NEET 2026 Counselling Registration Link (OUT) LIVE Updates: College Wise MBBS & BDS Available Seats Matrix; Instructions

11 46 AM IST - 05 Aug'26

Registration Should Not Be Delayed

Many aspirants prefer registering on the final day, but server traffic can increase significantly. Completing the registration process early provides enough time to verify details and correct any mistakes before choice filling begins.

10 50 AM IST - 05 Aug'26

Keep Documents Ready in Advance

Candidates should arrange original educational certificates, NEET scorecard, admit card, identity proof, photographs and category certificates beforehand. Last-minute document issues often create unnecessary stress during counselling and reporting.

09 57 AM IST - 05 Aug'26

BDS Colleges Also Offer Good Opportunities

Students focusing only on MBBS should also review BDS colleges while filling preferences. Depending on their rank, BDS may become a strong option in reputed government dental colleges with excellent infrastructure and experienced faculty.

09 45 AM IST - 05 Aug'26

Check MBBS Seats Before Choice Filling

Candidates are advised to check the exact MBBS intake of every participating medical college before locking choices. Many students only look at college names and miss seat availability, which can affect allotment chances during Round 1 counselling.

09 02 AM IST - 05 Aug'26

Registration Link Expected to Go Live Today

The NEET UG 2026 counselling registration portal is expected to become active today on the MCC website. Candidates should keep their NEET application number, password and required documents ready. Once the link becomes active, registration should be completed without waiting for the last date.

11 00 PM IST - 04 Aug'26

Final Readiness Check: Registration Opens Tomorrow Morning (August 5)

With less than 12 hours remaining before registration opens on mcc.nic.in:

• The MCC web portal infrastructure is fully active.

• Choice filling will officially start on August 6, 2026.

• Ensure all central document formats, category certificates, and bank payment limits are ready for smooth submission.

10 00 PM IST - 04 Aug'26

Pre-Registration Step-By-Step Workflow Summary

Here is the exact step-by-step workflow for candidates logging into mcc.nic.in tomorrow:

1. Visit Portal: Click on UG Medical Counselling on mcc.nic.in.

2. New Candidate Registration: Enter NEET UG Roll Number, Application Number, Mother's Name, and Date of Birth.

3. Verify OTP: Authenticate using OTP sent via SMS/Email.

4. Fill Application Details: Confirm quota eligibility options (AIQ, Deemed, Central Universities, ESIC, AFMC).

5. Fee Payment: Pay non-refundable registration fee + refundable security deposit.

6. Download Payment Receipt: Save copy for future reference and document verification.

09 00 PM IST - 04 Aug'26

What should I do if I don't receive the OTP on my registered phone?

As registration opens tomorrow, SMS bottlenecks can occur during peak hours:

• Use Sandes Mobile App: Download the official government Sandes app on your registered mobile number; OTPs are mirrored directly on the app to bypass telecom SMS delays.

• Email Verification: Check the inbox and spam/junk folder of the email address registered during NEET UG submission, as OTPs are sent simultaneously to both mobile and email.

08 30 PM IST - 04 Aug'26

Reservation Percentages Applicable For 15% All India Quota

Candidates checking category eligibility for central AIQ seats should review the official statutory reservation matrix:

• Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL): 27%

• Scheduled Caste (SC): 15%

• Economically Weaker Section (EWS): 10%

• Scheduled Tribe (ST): 7.5%

• Persons with Disabilities (PwBD): 5% Horizontal Reservation across all categories.

08 00 PM IST - 04 Aug'26

Can I change my category from OBC to General during registration?

A common query from candidates whose category certificates could not be issued in time:

• Category Conversion Available: MCC provides an option during the registration wizard allowing candidates to convert their category from OBC/EWS/SC/ST to General (Unreserved).

• Irreversible Selection: Once converted to Unreserved (UR), your category status cannot be reverted to a reserved category for subsequent rounds.

07 30 PM IST - 04 Aug'26

AIIMS & JIPMER Seat Matrix Summary For Round 1

Top rank holders should note the Round 1 total intake across premier central medical institutes:

• AIIMS New Delhi: 132 Seats

• AIIMS Jodhpur / Bhopal / Bhubaneswar / Rishikesh / Patna / Nagpur / Raipur / Gorakhpur / Deogarh / Mangalagiri: 125 Seats each

• JIPMER Puducherry: 182 Seats

• JIPMER Karaikal: 61 Seats

07 00 PM IST - 04 Aug'26

What happens if my bank payment gets debited twice during registration?

