NEET Counselling 2026 Dates: Full Schedule for AIQ & State Rounds

Are you waiting for the NEET counselling start date 2026 after qualifying NEET UG? The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has released the coordinated schedule for All India Quota and state counselling. The first AIQ counselling round is scheduled from 4 August to 17 August 2026, while the first state counselling window is scheduled from 13 August to 22 August 2026.

MCC conducts counselling for All India Quota, deemed universities, central universities and other participating institutions. State counselling authorities conduct admissions for their respective state-quota seats. This difference matters because registration, fees, eligibility certificates, choice filling and reporting may vary between MCC and individual states.

This guide explains the NEET counselling dates 2026, round-wise schedule, registration process, AIQ and state quota differences, documents, choice filling, seat allotment and common mistakes. Students who need help comparing colleges can also visit College For Me or request Free Career Counselling.

Quick Summary

| Point | Details |

|---|---|

| Counselling authority for AIQ | Medical Counselling Committee |

| Examination | NEET UG 2026 |

| AIQ Round 1 counselling window | 4–17 August 2026 |

| State Round 1 counselling window | 13–22 August 2026 |

| AIQ Round 1 last date of joining | 22 August 2026 |

| State Round 1 last date of joining | 28 August 2026 |

| AIQ Round 2 | 24 August–2 September 2026 |

| State Round 2 | 31 August–8 September 2026 |

| AIQ Round 3 | 10–18 September 2026 |

| State Round 3 | 16–26 September 2026 |

| Stray vacancy counselling | AIQ: 28 September–3 October; State: 3–5 October 2026 |

| Official AIQ website | mcc.nic.in |

| State counselling website | Respective state counselling authority |

| Main action | Register separately for the counselling process you wish to join |

The dates above come from MCC’s official AIQ and State Quota schedule dated 1 August 2026. Individual state authorities may publish detailed registration and choice-filling notices separately. mcc.nic

Table of Contents

1. What is NEET counselling?

2. NEET counselling dates 2026

3. AIQ and state counselling difference

4. Who can participate?

5. How to register

6. Choice filling and seat allotment

7. Documents required

8. Fees, reporting and resignation

9. Common mistakes and expert tips

10. Frequently asked questions

What Is NEET Counselling?

NEET counselling is the admission process through which qualified candidates compete for MBBS, BDS and other eligible medical seats after the NEET UG result.

The counselling process generally involves:

• Online registration.

• Payment of the counselling fee and security deposit, where applicable.

• Choice filling.

• Choice locking.

• Processing of seat allotment.

• Downloading the allotment letter.

• Document verification.

• Reporting to the allotted college.

• Payment of admission fees and completion of joining formalities.

MCC conducts the central counselling process. State counselling authorities conduct admissions for state-quota seats and other seats assigned to them. A candidate who wants to participate in both processes may need to register separately on both portals.

Registration on the MCC website does not automatically register a candidate for a state counselling process. Similarly, registering on a state portal does not make a candidate eligible for MCC counselling.

NEET Counselling Dates 2026

The official schedule provides separate timelines for AIQ, deemed and central universities, and state counselling.

Round-wise schedule

| Counselling round | AIQ, deemed and central universities | State counselling |

|---|---|---|

| Round 1 | 4–17 August 2026 | 13–22 August 2026 |

| Last date to join Round 1 | 22 August 2026 | 28 August 2026 |

| Round 2 | 24 August–2 September 2026 | 31 August–8 September 2026 |

| Last date to join Round 2 | 8 September 2026 | 14 September 2026 |

| Round 3 | 10–18 September 2026 | 16–26 September 2026 |

| Last date to join Round 3 | 26 September 2026 | 1 October 2026 |

| Stray vacancy round | 28 September–3 October 2026 | 3–5 October 2026 |

| Last date to join stray vacancy seat | 10 October 2026 | 10 October 2026 |

The academic session for undergraduate courses is scheduled to commence on 8 September 2026. MCC has also stated that Saturdays, Sundays and gazetted holidays should be treated as working days for counselling-related activities. cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov

Registration and choice-filling dates

The round-wise schedule above shows the counselling window, but the exact registration, payment, choice-filling and choice-locking hours may be displayed separately on the MCC portal.

