NEET UG Round 1 Choice Filling 2026 Closes on August 13: Check Expected Closing Ranks for Top 15 Medical Colleges

12 00 PM IST - 13 Aug'26

MCC Begins Processing of Seat Allotment for NEET UG Round 1

Following the successful closure of the choice locking window, the Medical Counselling Committee has initiated the internal Seat Allotment Processing phase on its backend servers.

• Processing Timeline: Seat allocation will be processed from August 13 to August 16, 2026.

• Allotment Algorithm: Seats are mapped based on candidate All India Ranks (AIR), category reservations, seat matrix availability across participating institutes, and the locked preference lists.

• Upcoming Milestone: The NEET UG Round 1 Seat Allotment Result will be published on the official portal on August 17, 2026, followed by physical/online joining at allotted colleges from August 18 to August 22, 2026.

09 00 AM IST - 13 Aug'26

2 Hours Left: Final Countdown for NEET UG Round 1 Choice Locking

The choice locking window on mcc.nic.in enters its final 120 minutes. Candidates currently logged into the portal are advised to double-check their options, click Lock Choices, enter their authentication password, and download the locked choice confirmation document for reference.

08 00 AM IST - 13 Aug'26

Avoiding Common Errors During Choice Locking Procedure

MCC advises candidates to avoid common pitfalls during choice locking on mcc.nic.in:

• Do not leave your session unattended on public/cyber café computers without locking and logging out.

• Ensure you click Lock Choices and re-enter your password rather than simply clicking "Save".

• Check that the system generates a printable PDF receipt displaying "Locked" status.

06 00 AM IST - 13 Aug'26

State-Wise Government College Choices under 15% AIQ

Candidates filling options for top state government medical colleges via 15% AIQ should note historical closing trends:

• KGMU Lucknow: Expected AIQ UR closing rank around AIR 800–1,100.

• Medical College Kolkata: Expected AIQ UR closing rank around AIR 1,500–2,100.

• Madras Medical College (MMC Chennai): Expected AIQ UR closing rank around AIR 700–1,200.

• BJ Medical College (BJMC Ahmedabad): Expected AIQ UR closing rank around AIR 600–900.

04 00 AM IST - 13 Aug'26

AIIMS Regional Campuses Expected Closing Ranks Overview

For candidates finalizing choice lists overnight, regional AIIMS institutes remain high-priority choices after AIIMS Delhi:

• AIIMS Rishikesh: Expected General closing rank AIR 180–290.

• AIIMS Patna: Expected General closing rank AIR 350–550.

• AIIMS Raipur: Expected General closing rank AIR 600–850.

• AIIMS Gorakhpur & AIIMS Bilaspur: Expected General closing rank AIR 1,200–2,200.

02 00 AM IST - 13 Aug'26

Security Deposit Refund Process: Key Financial Clarifications

MCC provides clarification on the security deposit refund process post-counselling:

• Refund Eligibility: Candidates who are not allotted any seat across counselling rounds, or candidates who join allotted seats within permissible exit rules, will receive a full refund of their security deposit.

• Refund Source: Money is credited directly back to the original bank account/card used during payment on mcc.nic.in.

• Forfeiture Cases: Forfeiture occurs if a candidate fails to join an allotted seat in Round 2 or subsequent rounds after accepting.

12 00 AM IST - 13 Aug'26

Final 11 Hours for NEET UG 2026 Round 1 Choice Filling and Locking

The choice-filling and locking window for NEET UG Round 1 enters its final 11 hours on mcc.nic.in. Candidates who have saved draft preferences but not locked them can still modify, re-order, or add choices until 11:00 AM IST.

11 00 PM IST - 12 Aug'26

Over 2 Lakh Candidates Save Choices Ahead of Final Over-Night Window

Activity on the official MCC portal remained high as candidate logins peaked during the late-evening hours. Thousands of medical aspirants across India have saved and locked their preference sheets for 15% AIQ, Central University, and INI seats. The locking facility will remain active through the night until 11:00 AM on August 13.