Payment gateway glitches occasionally happen due to high server traffic on registration launch days:

• Automatic Refund: If money is debited from your account but the payment status shows "Failed" on the portal, do not panic. Duplicate or failed payments are automatically refunded by the payment gateway back to the original source account within 5–7 business days.

• Retry Action: Make a second transaction using a different browser or payment mode (UPI/Net Banking) to generate a successful payment confirmation slip.

06 30 PM IST - 04 Aug'26

Central Universities Seat Breakdown Released On Portal

Ahead of tomorrow's registration, MCC has detailed total seats available across Central Universities for Round 1:

• Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), Delhi: 207 MBBS Seats

• Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC), Delhi: 189 MBBS Seats

• VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi: 139 MBBS Seats

• Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (AMU): 150 MBBS Seats

• Institute of Medical Sciences (BHU): 100 MBBS Seats

06 00 PM IST - 04 Aug'26

Is the registration fee refundable if I am not allotted a seat?

Candidates frequently inquire about fee breakdown details prior to payment tomorrow:

• Non-Refundable Registration Fee: ₹1,000 for UR/EWS (₹500 for SC/ST/OBC/PwD) for Government AIQ, and ₹5,000 for Deemed Universities. This portion is non-refundable.

• Refundable Security Deposit: ₹10,000 for AIQ/Government (₹5,000 for SC/ST/OBC/PwD) and ₹2,00,000 for Deemed Universities. This security deposit will be fully refunded after counselling if you join your seat or do not get allotted any seat across all rounds.

05 30 PM IST - 04 Aug'26

State-Wise MBBS Seat Surge: States Gaining The Most Seats In 2026

According to the official NMC seat matrix release, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan lead the states with the largest seat additions for 2026:

05 00 PM IST - 04 Aug'26

Can I apply for Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) Pune through MCC portal?

Candidates inquiring about AFMC admission procedures should note:

• Initial Opt-In: You must select the AFMC Pune option during registration on the MCC portal (mcc.nic.in) to express interest.

• Second Stage Assessment: MCC forwards the registered candidates' list to AFMC. AFMC Pune will subsequently release a cutoff shortlist for its screening test (TOELR), psychological assessment, and medical examination at Pune.

04 30 PM IST - 04 Aug'26

How many seats are there in NEET 2026?

Answer: For the 2026 academic year, India has a total of 1,36,939 MBBS seats spread across 823 medical colleges. Out of these, 63,296 seats are in Government Medical Colleges, while 73,643 seats are across Private and Deemed Medical Institutions. Additionally, there are 27,618 BDS seats available nationwide.

04 00 PM IST - 04 Aug'26

What is the latest update for NEET 2026?

Answer: The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has published the official NEET UG 2026 counselling schedule on mcc.nic.in. Online registration and fee payment for Round 1 officially launch on August 5, 2026. Choice filling will open on August 6, 2026, and choice locking will take place on August 13, 2026.

03 30 PM IST - 04 Aug'26

Helpdesk Live: Final Registration Reminder For Tomorrow Morning

As registration goes live tomorrow, August 5, candidates should keep the following ready prior to logging into mcc.nic.in:

• Credentials: NEET UG Application Number, Roll Number, and Password.

• Contact Verification: Keep the registered mobile number and email ID nearby to process instant OTP authorizations.

• Payment Ready: Ensure transaction limits on your net banking/card support the required security deposit (₹11,000 for AIQ/Government or ₹2,05,000 for Deemed).

03 00 PM IST - 04 Aug'26

What is the seating arrangement for NEET 2026?"

Answer: In the context of NEET UG Counselling, the "seating arrangement" refers to the 15% All India Quota (AIQ) vs 85% State Quota distribution:

• 15% AIQ: Managed centrally by MCC for all government colleges, central universities, AIIMS, JIPMER, and Deemed institutions pan-India.
• 85% State Quota: Managed by respective state counselling authorities strictly for domicile candidates of that particular state.

02 30 PM IST - 04 Aug'26

How many seats are there in NEET 2026?