MCC’s official website has activated the NEET UG 2026 counselling section and candidate activity board. Candidates should check the specific round notice for:

• Registration opening time.

• Registration closing time.

• Payment deadline.

• Choice-filling deadline.

• Choice-locking window.

• Seat-processing dates.

• Result publication.

• Reporting instructions.

Do not rely on a screenshot circulated on social media if a later MCC notice has been published. mcc.nic

AIQ and State Counselling Difference

Understanding the two routes helps candidates avoid missed deadlines and incorrect applications.

| Feature | AIQ counselling | State counselling |

|---|---|---|

| Main authority | MCC | Respective state counselling authority |

| Portal | mcc.nic.in | State-specific portal |

| Main seat pool | All India Quota, deemed and central institutions | State quota and state-managed seats |

| Registration | Through MCC | Through the state authority |

| Domicile rule | Usually different from state-quota rules | State domicile and category rules may apply |

| Reservation documents | Central or institution-specific requirements | State-issued certificates may be required |

| Choice list | Colleges and seats available through MCC | Colleges and seats available through the state portal |

| Fee and security deposit | As prescribed by MCC | Varies by state and institution |

| Reporting | Allotted institute | Allotted institute or state-designated centre |

Candidates should read the information bulletin before selecting a seat. A state may also have separate rules for private colleges, minority institutions, NRI seats, government seats and special categories.

What is the state quota?

State quota generally refers to seats administered through a state counselling authority. Eligibility may depend on domicile, residence, schooling, category certificate or other conditions prescribed by that state.

The exact proportion of seats and eligibility rules can vary by institution and government policy. Candidates should verify state-specific rules instead of assuming that the same conditions apply throughout India.

Who Can Participate?

A candidate generally needs to satisfy the following requirements:

NEET qualification

The candidate must qualify NEET UG 2026 according to the applicable qualifying criteria. The NEET score and rank are used for preparing the merit order.

Academic requirements

The candidate must satisfy the Class 12 or equivalent academic requirements for the selected course. For MBBS and BDS, this normally includes the prescribed subjects and practical requirements in Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Biotechnology and English.

The official information bulletin should be checked for exact subject, age and qualification conditions.

Category and domicile eligibility

Candidates claiming reservation or state-quota benefits must hold valid documents in the prescribed format. A certificate issued by the wrong authority, an expired certificate or a certificate with incorrect details can create problems during verification.

Candidates applying through AIQ should check central category requirements. Candidates applying through state counselling should check the state’s own domicile and reservation rules.

How to Register

MCC AIQ registration

To register for MCC counselling:

1. Visit mcc.nic.in.

2. Open the UG Medical Counselling section.

3. Select the NEET UG 2026 registration link.

4. Create an account using the required NEET and personal details.

5. Enter contact, academic and category information.

6. Pay the prescribed registration fee and security deposit, if applicable.

7. Submit the form.

8. Proceed to choice filling.

9. Lock choices within the notified window.

10. Download the confirmation page and payment receipt.

The name, date of birth, NEET details and category information should match the original documents. Candidates should use an active mobile number and email address because important updates may be sent electronically.

State counselling registration

State registration takes place on the website of the relevant counselling authority. The process usually includes:

• New candidate registration.

• NEET details authentication.

• State eligibility or domicile information.

• Category certificate details.

• Document uploading.

• Fee payment.

• Choice filling.

• Choice locking.

• State merit-list or allotment publication.

Each state can prescribe a different application fee, security deposit, document format and deadline. Students should search for the official state counselling authority rather than using an unverified registration link.

