NEET UG 2026 Counselling: Round 1 Registration Begins, Check Schedule, Fees, and Key Details
Super Admin··5 min read
The wait for millions of medical aspirants across the country is finally over. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), New Delhi, has officially started the registration process for the first round of NEET UG 2026 Counselling. This counselling process is being conducted for the 15 percent All India Quota (AIQ) MBBS and BDS seats. If you have qualified the NEET exam this year, this is an extremely crucial time for you as the direction of your medical career will be decided from here.
Competition in the NEET UG counselling is going to be very tough this year. According to media reports and official data, around 11.21 lakh NEET UG qualified candidates are eligible to participate in the counselling process this time. All these candidates have their eyes set on securing admission to the country's prestigious medical institutions. In this first phase of counselling, admission will be granted to a total of 63,159 government MBBS seats across approximately 450 medical institutions in the country. Due to such a large number of candidates, the competition for each seat is going to be highly interesting and challenging.
NEET UG 2026 Counselling: Key Details and Important Statistics
The NEET UG 2026 counselling process is special in many ways this time. The gap between the number of seats and the number of candidates indicates that students will have to show great wisdom in choosing their preferred colleges.
The key statistics of this counselling are as follows:
- Total Qualified Candidates: More than 11.21 lakh students have been found eligible to participate in this counselling process.
- Total Medical Institutions: Around 450 government and private medical colleges across the country are part of this process.
- Total Government MBBS Seats: Through this counselling, qualified candidates will be selected for 63,159 government MBBS seats.
- Type of Counselling: This is the first round of counselling under the All India Quota (15% AIQ).
Counselling Schedule 2026: Important Dates
MCC has released a detailed schedule to run the counselling process smoothly. Candidates must note down these dates to avoid missing any important deadlines:
| Counselling Activity | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Registration and Fee Payment | 5 August 2026 | 12 August 2026 |
| Choice Filling and Locking | 6 August 2026 | 13 August 2026 |
| Seat Allotment Result | 17 August 2026 | 17 August 2026 |
| Reporting & Joining | 18 August 2026 | 22 August 2026 |
Candidates should note that the choice filling process starts today, i.e., 6 August 2026, so they should keep their list of preferred colleges ready in advance.
Registration Fee and Security Deposit Breakdown
To participate in NEET UG 2026 Counselling, candidates must pay a certain fee during the registration process. The fee structure prescribed by MCC is divided into two main parts:
- Non-Refundable Registration Fee: This fee is ₹1,000. This fee will not be refunded under any circumstances and is charged solely for participating in the counselling process.
- Refundable Security Deposit: This amount is set at ₹10,000. After the successful completion of the counselling process, this amount will be refunded to the candidates as per the rules.
Candidates should exercise caution while making the payment and use only their own or their parents' bank accounts/cards to avoid any inconvenience during the refund process.
56-Page Counselling Guide Released by MCC
This year, MCC has taken a special step for the convenience of candidates. A 56-page counselling guide was released by MCC on Wednesday. This guide will serve as a comprehensive handbook for new candidates.
According to education expert Dev Sharma: "In this counselling guide, various aspects of the online counselling process have been explained in a very simple manner. Every single step has been illustrated through flowcharts and screenshots, ensuring that students will face no difficulty in filling out the form and choosing colleges."
With the help of this detailed guide, students can easily understand the entire process from the comfort of their homes. It explains the entire process from registration to seat allotment and reporting with illustrations (with screenshots).
Important Tips for Choice Filling and Locking
Choice filling is the most crucial part of the counselling process. During the choice filling starting from 6 August, students must pay special attention to the following points:
1. Prepare a College Preference List
Before starting choice filling, look at the cut-off trends of previous years. Based on your rank, make a list of colleges where your chances of admission are high. Keep the top colleges at the very top of your list.
2. Do Not Forget to Lock Your Choices
It is mandatory to lock your choices after selecting your preferred seats. If you do not lock your preferences by the scheduled date (13 August 2026), they will be automatically locked at the last moment. However, from a safety perspective, locking them yourself is the best option.
3. Analyze the Number of Seats
This time, there are 63,159 government MBBS seats across 450 institutions. Use this vast pool of seats wisely. Do not fill in only a few selected colleges; instead, prepare a balanced list of options.
Seat Allotment and Reporting Process
The result of the first round of seat allotment will be declared on 17 August 2026. Students who are allotted a seat must be prepared for the next phase, which is reporting and joining.
- Reporting Deadline: Candidates will be given time from 18 August to 22 August 2026 to report to the allotted college and complete the joining process.
- Document Verification: At the time of reporting, candidates must carry all their original academic documents, NEET admit card, scorecard, category certificate (if applicable), and identity card.
If a candidate fails to report to the allotted college within the specified deadline, their allotted seat may be cancelled. Therefore, pay special attention to the timeline.
Conclusion and the Way Forward
NEET UG 2026 Counselling is the first and most crucial step towards realizing your dream of becoming a doctor. To secure your place among 11.21 lakh candidates, you must act with patience and wisdom. Make sure to study the 56-page guide released by MCC and complete each step carefully.
For competitive exam preparation, counselling updates, and excellent study strategies, you can visit Patamde Study. On our website, you will get every piece of information, big or small, related to education and exams first and accurately. Best wishes to all candidates for the counselling process!