Answer: For the 2026 academic session, there are a total of 1,36,939 MBBS seats across 823 medical colleges in India (excluding Institutes of National Importance like AIIMS and JIPMER). Out of these, 63,296 seats are in Government Medical Colleges, while 73,643 seats are in Private and Deemed Medical Institutions.

02 00 PM IST - 04 Aug'26

What is the latest update for NEET 2026?

Answer: The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has published the official counselling schedule on mcc.nic.in. Online candidate registration and fee payment for Round 1 officially open on August 5, 2026. Choice filling starts on August 6, 2026, with choice locking scheduled for August 13, 2026.

01 30 PM IST - 04 Aug'26

Are seats increased in NEET 2026?

Answer: Yes, significantly. As per the National Medical Commission (NMC) seat matrix, 9,911 new MBBS seats have been added across medical institutions for the 2026 academic session. This expansion includes 2,111 additional seats in government medical colleges and 7,800 seats in private institutions, along with the approval of 25 new medical colleges nationwide.

01 00 PM IST - 04 Aug'26

Is registration mandatory for each round separately?

A frequent point of confusion among candidates is whether fresh registration is required for every round of counselling:

• One-Time Registration: Candidates who register during Round 1 do not need to register or pay the registration fee again for Round 2 or Round 3.

• Fresh Registrations Allowed: Candidates who miss Round 1 registration can register afresh during the Round 2 or Round 3 registration windows by paying the applicable fees.

12 30 PM IST - 04 Aug'26

Verification of Tentative Seat Matrix Nears Completion Across Institutes

Medical colleges, deemed universities, and central institutes are wrapping up the backend validation of their seat matrix on the MCC database today.

• Data Discrepancy Prevention: Institutes verify category seats, quota allocations, and fee structures to eliminate mismatches before public distribution.

• Pre-Registration Step: This mandatory administrative verification ensures the formal choice-filling module operates without discrepancies when it goes live on August 6.

12 00 PM IST - 04 Aug'26

Can I unlock or modify choices once locked?

A common query from candidates during the choice-filling phase is whether locked options can be edited before the final submission deadline:

• Irreversible Action: Once you explicitly click "Lock Choices" and confirm with your password, the system locks your preference list permanently. No further additions, deletions, or reordering can be performed.

• Review Before Locking: Candidates are advised to thoroughly cross-check their preferences, specially verifying course codes and institution locations, before hitting the final submit button.

11 30 AM IST - 04 Aug'26

Portal Server Upgrades Complete Ahead Of Tomorrow's Registration Opening

The National Informatics Centre (NIC) and MCC have concluded server capacity enhancements and cybersecurity dry runs ahead of August 5:

• High-Traffic Readiness: The infrastructure is prepared to handle concurrent login sessions from over 11 lakh NEET-qualified candidates.

• Registration Opening Time: The registration link is scheduled to go live on mcc.nic.in tomorrow morning, August 5, 2026. Candidates are advised to keep their roll numbers and registered mobile phones ready for OTP verification.

11 00 AM IST - 04 Aug'26

What happens if I make a spelling mistake in my name during registration?

A common concern among applicants is minor name discrepancies across Class 10/12 marksheets and NEET admit cards:

• NTA Data Default: The registration form automatically imports your name, father's name, and mother's name as registered with NTA.

• Affidavit Solution: Minor typographic errors or surname order differences across marksheets do not result in immediate rejection. Candidates can submit a notarized affidavit during final physical college reporting to reconcile minor spelling variations.

10 30 AM IST - 04 Aug'26

Digital Verification Framework Standardizes Central Caste Certificates

To eliminate document rejection during admission reporting, MCC's automated validation engine checks caste certificates against central repository guidelines:

• OBC-NCL Central List: State-level OBC certificates are not accepted for 15% All India Quota unless the caste is listed in the Central List of OBCs issued by the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC).

• Format Compliance: Certificates must be in the prescribed central government format, mentioning the issuing authority's digital seal or verifiable QR code.

10 00 AM IST - 04 Aug'26

Can an OCI Cardholder claim State Domicile Reservation?

Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) candidates searching for eligibility rules ahead of registration should note the following policy:

• Open / AIQ Eligibility: OCI and PIO cardholders are treated on par with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) or Unreserved open-category candidates for All India Quota seats.

