
4. Seat Allotment
Once the choice-filling window closes, the system processes all applications based on:
- NEET rank
- Reservation category
- Available seat matrix
- Candidate’s preferences
Seat allotment is entirely computer-generated, ensuring complete impartiality.
5. Reporting to the College
After allotment, candidates must report to the college within the given time frame with original documents and pay the admission fee. If they wish to upgrade to the next round, they must indicate it while reporting.
The Seat Allotment System
The seat allotment is a completely automated process designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and merit-based selection. The system allocates seats strictly according to preferences and reservation rules.
Key Factors: NEET Rank, Category, Quota, and Choice of College.
All applicants must select at least one college during choice filling. The computer processes the merit list in descending order and matches each candidate’s preferences with the seat matrix.
Rounds of Medical Admission Counselling
- Round 1
- Round 2
- Round 3
- Stray Vacancy Round
Round 1: The Beginning of Seat Allotment
The first round marks the start of the counselling process. Candidates register online, pay fees, and fill choices. Based on rank and preferences, seats are allotted through a computerised system.
After allotment, candidates can either:
- Accept the seat and complete admission.
- Opt for upgradation in the next round while retaining the current seat provisionally.
Round 2: Fresh Registration and Upgradation Opportunities
Round 2 allows candidates who weren’t allotted a seat in Round 1 or wish to upgrade to participate again.
- Old candidates need not register again.
- New candidates can register afresh.
- Fresh choice filling and locking are required.
If a candidate fails to report after allotment in Round 2, their security deposit is forfeited.
Round 3: The Final Upgradation Round
Introduced for greater flexibility, Round 3 allows one last opportunity for upgradation. No resignation or upgradation is permitted after this round.
- No fresh registration for existing candidates.
- New candidates can register afresh.
- Allotment is merit-based and final.
Stray Vacancy Round: The Last Phase
The final round fills remaining vacant seats. Conducted entirely online by MCC, it ensures no seat remains vacant.
- Fresh registration is mandatory.
- If allotted, candidates must join or forfeit deposit.
- Offline admissions are not allowed.
Key Rules and Points to Remember
- No Multiple Seats: Candidates cannot hold both MCC and State seats simultaneously.
- No Resignation After Round 3: Once joined, no withdrawal or upgrade is allowed.
- Transparent Online System: Allotment is computerised and merit-based.
- Security Deposit Forfeiture: Failure to report after allotment leads to loss of deposit.
- Fresh Registration: Required in the Stray Vacancy Round.