10 00 PM IST - 12 Aug'26

Step-by-Step Verification Before Clicking 'Lock Choices'

Prior to finalizing choices on mcc.nic.in, candidates should complete this mandatory 4-point check:

1. Order Preference: Ensure top-choice colleges (e.g., AIIMS Delhi, MAMC, VMMC, JIPMER) are listed at position #1, #2, #3 onwards.

2. Quota Tagging: Verify that choices selected match the quota you registered for (AIQ, Open, Deemed, IP Quota).

3. No Unwanted Additions: Remove any college or course you are unwilling to join if allotted.

4. Password Readiness: Keep your account password handy to authorize final locking.

09 00 PM IST - 12 Aug'26

Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) Dental Quota Details and Expected Cutoffs

Faculty of Dentistry, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), New Delhi offers BDS admissions via MCC counselling under Internal (JMI) and External All India Quota:

• Internal Quota: Reserved for students passing qualifying exams from JMI schools; closing ranks expected around AIR 20,000–30,000.

• All India Open Quota: Expected Round 1 closing rank for BDS at JMI ranges between AIR 14,000 and AIR 19,000 for UR category.

08 00 PM IST - 12 Aug'26

Understanding Floating and Seat Upgradation Rules in Round 1

Under the updated NEET UG counselling policy, candidates allotted seats in Round 1 have two distinct choices during result declaration:

1. Accept & Freeze: Join the college physically and opt out of further rounds.

2. Accept & Upgrade (Float): Submit willingness online on mcc.nic.in to participate in Round 2 for higher preference choices without physically visiting the Round 1 college.

07 00 PM IST - 12 Aug'26

How the Automatic Choice Locking Algorithm Works

MCC reassures candidates regarding saved preference entries:

• If a candidate saves their choice list but does not click the explicit "Lock Choices" button before 11:00 AM on August 13, the system will automatically lock the last saved choices at the closing deadline.

• Candidates are nonetheless strongly advised to manually lock their choices and download the locked choice printout to avoid last-minute uncertainty.

06 00 PM IST - 12 Aug'26

Fee Payment Window Closed; Choice Filling & Locking Remains Active

The payment portal for Round 1 registration fee and security deposit closed at 6:00 PM IST. All fee-paid candidates can continue entering, editing, or locking their college preferences on mcc.nic.in until 11:00 AM tomorrow.

05 00 PM IST - 12 Aug'26

1 Hour Left for Registration Fee Payment

Registered candidates who have not paid the counselling registration fee and refundable security deposit have until 6:00 PM IST to complete the transaction on mcc.nic.in. Unpaid profiles will not be processed for choice locking or seat allotment.

04 00 PM IST - 12 Aug'26

Choice Locking Facility Activated on MCC Portal

The Medical Counselling Committee activated the official Choice Locking link on mcc.nic.in at 4:00 PM IST.

• Active Duration: From 4:00 PM on August 12 to 11:00 AM on August 13, 2026.

• Action Required: Candidates who have finalized their choices can log into their dashboard, click "Lock Choices", enter their account password, and generate the signed confirmation PDF.

03 00 PM IST - 12 Aug'26

NEET UG 2026 Round 1 Registration Window Officially Closes

The fresh online registration window for NEET UG 2026 Round 1 counselling closed at 3:00 PM on mcc.nic.in. No new registrations will be entertained for Round 1. Candidates who registered prior to 3:00 PM can complete their fee payment until 6:00 PM IST.

02 00 PM IST - 12 Aug'26

Document Verification Guidelines for Category Certificates (OBC-NCL / EWS)

MCC reiterates strict compliance regarding category certificates for candidates claiming OBC-NCL or EWS reservations under 15% AIQ and Central Seats:

• OBC-NCL Certificate: Must be issued on or after April 1, 2026, by a competent authority, explicitly mentioning inclusion in the Central List of OBCs.

• EWS Certificate: Must be issued for the financial year 2026–2027 based on income for FY 2025–2026.

• Consequence of Mismatch: Candidates with invalid or outdated certificates will be automatically converted to Unreserved (UR) category for seat processing.