• Domicile Restrictions: OCI candidates are generally not eligible for state quota domicile reservation seats, unless specifically permitted by local state government notifications under court directives.

09 30 AM IST - 04 Aug'26

Password Security Guidelines Issued Ahead Of Registration Launch

MCC has released an official advisory regarding login credential security for tomorrow's registration drive:

• Strong Password Requirements: Passwords must contain 8–13 characters, at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one numeric digit, and one special character.

• Avoid Third-Party Access: Do not allow commercial agencies, cyber cafes, or agents to create or manage your choice-filling account. Any unauthorized choice modification made via shared credentials remains the sole responsibility of the candidate.

09 00 AM IST - 04 Aug'26

Appellate Disability Assessment Board Operationalized For PwBD Candidates

To prevent last-minute disputes regarding disability certificates, MCC has introduced a dedicated appellate mechanism for PwBD applicants:

• 61 Designated Centers: The Health Ministry has expanded assessment boards from 16 to 61 institutes nationwide.

• Right to Appeal: If a candidate's disability percentage is assessed below the eligible 40% benchmark by the initial board, they can now lodge an appeal through the Appellate Disability Assessment Board before choice locking concludes.

08 30 AM IST - 04 Aug'26

How are ESIC Insured Persons (IP) Quota seats allotted?

Children of ESIC-insured workers frequently seek clarity on how their specialized quota works during registration:

• Single Registration: Choose the "ESIC Insured Persons Quota" option during MCC registration.

• Certificate Validation: Candidates must possess a valid 'Ward of Insured Person' certificate issued by the competent ESIC authority. The allotment is processed purely based on NEET rank merit among eligible ESIC candidates.

08 00 AM IST - 04 Aug'26

What is the Service / Discontinuation Bond for Government Medical Colleges?

Candidates searching for college preferences often overlook service and discontinuation penalties:

• Service Bond: Several state government colleges require candidates to sign a bond agreeing to serve in rural/state healthcare facilities for 1 to 2 years post-MBBS.

• Discontinuation Penalty: If a candidate resigns from an allotted seat after the permitted deadline, a monetary penalty (ranging from ₹1 Lakh to ₹10 Lakhs, depending on the state) is charged by the state authority.

Advice: Check the official "Institute Profile" section on the MCC portal prior to locking choices to review each college's specific bond policy.

07 30 AM IST - 04 Aug'26

Participating Nodal Officers Begin Finalizing Institutional Profiles

As part of the seat matrix verification day, Nodal Officers across central universities, AIIMS, and state medical colleges are completing profile setups on the MCC administrative backend:

• Fee Structure Disclosure: Colleges are mandatorily uploading updated hostel fees, tuition fees, and bond terms directly into the portal.

• Informed Choice Filling: This ensures candidates can view full institutional fee structures alongside seat availability when choice filling opens on August 6.

07 00 AM IST - 04 Aug'26

Can I register for AIQ counselling if I missed the qualifying percentile cutoff in the main exam?

A frequent question received by student support forums involves eligibility based on NEET UG 2026 qualifying percentiles:

• Strict Cutoff Rule: Only candidates who meet or exceed the NTA-specified qualifying cutoff percentile for their respective category (50th percentile for UR/EWS, 40th percentile for SC/ST/OBC, 45th percentile for UR-PwBD) are eligible to register on mcc.nic.in.

• System Lockout: The registration system validates your NEET UG Roll Number directly against NTA's database. Non-qualified candidates will receive an "Invalid Eligibility / Credentials" message and will not be permitted to register.

06 30 AM IST - 04 Aug'26

Final 24-Hour Checklist Before NEET UG 2026 Counselling Registration Opens

With online registration set to open on August 5 on mcc.nic.in, candidates should complete these preparation steps today:

• [x] Verify Mobile Number & Email: Keep the phone and email address used during NEET UG registration active for OTP receipts.

• [x] Organize Digital Documents: Keep scanned PDFs of Class 10/12 marksheets, central category certificates (issued on/after April 1, 2026), and photo ID ready.

• [x] Set Up Payment Channels: Ensure net banking or card daily transaction limits match the required security deposit (up to ₹2,05,000 for Deemed or ₹11,000 for AIQ/Government).

06 00 AM IST - 04 Aug'26

How does the Sandes app help during NEET UG Counselling?

