Andhra Pradesh has opened the first phase of web-based choice filling for NEET UG 2026 MBBS admissions. Dr NTR University of Health Sciences released the final merit list on 29 August 2026, and candidates whose names appear on it can now log in and list their preferred medical colleges. This is a critical step in the counselling process—your choice order directly affects which college you are allotted. The state has also introduced two important rule changes that give you more flexibility than in previous years.
If your name is in the AP NEET UG 2026 final merit list, you must log in to the admissions portal and fill your MBBS college preferences in order of priority before the Phase 1 deadline; missing this round no longer bars you from later counselling rounds.
What You Need to Know About Phase 1 Option Entry
Phase 1 web option entry is now live for all candidates listed in the final merit list released on 29 August 2026. This phase covers MBBS and BDS admissions under the 85 percent state quota (also called Competent Authority Quota) for the 2026-27 academic year. Only candidates who completed registration in August and had their certificates verified are eligible to participate.
The option entry portal is separate from the merit list portal. You will log in using your NEET UG 2026 roll number and the password you registered with. Once logged in, you will see a seat matrix showing available seats by category and college. Your task is to arrange colleges in order of preference—the system will use this ranking along with your NEET rank to allot a seat.
How to Fill Your MBBS College Preferences Online
The process is straightforward but requires care. First, verify your name and rank in the final merit list at drntr.uhsap.in. Then log in to the option entry portal at apuhs-ugadmissions.aptonline.in using your credentials. Review the seat matrix to understand which colleges have seats in your category.
- List every MBBS college you would be willing to join, in strict order of preference (most preferred first).
- The order matters: the allotment algorithm will offer you the highest-ranked college on your list for which you qualify.
- Save your choices and then lock them before the Phase 1 deadline. Locking is final—you cannot change your preferences after this step.
- Double-check your entered choices before final submission to avoid errors.
Two Major Rule Changes That Benefit You This Year
Andhra Pradesh has revised its counselling rules for 2026-27, and both changes work in your favour. First, there is no longer a cap on the number of colleges you can list. In previous years, candidates were limited to a fixed number of preferences. Now you can enter as many colleges as you wish, giving you more control over your options.
- Unlimited college preferences: List every college you consider suitable. More options increase your chances of a good allotment.
- Removed penalty for missing Round 1: Previously, if you were allotted a seat in Phase 1 but did not join, you were barred from participating in later counselling rounds. This rule has been removed. You can now skip a round and still participate in subsequent rounds, giving you more flexibility if you want to wait for a better college.
Who Is Eligible to Fill Phase 1 Options?
Not every NEET UG 2026 candidate can fill Phase 1 options. You must meet all of the following criteria:
- Your name appears in the final merit list released on 29 August 2026.
- You completed counselling registration in August (either by 9 pm on 12 August without late fee, or by 1 pm on 14 August with late fee).
- Your certificates were verified by the university.
- You meet Andhra Pradesh's local or non-local status norms.
- You have no pending grievances, or you have confirmed your grievance status on the portal.
Key Dates and Portals to Remember
Keep these dates and links handy as you move through the counselling process:
- Merit list portal: drntr.uhsap.in (check your name and rank here)
- Option entry portal: apuhs-ugadmissions.aptonline.in (fill your college preferences here)
- Final merit list released: 29 August 2026
- Phase 1 option entry: now open (watch the portal for the exact deadline)
- Phase 1 provisional allotment list: expected soon after option entry closes
What Happens After You Fill Your Choices?
Once you lock your preferences, the university will process all submissions and generate a provisional allotment list. This list will show which college and seat you have been allotted based on your rank, category, and preference order. You will then receive reporting instructions—details on when and where to report to your allotted college, and what documents to bring. If you do not report, you may lose your seat and can participate in later counselling rounds (thanks to the new rule). Subsequent rounds will follow, allowing candidates to upgrade or change their college choice.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
How do I check if my name is in the AP NEET UG 2026 final merit list?
Visit drntr.uhsap.in and look for the final merit list link. Enter your NEET UG 2026 roll number to search for your name and rank. The list was released on 29 August 2026.
What is the deadline to fill Phase 1 web options for MBBS?
The source does not specify the exact Phase 1 deadline. Check drntr.uhsap.in and apuhs-ugadmissions.aptonline.in regularly for the deadline announcement. Do not delay—missing the deadline means you cannot participate in Phase 1.
Can I change my college preferences after I lock them?
No. Once you lock your preferences on the portal, they cannot be changed. This is why you must review your choices carefully before final submission.
What if I am allotted a seat in Phase 1 but do not want to join?
Under the new rules, you can skip Phase 1 and still participate in later counselling rounds. You are no longer barred from future rounds if you do not report to your allotted college. This gives you the flexibility to wait for a better option in a later round.
How many colleges can I list in my preferences?
There is no limit. You can list as many MBBS colleges as you wish. The more colleges you list, the better your chances of receiving an allotment.
What does the 85 percent state quota mean?
The 85 percent state quota (Competent Authority Quota) reserves 85% of MBBS and BDS seats in Andhra Pradesh colleges for candidates who meet the state's local or non-local residency norms. The remaining 15% is typically for all-India quota candidates.
What should I do if my certificate verification is still pending?
Contact Dr NTRUHS immediately. Candidates with unverified certificates are not eligible to fill Phase 1 options. You must complete verification before the option entry deadline.
Can I fill options if I have a pending grievance on the provisional merit list?
Check your grievance status on the portal first. If your grievance has been resolved in the final merit list, you can fill options. If it is still pending, contact the university before proceeding.
Phase 1 option entry is a critical step—your college preference order directly determines your allotment. Log in to the portal immediately, verify your eligibility, and list your colleges thoughtfully in order of preference. Remember: the new rules give you more flexibility, so use it wisely. Watch drntr.uhsap.in for the Phase 1 allotment list and reporting instructions.
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