01 00 PM IST - 12 Aug'26

2 Hours Left for NEET UG Round 1 Counselling Registration

Only two hours remain for fresh candidate registration for NEET UG Round 1 on mcc.nic.in. Candidates who have not yet registered must complete basic profile creation and obtain their application credentials before 3:00 PM IST.

12 00 PM IST - 12 Aug'26

Deemed Universities MBBS Fee Structure and Security Deposit Rules

Aspirants selecting Deemed Universities must carefully evaluate tuition fee structures on mcc.nic.in prior to option entry:

• Tuition Fees: Ranges from ₹12 Lakh to ₹26 Lakh per annum depending on the institution (e.g., Hamdard Institute Delhi, KMC Manipal, DY Patil Mumbai, SRMC Chennai).

• Security Fee Forfeiture Rule: If a candidate is allotted a Deemed University seat in Round 2 or Round 3 and fails to join, the ₹2,00,000 security deposit is forfeited.

11 00 AM IST - 12 Aug'26

Reset Registration Window Officially Closed; Final Registration Window Open Till 3:00 PM

The window for resetting candidate registration details closed at 11:00 AM today. Fresh candidate registration and fee submission remain open on mcc.nic.in until 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM respectively. Unregistered candidates must complete account setup immediately to participate in Round 1 allotment.

10 00 AM IST - 12 Aug'26

Central Universities Quota: Banaras Hindu University (BHU) & Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)

Seats in BHU (IMS) and AMU (JNMCH) are allotted 100% through MCC counselling without separate state quota intervention:

• IMS BHU (Open to All): All India open seats available based purely on NEET AIR; expected General closing rank around AIR 180–280.

• AMU (Internal vs. External): 50% seats reserved for AMU internal students who completed schooling from AMU-affiliated institutions; 50% open to all NEET qualified candidates.

09 00 AM IST - 12 Aug'26

Important Reminder: Reset Registration Facility Ends at 11:00 AM Today

MCC provides a one-time "Reset Registration" option for candidates who made errors in category choice, quota selection, or personal details during initial profile creation.

• Deadline: 11:00 AM on August 12, 2026.

• Impact: Resetting registration erases previously entered choices and payments if unverified, requiring the candidate to re-enter details correctly and resubmit options before the registration deadline.

08 00 AM IST - 12 Aug'26

State Quota vs. All India Quota (AIQ) Strategy for Borderline Ranks

Candidates with NEET UG ranks between AIR 15,000 and AIR 25,000 should strategically balance AIQ choices on mcc.nic.in alongside upcoming State Quota registrations:

• AIQ Round 1 Security: Fill maximum government medical college options across all states to secure a Round 1 allotment.

• Free Exit / Upgrade Flexibility: Round 1 allotment under MCC offers a non-penalty exit or float option for upgrading in Round 2 or shifting to State Quota Round 1 if a better home-state seat is allotted.

07 00 AM IST - 12 Aug'26

BDS (Dental) Admission Cutoffs and Top Dental Colleges in Round 1

While MBBS remains the primary choice for top rankers, premier Dental institutes witness competitive cutoffs under 15% AIQ and Central Pool:

• Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS), New Delhi: Premier dental institute; expected AIQ Round 1 closing rank ranges between AIR 4,000 and AIR 8,500.

• Faculty of Dental Sciences, IMS BHU, Varanasi: Expected closing rank between AIR 9,000 and AIR 15,000.

• Government Dental Colleges (Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata): Expected AIQ closing ranks between AIR 12,000 and AIR 25,000 for General category.

06 00 AM IST - 12 Aug'26

Troubleshooting OTP and Authentication Issues on the MCC Portal

Candidates encountering delays in receiving One Time Passwords (OTPs) for login or choice saving are advised to follow MCC's technical guidelines:

• Sandes App Integration: Download and register on the Government of India's Sandes app using your registered mobile number for instant OTP delivery.

• Email Backup: Check the spam/junk folder of the registered email address as OTPs are dispatched simultaneously to both SMS and email.