MCC has recommended all participating candidates download the official Sandes mobile messaging application (developed by NIC) ahead of registration:

• Real-Time Counselling Alerts: Critical notifications, choice locking reminders, allotment results, and document query notifications will be pushed directly to your registered mobile device via the Sandes app.

• Backup to SMS: To bypass SMS delivery delays during peak server loads on result days, Sandes serves as an official secondary communication channel.

05 00 AM IST - 04 Aug'26

One-Time Physical Reporting System Introduced To Ease Transit For Upgradation Candidates

Under the revised 2026 admission guidelines, candidates exercising seat upgradation options benefit from reduced physical travel obligations:

• Online Processing for Float Status: Candidates who choose the "Float" option after Round 1 allotment are no longer required to travel physically to the allotted college to hand over original certificates.

• Final Reporting at Destination Institute: Physical reporting, submission of original documents, and tuition fee payments occur only at the final institute where your seat is confirmed after upgradation rounds conclude.

04 00 AM IST - 04 Aug'26

Can I edit my registration details after paying the fee on August 5?

Aspirants preparing for tomorrow's registration launch frequently ask about modifying personal details after submission:

• Pre-Populated NTA Data: Basic details (Name, Roll Number, NEET Rank, Father's Name, Date of Birth) are pre-populated directly from your NTA NEET UG application database and cannot be edited on the MCC dashboard.

• One-Time Registration: Because MCC strictly enforces a single registration policy, ensure that contact numbers and email addresses entered for OTP verification are fully accessible before hitting final submit.

03 00 AM IST - 04 Aug'26

Participating Institutes Begin Tentative Seat Matrix Verification Today

Today, August 4, marks the crucial administrative step where all participating medical institutions, AIIMS, JIPMER, and Central/Deemed Universities verify their tentative seat matrix on the MCC portal ahead of candidate registration opening on August 5.

• Validation by NMC & Institutes: Institutes confirm total available seats across AIQ, state internal quotas, and reserved categories to prevent mapping errors.

• Final Matrix Publication: Once verified, the finalized college-wise seat distribution list will be published on mcc.nic.in for candidates to inspect prior to choice filling.

02 00 AM IST - 04 Aug'26

Will choices filled in Round 1 carry over automatically to Round 2?

A major point of confusion for first-time NEET candidates is whether choices submitted during Round 1 remain active in subsequent rounds:

• No Automatic Carry-Over: Choices saved and locked during Round 1 are valid only for Round 1 allotment.

• Fresh Choice Filling Mandatory: If you do not get an allotment in Round 1, or if you opt for seat upgradation ("Float"), you must log into the portal during the Round 2 window and fill out a fresh choice list. If you fail to submit new choices in Round 2, the system will consider zero choices for your account for that round.

01 00 AM IST - 04 Aug'26

Can I switch from Government AIQ to Deemed Quota in Round 2?

Candidates often ask whether they can add Deemed University choices in later rounds if they initially registered only for Government AIQ:

• Upgradation of Quota Allowed: Yes. If you initially registered only for Government AIQ (paying ₹11,000 / ₹5,500) and later decide to opt for Deemed Universities in Round 2, you can pay the differential security deposit (₹1,90,000 / ₹1,95,000) during the Round 2 payment window to unlock Deemed choices.

12 00 AM IST - 04 Aug'26

PwBD Candidate Reminder: Portal List Verification Mandatory Before August 5

Candidates applying under the 5% PwBD quota must ensure their medical assessment is complete:

• Online Certificate Mandatory: Physical disability certificates from local state hospitals are not accepted for AIQ seats.

• Portal Validation: Only PwBD certificates generated online by one of MCC's designated 16 assessment boards will unlock PwBD choices on the choice-filling portal when it opens on August 6.

11 00 PM IST - 03 Aug'26

Are BDS and B.Sc. Nursing choices filled separately?

Many students who qualify for NEET UG are interested in allied medical courses alongside MBBS:

• Combined Portal: You do not need separate registrations for MBBS, BDS, and B.Sc. Nursing. All three courses appear in the same choice-filling interface on the MCC dashboard.

• Preference Ordering: You can freely intermingle MBBS, BDS, and B.Sc. Nursing choices in your preference list based on your priority order.