Choice Filling and Seat Allotment

Choice filling is one of the most important parts of counselling. The allotment system considers the candidate’s rank, category, seat availability and submitted preferences.

How to prepare choices

Create a preference list after checking:

• College location.

• Government or private status.

• Course.

• Fee structure.

• Hostel and accommodation costs.

• Bond or service conditions.

• Category and quota.

• Previous-year closing trends, if used only as a reference.

• Travel distance and family budget.

Place colleges in your true preference order. Do not place a college first only because someone else recommended it.

Freeze, float and upgrade

The names and availability of options may vary by counselling authority, but the basic meaning is usually:

• Freeze: Accept the allotted seat and stop further upgradation.

• Float or upgrade: Retain the seat while participating in a later round for a higher preference, subject to the authority’s rules.

• Exit or resignation: Leave the allotted seat according to the applicable timeline and refund or forfeiture rules.

Read the round-specific notice before selecting an option. An upgrade choice may require fresh choices, document verification or physical reporting.

Illustrative example

A candidate receives a BDS seat in Round 1 but wants to try for MBBS in Round 2. Before choosing float or exit, the candidate should check whether the first seat must be retained, whether a fresh registration is required and whether the security deposit can be forfeited. The correct action depends on the rules of the authority conducting that counselling.

Documents Required

Keep the following documents ready in original and scanned form:

• NEET UG 2026 admit card.

• NEET UG 2026 scorecard or result document.

• Class 10 certificate or marksheet.

• Class 12 certificate and marksheet.

• Valid photo identity proof.

• Passport-size photographs.

• Category certificate, if applicable.

• EWS certificate, if applicable.

• Disability or PwD certificate, if applicable.

• Domicile or residence certificate for state counselling, where required.

• Migration or transfer certificate, if required by the institution.

• Medical fitness certificate, where required.

• Provisional allotment letter.

• Counselling registration form.

• Fee payment receipt.

• Undertaking or affidavit prescribed by the authority.

• NRI, minority or other special-category documents, where applicable.

The final document list may differ between MCC and state counselling. The allotted college may also request additional documents at the time of reporting.

Fees, Reporting and Resignation

Counselling fees

MCC and state authorities prescribe their own registration fees and security deposits. The amount may vary according to:

• Government or private college preference.

• Candidate category.

• AIQ or deemed university choice.

• State counselling rules.

• Course and institution type.

Check the official fee notice before payment. A candidate should not assume that the MCC fee is the same as the fee charged by a state authority.

Reporting after allotment

After a seat is allotted:

1. Download the allotment letter.

2. Read the reporting deadline.

3. Complete online document verification, if required.

4. Report to the allotted institute or designated centre.

5. Carry original documents and photocopies.

6. Pay the admission fee.

7. Complete biometric, medical and institutional formalities.

8. Obtain proof of joining.

Failure to report by the joining deadline can result in cancellation of the seat and consequences for participation in later rounds.

Resignation and refunds

Resignation, free exit and refund rules differ by round and authority. A candidate should read the relevant notice before leaving a seat. Some actions may allow participation in later rounds, while others may result in forfeiture of the security deposit or restriction from further counselling.

Common Mistakes and Expert Tips

Mistakes to avoid

1. Confusing AIQ and state registration: Registration on one portal does not register you on the other.

2. Waiting for the final day: Payment and server issues can cause avoidable problems.

3. Failing to lock choices: Saved choices may not be treated as locked choices.

4. Using an incorrect certificate: Domicile, category and EWS documents must match the prescribed rules.

5. Selecting unaffordable private colleges: Check total fees before placing the college in your preference list.

6. Ignoring the joining deadline: A seat can be cancelled even after allotment if reporting is not completed.

7. Paying through an unofficial link: Use only MCC or the relevant state authority’s portal.

8. Not saving receipts: Payment records may be needed if a transaction dispute occurs.

9. Assuming previous cut-offs are guaranteed: Closing ranks change with seats, preferences and candidate performance.

10. Ignoring later notices: MCC and state authorities may revise schedules or publish addenda.

Expert tips

• Maintain a separate calendar for MCC and state counselling deadlines.