• Helpline Assistance: For technical lockouts, candidates can reach out to MCC 24x7 toll-free support or email mcc2026@gov.in.

04 00 AM IST - 12 Aug'26

B.Sc Nursing Seats Under Central Institutes in Round 1 Counselling

Counselling for B.Sc. Nursing programs in premier central institutes like Florence Nightingale College of Nursing, RAK College of Nursing, and LHMC College of Nursing is being conducted alongside MBBS and BDS on mcc.nic.in.

• Eligibility: Candidates qualifying NEET UG 2026 meeting gender and age criteria specific to central nursing institutes.

• Choice Entry: Nursing choices are listed separately under the "B.Sc. Nursing" tab in the choice submission dashboard.

02 00 AM IST - 12 Aug'26

Armed Forces and Central University Service Service Bond Structure Explained

State and central government institutes carry varying compulsory service bond conditions. Candidates should factor these requirements into their preference order on mcc.nic.in:

• Delhi Colleges (MAMC, VMMC, ABVIMS): No rural service bond requirement for undergraduate MBBS students.

• Maharashtra Government Colleges (Seth GS, LTMMC, BJMC): 1-year mandatory rural service bond or ₹10 Lakh penalty.

• Gujarat & Rajasthan Government Colleges: Mandatory rural service bond ranging from 1 to 2 years or financial penalty up to ₹5–20 Lakh depending on state policy.

• AIIMS & JIPMER: No compulsory service bond post-completion of MBBS.

12 00 AM IST - 12 Aug'26

AFMC Pune Selection Process via MCC Registration

Candidates seeking admission to Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune must register their willingness on https://mcc.nic.in during Round 1.

Essential points for AFMC aspirants:

• Shortlisting: MCC forwards candidate data to AFMC Pune based on NEET UG scores and student preference.

• ToLR Screening: Shortlisted candidates will be called directly by AFMC Pune for ToLR (Test of Logical Reasoning), Psychological Assessment, Personal Interview, and Medical Examination.

• Choice Priority: Adding AFMC Pune on the MCC portal acts as an opt-in for shortlisting and does not consume a standard seat choice entry.

11 00 PM IST - 11 Aug'26

Understanding ESIC Insured Persons (IP) Quota Eligibility and Choice Filling Rules

Aspirants eligible for the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Insured Persons (IP) Quota must ensure their Ward of IP Certificate details are correctly mapped in the portal.

Key guidelines for ESIC IP Quota candidates:

• Seat Allocation: Available in designated ESIC Medical Colleges (e.g., ESIC PGIMSR Basaidarapur Delhi, ESIC KK Nagar Chennai, ESIC Bangalore, ESIC Hyderabad).

• Choice Entry: Candidates can opt for both 15% All India Quota seats and ESIC IP Quota seats simultaneously within the choice list.

• Bond Undertaking: ESIC medical institutions mandate a service bond execution upon admission, requiring students to serve in ESIC hospitals post-MBBS or pay a bond penalty as prescribed.

10 00 PM IST - 11 Aug'26

Final Checklist for Candidates as Choice Locking Window Approaches

With Round 1 choice filling entering its final phase, candidates should review this checklist prior to choice locking:

• Choice Order Verification: Confirm top preference colleges (AIIMS New Delhi, MAMC, VMMC, JIPMER) are placed at the top of your list.

• Fee Structure Check: Verify college fee structures and bond requirements directly on the respective college portals before adding Deemed Universities or high-fee state AIQ seats.

• Document Readiness: Ensure original Class 10/12 certificates, NEET scorecards, category certificates (OBC-NCL/EWS issued within valid financial year), and ID proofs are available for physical/online verification starting August 18.

• Automatic Locking: If choices are saved but not manually locked, MCC software will automatically lock them on August 13 at 11:00 AM.

09 00 PM IST - 11 Aug'26

Step-by-Step Guide to Filling and Locking Choices on MCC Official Portal

To ensure options are correctly submitted before choice locking begins, follow these official steps on mcc.nic.in:

1. Log in to the MCC UG Portal using your Roll Number, Password, and OTP sent to your registered mobile number/email or via the Sandes app.