10 00 PM IST - 03 Aug'26

Technical Helpline Active: How To Resolve Registration Portal Errors

Ahead of the August 5 registration launch, MCC has activated dedicated candidate support lines for technical and payment queries:

• Official Portal: mcc.nic.in

• Technical Queries: Candidate support can be reached through the automated ticketing system available inside the registration portal dashboard once logged in.

• Important Advice: Candidates are advised not to share their password or security PIN with any third-party agency or unauthorized counselling representatives.

09 00 PM IST - 03 Aug'26

What is the difference between Security Deposit Forfeiture and Ineligibility?

MCC rules distinguish clearly between losing your security money and losing your seat eligibility altogether:

08 00 PM IST - 03 Aug'26

Bank Account Preparation: Critical Guidelines For Paying Security Deposits

Payment failures during registration often occur due to transaction limits set on net banking or debit cards.

• Check Daily Transaction Limits: Ensure your bank account/card permits single transactions up to ₹2,05,000 (if opting for Deemed Universities) or ₹11,000 (for Government AIQ).

• Same Account Rule for Refunds: The security deposit refund will strictly be returned to the bank account from which the payment was made. Avoid paying through third-party cyber cafe accounts or temporary card accounts.

07 30 PM IST - 03 Aug'26

How does the 'Free Exit' feature work in Round 1?

Understanding the "Free Exit" rule helps students plan their risk management strategy across counselling rounds:

• No Financial Penalty: If you are allotted a seat in Round 1 but choose not to report or join the college, you can simply exercise a "Free Exit".

• Refund Intact: Your security deposit (₹10,000 for AIQ/Government or ₹2,00,000 for Deemed) will not be forfeited. You remain fully eligible to participate in Round 2 without paying any additional security deposit.

07 00 PM IST - 03 Aug'26

Document Checklist: Essential Certificates Required For Portal Upload

Candidate accounts must upload clear, scanned PDF/JPEG copies of the following original documents following Round 1 seat allotment:

• NEET UG 2026 Admit Card & Scorecard / Rank Letter.

• Class 10 & Class 12 Pass Certificates and Marksheet.

• Government Photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN Card, Driving License, or Passport).

• Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS) if applicable, in Central Government format.

• PwBD Certificate issued by designated Assessment Board (if applicable).

• Eight recent passport-sized photographs (matching the photograph on the NEET application).

06 30 PM IST - 03 Aug'26

Can I modify my choices after submitting them?

Candidates frequently ask whether saved choices can be edited before the official choice locking deadline on August 13.

• Modifications Permitted: You can log into the portal, reorder, add, or delete choices as many times as needed before clicking the final "Lock Choices" button.

• Auto-Locking Feature: If you save your choices but forget to explicitly lock them before 11:00 AM on August 13, the system will automatically lock the last saved order of choices.

06 00 PM IST - 03 Aug'26

Choice Filling Strategy: How To Balance "Dream", "Target", And "Safe" Colleges

With choice filling slated to open on August 6, experts recommend structuring your preference list into three distinct tiers to maximize allotment probability:

1. Top Tier (Dream Colleges): Top-ranked AIIMS, JIPMER, and premier state medical colleges above your rank range.

2. Middle Tier (Realistic Target): Institutions where last year's closing ranks align closely with your current NEET UG All India Rank.

3. Safe Tier (Backup Options): Established colleges where closing ranks were lower than your current rank in previous years.

Crucial Tip: Never omit colleges you are genuinely willing to join. Leaving your choice list too short is the most common reason for getting no allotment in Round 1.

05 30 PM IST - 03 Aug'26

What happens if my Caste/Category Certificate was issued after the deadline?

Many candidates are inquiring about category document validity for OBC-NCL and EWS reservation:

Official Requirement: Central reservation benefits (OBC-NCL / EWS) require certificates issued on or after April 1, 2026, by a competent authority in the central government format.

• Consequence of Non-Compliance: If an updated central category certificate is not produced during verification, the candidate's allotted reserved seat will be cancelled, and their candidature will automatically shift to the Unreserved (UR) category for subsequent rounds.

05 00 PM IST - 03 Aug'26

Understanding Seat Matrix Codes: Difference Between AIQ, IP, And Management Quota

As colleges prepare to verify the tentative seat matrix on August 4, candidate helpdesks are receiving questions on how seat classifications work on the MCC portal:

• 15% AIQ Seats: Open to all NEET-qualified candidates across India regardless of state domicile.