• Keep scanned documents in clearly named files before registration begins.

• Make a college list based on rank, budget and genuine preference.

• Check whether a state requires a fresh registration in every round.

• Read the rules for free exit, upgrade, resignation and security-deposit refund.

• Keep the registered phone number active throughout counselling.

• Check the official portal daily during allotment rounds.

• Carry multiple photocopies of documents during physical reporting.

• Verify the college’s fee and reporting instructions directly before travelling.

• Use official helplines if payment, login or document-verification problems occur.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the NEET counselling start date 2026?

For AIQ and deemed or central university counselling, the Round 1 schedule begins on 4 August 2026. The state counselling window begins on 13 August 2026 under the coordinated MCC schedule. The actual registration and choice-filling dates may be displayed separately by MCC and individual state authorities. cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov

2. Who conducts NEET counselling 2026?

MCC conducts counselling for All India Quota, deemed universities, central universities and other listed institutions. State counselling authorities conduct admissions for state-quota and state-managed seats. Candidates should use the correct portal for each route.

3. Is the AIQ and state counselling schedule the same?

No. AIQ and state counselling follow different windows. Round 1 AIQ counselling is scheduled for 4–17 August, while state counselling is scheduled for 13–22 August 2026. Later rounds also have separate dates. cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov

4. Can I register for MCC and state counselling both?

Yes, a candidate may generally participate in both if eligible, but registration must be completed separately. MCC registration does not automatically register the candidate for a state counselling process. Check the rules of the state where you want to apply.

5. What is the last date to join an AIQ Round 1 seat?

The last date to join an AIQ Round 1 seat is 22 August 2026. The last date for joining a state Round 1 seat is 28 August 2026. Candidates should follow the allotment letter and institute instructions in addition to the central schedule. cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov

6. What is the Round 2 NEET counselling schedule?

AIQ Round 2 is scheduled from 24 August to 2 September 2026, with the last date of joining on 8 September. State Round 2 is scheduled from 31 August to 8 September, with the last date of joining on 14 September 2026. cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov

7. What happens in Round 3?

Round 3 is scheduled from 10–18 September for AIQ and from 16–26 September for state counselling. The candidate must check the authority’s rules regarding fresh registration, choice filling, upgrade, resignation and eligibility for Round 3.

8. What is the stray vacancy round?

The stray vacancy round is conducted to fill seats remaining vacant after the regular rounds. AIQ stray vacancy counselling is scheduled from 28 September to 3 October, while the state stray vacancy window is scheduled from 3–5 October 2026. Eligibility and resignation rules can be restrictive at this stage.

9. What documents are needed for NEET counselling?

Common documents include the NEET scorecard, admit card, Class 10 and 12 certificates, identity proof, photographs, category certificate, domicile certificate for state counselling and the allotment letter. The final list depends on the counselling authority and seat category.

10. Can I change my choices after locking?

Usually, choices cannot be edited after the locking deadline for that round. A candidate may receive another opportunity in a later round, but this depends on the authority’s rules. Review the complete preference list carefully before locking.

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Conclusion

The NEET counselling schedule 2026 begins with AIQ and central counselling from 4 August 2026, followed by the first state counselling window from 13 August 2026. AIQ Round 1 joining ends on 22 August, while state Round 1 joining ends on 28 August. Candidates should maintain separate records for MCC and state deadlines because the registration, fees, documents and seat rules are not identical.

The next step is to decide which counselling routes you are eligible for, register on the correct official portals and prepare a realistic college preference list. Check fees, category rules, domicile requirements, reporting instructions and security-deposit conditions before locking choices.

Schedules can change through official notices. Check MCC for AIQ updates and the relevant state counselling website for state-quota information. If you need support comparing colleges or planning your choices, visit College For Me or request Free Career Counselling.