2. Navigate to Choice Filling and select course/college combinations (MBBS, BDS, B.Sc. Nursing).

3. Move higher-preference institutes to the top using the "Up/Down" buttons.

4. Click Save & Continue periodically to prevent session timeouts.

5. During the locking window, review your finalized list, click Lock Choices, enter your password, and download the printout of locked choices for future reference.

08 00 PM IST - 11 Aug'26

NRI Category Conversion Process and Mandatory Document Checklist

Candidates wishing to convert their category from Indian to Non-Resident Indian (NRI) for 15% NRI quota seats in Deemed Universities and Central Institutes must complete online document submission on mcc.nic.in.

Required Documents for Category Conversion to NRI:

1. NEET UG Scorecard & Admit Card issued by NTA.

2. Valid Passport of Candidate and NRI Sponsor/Guardian.

3. NRI Certificate issued by Indian Embassy/Consulate.

4. Notarized Affidavit from sponsor committing to sponsor full tuition and living fees, supported by NRE Bank Passbook.

5. Proof of First-Degree Relationship or Bonafide Legal Guardianship (under Guardian and Wards Act 1890) issued by Revenue Authority (Tehsildar).

07 00 PM IST - 11 Aug'26

Central Universities and Deemed Universities Seat Matrix and Conversion Algorithm

Central Universities (DU, BHU, AMU, JMI) and Deemed Universities offer seats with unique reservation and conversion frameworks governed by MCC.

Key Seat Conversion Rules (Executed in Round 3 if Seats Remain Vacant):

• Central Institutes / AIQ / AIIMS / BHU Conversion Algorithm:

  • ST (PwD) → ST
  • SC (PwD) → SC
  • UR (PwD) → UR
  • OBC (PwD) → OBC
  • ST → SC
  • SC → UR
  • EWS → UR

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

06 00 PM IST - 11 Aug'26

Updated PwBD Reservation Guidelines and List of 33 Designated Assessment Centers

Under the 2026 Graduate Medical Education Regulations issued by the National Medical Commission (NMC), 5% horizontal reservation is provided for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). Eligibility is determined through functional competency evaluation rather than disability percentage alone.

Key Rules for PwBD Candidates:

• Candidates must possess a valid Permanent UDID Card issued by DEPwD.

• Candidates must visit one of the 33 MCC-designated Medical Assessment Boards (expanded from 16) to obtain a valid Eligibility Certificate.

• Major Assessment Centers include VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital (Delhi), AIIPMR (Mumbai), IPGMER (Kolkata), Madras Medical College (Chennai), SMS Medical College (Jaipur), AIIMS Nagpur, ABVIMS & RML (Delhi), and KGMU (Lucknow).

05 00 PM IST - 11 Aug'26

MCC Registration Fee and Refundable Security Deposit Structure Explained

Candidates participating in NEET UG counselling on mcc.nic.in must complete fee payment to unlock choice filling. The fee breakdown varies according to quota and category:

For 15% AIQ / Central Universities / AIIMS / JIPMER / ESIC / AFMC:

• Non-Refundable Registration Fee: ₹1,000 for UR/EWS; ₹500 for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD.

• Refundable Security Deposit: ₹10,000 for UR/EWS; ₹5,000 for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD.

For Deemed Universities:

• Non-Refundable Registration Fee: ₹5,000 (applicable to all categories).

• Refundable Security Deposit: ₹2,00,000.

Note: Candidates opting for both AIQ/Central and Deemed Universities pay only the higher fee (i.e., ₹5,000 + ₹2,00,000 = ₹2,05,000). Security deposits are refunded to the original payment source after counselling concludes.

04 00 PM IST - 11 Aug'26

Expected Closing Ranks for Top State Government Medical Colleges Across India

Besides INIs and Central Institutes, premier state-run medical colleges attract top NEET rankers through the 15% All India Quota.