• IP Quota (Insured Persons): Reserved specifically for children of insured workers under the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC).

• Internal / Institutional Quota: Applies to institutes like DU, AMU, BHU, and JMI for candidates who meet specific internal institutional eligibility criteria.

• Deemed University Seats: Open pan-India without domicile constraints, but subject to uniform management fee structures.

04 30 PM IST - 03 Aug'26

Can I participate in State Quota counselling if I register for AIQ Round 1?

A common query among aspirants ahead of registration is whether registering for MCC's 15% All India Quota (AIQ) restricts participation in 85% State Quota counselling.

• Dual Participation Allowed: Registering for MCC AIQ counselling does not disqualify you from state quota counselling. Candidates are legally permitted to participate in both central MCC counselling and their respective state counselling processes simultaneously.

• Seat Overlap Clause: You can hold choices in both portals, but once you physically report and join a seat in Round 2 or Round 3 of AIQ, your state candidature will be restricted per supreme court rules to prevent seat hoarding

04 00 PM IST - 03 Aug'26

Guidelines And Refund Policy Regulations For Counselling Fees

The security deposit submitted during registration will be refunded only after the complete conclusion of all counselling rounds.

• Direct Refund Rule: Refunds are credited strictly back to the original bank account, debit card, or credit card used during initial payment. Candidates must ensure their payment accounts remain active throughout the counselling season.

• Forfeiture Cases: Security deposit is forfeited if a candidate is allotted a seat in Round 2 or subsequent rounds and fails to join the institute, or if admission is cancelled due to invalid/incorrect document submissions.

03 30 PM IST - 03 Aug'26

Specific Seat Quota Distribution Rules Set For Central Universities

Central institutes follow tailored quota rules for seat distribution:

• Delhi University (DU): 15% All India Quota, 85% Institutional State Quota for students who completed Class 11 and 12 in recognized schools within NCT Delhi.

• Banaras Hindu University (BHU): 100% seats open to all NEET-qualified candidates across India on a domicile-free basis.

• Aligarh Muslim University (AMU): Divided between AMU Open seats and Internal Quota seats reserved for regular students of AMU schools.

• Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI - Dental): Total 50 seats divided across General (20), Muslim (15), Muslim Women (5), Muslim OBC (4), Muslim ST (1), Jamia Internal (2), and PWD (3).

03 15 PM IST - 03 Aug'26

PwBD Candidate Verification Mandate And Designated Assessment Centers

Candidates claiming reservation under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) quota (5% horizontal reservation) must obtain a Disability Certificate prior to choice filling.

• Verification Authority: Candidates must physically visit one of MCC's designated Medical Assessment Boards to get evaluated based on their permanent UDID card.

• Choice Visibility: Only candidates who obtain an online-generated Eligibility Certificate from the designated assessment board will be shown PwBD seats in the choice-filling matrix.

03 00 PM IST - 03 Aug'26

Four-Tier Eligibility And Document Checklist Specified For NRI Candidates

MCC has defined four specific categories for candidates applying for or seeking conversion to NRI quota seats:

1. Category I: Candidates who are themselves NRIs or sponsored by NRI parents or real siblings.

2. Category II (Indian to NRI Conversion): Candidates claiming sponsorship from a first-degree NRI relative or legally recognized guardian under the Guardian and Wards Act 1890.

3. Category III: Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders.

4. Category IV: Foreign Nationals holding valid foreign passport, visa, and AIU equivalence certificates for Class 10 and 12.

02 45 PM IST - 03 Aug'26

Category Conversion Algorithm Announced For Round 3 Vacancies

Unfilled reserved category seats will be converted during Round 3 if eligible candidates under those primary categories are exhausted.

• Sub-category to Parent Category: ST (PwD) converts to ST; SC (PwD) converts to SC; UR (PwD) converts to UR; OBC (PwD) converts to OBC.

• Inter-Category Conversion: ST seats convert to SC; SC seats convert to UR; EWS seats convert to UR.

• NRI & Minority Seats: NRI, Jain Minority, and Muslim Minority seats in Deemed Universities convert to Self-Financed Merit seats in Round 3.

