NEET 2026 Counselling Process: Step by Step Guide for All Rounds

NEET 2026 Counselling Process: Step by Step Guide for All Rounds

After the NEET 2026 result comes out, the most important process is counselling. Understanding the right counselling process can help you get the best medical college based on your rank. This guide will tell you the complete step by step process of NEET 2026 counselling.

NEET Counselling 2026: Structure

NEET counselling is divided into two major parts:

1. **MCC Counselling (AIQ)** – For 15% of seats in All India Quota
2. **State Counselling** – For 85% of seats in state quota

In addition:

• **AIIMS and JIPMER Counselling** – Done separately
• **Deemed University Counselling** – Through MCC
• **Central University Counselling** – AMU, BHU, etc.

To make a counselling strategy based on your NEET rank, use the NEET college predictor.

MCC Counselling Process (AIQ) 2026

Round 1

Registration and Payment

• Register on the MCC portal
• Pay registration fee (General: ₹5000, SC/ST: ₹4000)
• Fill in NEET 2026 roll number and rank card details

Choice Filling and Locking

• You can fill 100-200 choices
• Since your rank is good, put top colleges first
• **Locking is mandatory** — choices are not considered without locking

Seat Allotment

• The college-wise NEET 2026 allotment list will be published
• If you get a seat, proceed
• If not, wait for the next round

Reporting and Document Verification

• Physical reporting at the allotted college
• Documents will be verified
• Pay the admission fee

Round 2

Same process as Round 1, but:

• You can add new choices
• Modify existing choices
• Upgrade the seat allotted in Round 1

Mop-Up Round

A mop-up round is held for unfilled seats. Choose more colleges.

Stray Vacancy Round

College-level counselling. You must apply directly to the college.

Visit the NEET counselling guide to understand the full MCC counselling process.

State Counselling Process 2026

The state counselling process is similar to MCC counselling, but there are some differences:

Key Differences

• **Separate Registration** – Each state has a separate portal
• **State Merit List** – A state-wise merit list will be created
• **Domicile Required** – You must have the state's domicile
• **State Fee Structure** – Different fee structure
• **State-specific Rules** – Some states have extra rules

Common Steps

1. Registration on the state portal
2. Choice filling
3. Seat allotment
4. Document verification
5. Reporting

Major state counselling portals:

• **UP NEET Counselling** – [upneet.gov.in](https://upneet.gov.in)
• **Maharashtra NEET Counselling** – [cetcell.mahacet.org](https://cetcell.mahacet.org)
• **Karnataka NEET Counselling** – [kea.kar.nic.in](https://kea.kar.nic.in)
• **Rajasthan NEET Counselling** – [medicine.careerinfo.rajasthan.gov.in](https://medicine.careerinfo.rajasthan.gov.in)

For state-specific counselling queries, talk to expert NEET counsellors.

AIIMS and JIPMER Counselling 2026

Separate counselling is done for AIIMS and JIPMER:

AIIMS Counselling

• **AIIMS (all 15+ AIIMS)**
• Separate registration
• Different merit list
• Multiple rounds

JIPMER Counselling

• **JIPMER Pondicherry and JIPMER Karaikal**
• Separate counselling
• Own reservation policy

For detailed information about AIIMS/JIPMER counselling, visit the counselling page.

Choice Filling Strategy for NEET 2026

Proper choice filling is the key to getting the best college. Here is a step-by-step strategy:

Step 1: Prepare College List

Make a list of all colleges where admission is possible. Use the NEET college predictor for this.

Step 2: Categorize Colleges

• **Dream colleges** – High chances, top colleges
• **Target colleges** – Moderate chances, your rank range
• **Safe colleges** – High chances, backup options

Step 3: Order of Choices

Dream colleges, then target colleges, then safe colleges.

Step 4: Locking Time

Lock at the last moment. Do not lock until you can still change choices.

Step 5: Review

Once locked, changes cannot be made. Review carefully.

Book a live counselling session for expert choice filling strategy.

Important Documents for NEET Counselling 2026

NEET 2026 Counselling Timeline (Expected)

NEET 2026 Counselling: Fees and Security Deposit

Tips for NEET 2026 Counselling

Before Counselling

1. **Know your rank well** – You should know your NEET rank, category rank, and state rank
2. **Research colleges** – Check college ranking, fee, location, and hostel
3. **Keep documents ready** – Keep photocopies and originals of all documents ready
4. **Ask seniors** – Talk to people who have gone through counselling before

During Counselling

1. **Fill choices smartly** – Do not keep too close options. Be realistic.
2. **Timing matters** – Do not decide on early registration or early choice filling too quickly
3. **Do not panic** – If you do not get a seat in round 1, you may get one in round 2 or mop-up
4. **Understand free exit rule** – Free exit is allowed in certain rounds. Use this in your strategy

After Counselling

1. **Do not miss reporting deadline** – Even one day late reporting can cancel the seat
2. **Track fee payment** – Save online payment confirmation
3. **Be careful when joining college** – You will have to sign an anti-ragging affidavit

Check counselling plans to finalize your counselling strategy.

NEET 2026 Counselling: Different Quotas Explained