NEET UG Counselling 2026 Round 1 Choice Filling Begins: Important Dates, Choice Locking & MCC Process Explained

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has officially started the Round 1 choice-filling process for NEET UG Counselling 2026, marking the next crucial stage of admissions into MBBS and BDS courses across India.

Candidates who have successfully registered for MCC counselling can now select and arrange their preferred medical and dental colleges before the deadline. Since seat allotment depends on factors such as NEET rank, reservation category, seat availability and the order of choices filled, candidates are advised to prepare their preference list carefully.

NEET UG Counselling 2026 Round 1 Important Dates

The choice-filling process began on August 7, 2026, at 4 PM. Candidates must complete the process and lock their preferences within the prescribed timeline.

Schedule

Candidates should avoid waiting until the final hours, as server congestion or technical issues could impact submission.

How MCC Counselling Works

The Medical Counselling Committee conducts counselling for:

• 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats
• Central Universities
• Deemed Universities
• AIIMS
• JIPMER
• ESIC Institutions
• Other participating institutes under MCC

Admissions are offered based on:

• NEET UG Rank
• Reservation Category
• Seat Availability
• Order of Choices Filled

Candidates should arrange colleges according to their genuine preferences, as higher-ranked choices are considered first during seat allotment.

AIQ vs State Quota: Know the Difference

One of the most common mistakes candidates make is assuming MCC counselling covers every medical seat.

Here's the difference:

All India Quota (AIQ)

• Conducted by MCC
• Covers 15% government medical seats and participating institutions

State Quota

• Conducted separately by individual state counselling authorities
• Covers remaining state government medical seats

Candidates eligible for both AIQ and state quota admissions should actively follow notifications from both counselling authorities, as schedules differ across states.

Tips Before Filling Choices

Experts advise candidates to prepare their preference list before logging into the MCC portal.

While selecting colleges, candidates should consider:

• College reputation
• Previous year's closing ranks
• Location
• Course preference
• Hostel and campus facilities
• Seat category eligibility

Adding a larger number of realistic preferences can improve the chances of securing a seat.

PwD, NRI and OCI Candidates Must Check Latest Guidelines

Candidates applying under special categories such as:

• Persons with Disabilities (PwD)
• Non-Resident Indians (NRI)
• Overseas Citizens of India (OCI)

should carefully review the latest MCC notifications regarding eligibility criteria and required documents instead of relying on previous year's guidelines.

What Candidates Should Do Now

With the Round 1 counselling process underway, candidates should:

• Log in to the official MCC counselling portal.
• Review available colleges and courses.
• Prepare a preference order carefully.
• Verify eligibility before selecting colleges.
• Save and lock choices before the deadline.
• Keep checking MCC and respective state counselling websites for further updates.

Failure to lock choices before the deadline may affect participation in the Round 1 seat allotment process.

What's Next After Choice Locking?

Once the choice-filling window closes on August 13, MCC will process seat allotment based on candidate preferences, NEET rank, reservation category and seat availability. Candidates allotted seats will then have to report to their assigned institutions within the stipulated timeline for document verification and admission formalities.

FAQs

Q1. When does NEET UG Counselling 2026 Round 1 choice filling end?
The Round 1 choice filling and locking window closes on August 13, 2026, at 11 AM.

Q2. Is MCC counselling different from state counselling?
Yes. MCC conducts counselling for 15% AIQ seats and participating institutes, while individual states manage admissions under the state quota.

Q3. Can candidates participate in both AIQ and state counselling?
Yes. Eligible candidates can apply for both processes separately by following the schedules issued by MCC and their respective state counselling authorities.

Q4. What factors determine seat allotment?
Seat allotment depends on NEET rank, reservation category, seat availability and the order of choices filled by the candidate.