02 30 PM IST - 03 Aug'26

Strict Seat Resignation And Surrender Protocols Outlined By MCC

Rules regarding seat resignation differ based on the student's status and round:

• Freeze Candidates Resignation: Must physically report to the allotted institute to tender their resignation within the schedule announced by MCC.

• Float Candidates Resignation: Can submit an online seat surrender request directly through the candidate login portal.

• Forfeiture Rules: Free Exit is permitted only in Round 1. Resigning from a joined seat in Round 2 will lead to forfeiture of the refundable security deposit. Candidates joining in Round 3 cannot resign under any condition.

02 15 PM IST - 03 Aug'26

Registration Fee Structure And Security Deposit Guidelines Detailed

To complete registration, applicants must remit two distinct types of payments through the secure payment gateway on the portal:

Note: Candidates opting for both Government and Deemed Universities must pay the higher applicable fee structure (₹5,000 registration + ₹2,00,000 security deposit).

02 00 PM IST - 03 Aug'26

Comprehensive Breakdown Of Round-Wise AIQ Counselling Structure

The All India Quota (AIQ) counselling will consist of four sequential online rounds: Round 1, Round 2, Round 3, and Online Stray Vacancy Round. No seats will be reverted to the participating states after Round 2.

• Upgradation Limit: Upgradation of seats is permitted up to Round 3.

• No Resignation in Round 3: Candidates who join an allotted seat in Round 3 will not be permitted to resign or vacate. Furthermore, data sharing between the Centre and States will eliminate any candidate already holding a joined seat from participating in the All India Stray Vacancy Round.

01 45 PM IST - 03 Aug'26

Online Document Verification Process Streamlined For Upgradation Candidates

Under the newly implemented digital verification model, "Float" candidates will undergo complete online document verification by the Nodal Officer of the allotted institute.

• One-Time Document Upload: Both Freeze and Float candidates must mandatorily upload clear scanned copies of all required credentials on the MCC portal within 2–3 days of seat allotment result declaration.

• Anomaly Resolution: If the institute's Document Verification Committee (DVC) detects any document issues (such as blurred images, missing files, or category mismatch), a query will be raised on the candidate's portal. Candidates must re-upload the corrected documents within the designated window to avoid seat cancellation.

01 30 PM IST - 03 Aug'26

Mandatory Two-Category System Introduced: Freeze And Float Options

MCC has introduced a procedural update to streamline admission and upgradation for the 2026 academic year. Candidates receiving seat allotments will now be classified under two specific options:

• Freeze Candidates (No Upgradation): Candidates satisfied with their assigned seat who do not wish to participate in subsequent rounds must select the "Freeze" option. These candidates are required to physically visit the allotted college to complete joining formalities and submit original documents.

• Float Candidates (Willing to Upgrade): Candidates who wish to upgrade their allotted seat in the next round (Round 1 to 2, or Round 2 to 3) will opt for "Float" online. Float candidates are not required to visit the allotted college physically during that round; their document verification will be completed online by the institute.

01 15 PM IST - 03 Aug'26

Registration Window Opens On August 5 On MCC Official Portal

The online registration for NEET UG Round 1 counselling officially commences on August 5, 2026. Candidates who have qualified in the NEET-UG examination conducted by NTA must complete their registration and fee submission online at mcc.nic.in.

• Verification of Seat Matrix: Participating institutions will verify the tentative seat matrix on August 4, 2026, ahead of student registration.

• Choice Filling Schedule: Choice filling will open on August 6, 2026, and remain available until August 13, 2026. Choice locking will take place between 04:00 PM on August 12 and 11:00 AM on August 13.

12 58 PM IST - 03 Aug'26

MCC NEET UG 2026 Information Bulletin Released Ahead Of Registration

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) of DGHS, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, has officially published the Information Bulletin and Counselling Scheme for NEET-UG 2026. Qualified candidates can access all detailed rules, procedures, and seat conversion policies directly on the official portal.

• Scope of Counselling: Allotment covers 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats, 100% seats in Deemed Universities, Central Universities (DU, AMU, BHU, JMI), AIIMS, JIPMER, ESIC Insured Persons quota, AFMC (registration stage), and select Central B.Sc. Nursing institutes.

• Single Registration Policy: Aspirants are permitted to register only once on the official portal. Submitting multiple application forms will result in immediate cancellation of candidature and legal action by the MCC.