Expected AIQ Round 1 Closing Rank Ranges for Top 15 Medical Colleges:

03 00 PM IST - 11 Aug'26

Major Changes in NEET UG 2026 Counselling: Understanding the New Freeze and Float Scheme

MCC has eliminated the mandatory physical visit for candidates seeking seat upgradation in Round 1. Under the updated scheme published on mcc.nic.in, candidates allotted a seat are categorized based on their willingness:

1. Freeze Candidates (No Upgradation):

• Candidates satisfied with their allotted seat who do not wish to participate in Round 2.

• Action Required: Must physically visit the allotted college with original documents and complete admission formalities.

2. Float Candidates (Willing to Upgrade):

• Candidates who accept the seat provisionally but wish to upgrade in Round 2.

• Action Required: Do not visit the institute physically. They submit willingness online and upload scanned documents on the MCC portal for online verification by the nodal officer.

02 00 PM IST - 11 Aug'26

JIPMER Puducherry and Top AIIMS Institutes Opening and Closing Rank Analysis

Institutions of National Importance (INIs) like JIPMER Puducherry and peripheral AIIMS campuses are high-demand choices on mcc.nic.in

Round 1 Cutoff Analysis for Top INI Campuses:

• JIPMER Puducherry (Open Seats): Open category allotments start around AIR 50 and close between AIR 180 and AIR 220.

• AIIMS Jodhpur: Closes between AIR 85 and AIR 185 for General category.

• AIIMS Bhubaneswar: Closes between AIR 60 and AIR 130 for General category.

• AIIMS Bhopal: Closes between AIR 148 and AIR 165 for General category.

• AIIMS Nagpur: Closes between AIR 136 and AIR 250 for General category.

01 00 PM IST - 11 Aug'26

Top Delhi Medical Colleges Expected Closing Ranks: MAMC, VMMC, and ABVIMS

Medical institutions in Delhi NCT under the 15% All India Quota (AIQ) and 85% Delhi University / IP University Quota witness intense competition. MCC handles 100% of seat allotments for both AIQ and Internal Delhi Quotas.

Expected Round 1 AIQ Closing Ranks for Premier Delhi Institutes:

• Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), New Delhi:

  • AIQ Open Category: Closes between AIR 54 and AIR 105.

  • DU State Quota Open: Closes around AIR 125–150.

• Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital (VMMC), New Delhi:

  • AIQ Open Category: Closes between AIR 49 and AIR 115.

  • IP University Internal Quota Open: Closes around AIR 170–200.

• Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences & Dr. RML Hospital (ABVIMS), New Delhi:

  • AIQ Open Category: Closes between AIR 145 and AIR 165.

12 30 PM IST - 11 Aug'26

AIIMS New Delhi Closing Rank Trends and Expected Cutoff

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi remains the premier choice for top NEET UG rank holders across the country. Based on Round 1 seat allotment data from MCC, admissions to the flagship MBBS program close at very narrow cutoffs across all categories.

Closing Rank Trends for AIIMS New Delhi (MBBS):

• General (Open): Allotments commence at AIR 1 and expected closing rank is around AIR 50–57.

• OBC-NCL: Closes between AIR 110 and AIR 140.

• EWS: Closes between AIR 130 and AIR 179.

• SC: Closes between AIR 110 and AIR 180.

• ST: Closes around AIR 1000–1600.

Candidates aiming for AIIMS New Delhi must ensure it is placed at the top of their preference list on mcc.nic.in.

12 07 PM IST - 11 Aug'26

MCC NEET UG Round 1 Choice Filling Deadline Approaching Fast

The choice-filling window for Round 1 of NEET UG 2026 counselling is active on the official MCC website- mcc.nic.in. Aspirants are advised not to wait until the final hours to complete their option entry. Candidates must save their preferred choices in order of priority, as unlocked choices will be automatically locked when the window closes.

Key operational reminders from MCC:

• Unlimited Choices: Candidates can add as many college and course preferences as desired from the seat matrix.

• Single Registration: Only one registration per candidate is permitted; multiple entries lead to immediate debarment.

• Reset Registration Option: Available until 11:00 AM on August 12, 2026, for candidates needing to correct mistakes made during initial registration.