The second phase of web-based choice entry for AP NEET UG 2026 MBBS counselling is now open. Candidates who appeared in the merit lists released between late August and mid-September can log in and rank their preferred medical colleges from September 16 to 18, 2026. This is a critical step: your choices directly determine which college and seat you may be offered. Understanding the rules—especially around upgradation, free exit, and eligibility—will help you make the most of this window.
If you are on the AP NEET UG Phase 2 merit list, you have until 10:00 AM on September 18, 2026, to submit your college preferences; missing this deadline means you cannot participate in Phase 2 seat allotment.
When and Where to Fill Your Choices
The web portal for choice entry opened on September 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM and will close on September 18, 2026, at 10:00 AM. This is a 48-hour window, so plan ahead and do not wait until the last few hours. The official website is apuhs-ugadmissions.aptonline.in, managed by Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences (Dr. NTR UHS), Vijayawada.
You will need your login credentials and OTP verification sent to your registered mobile number and email address. The university strongly advises candidates to verify their contact details are correct before attempting to log in. If you face any technical issues, contact the university's helpline well before the deadline.
Who Is Eligible to Fill Choices in Phase 2
Eligibility is based on your appearance in one of three official merit lists: the main merit list dated August 29, 2026, or either of the two addendum lists published on September 1 and September 13, 2026. If your name appears in any of these lists, you are eligible to participate in Phase 2 choice entry.
However, there are important exceptions. If you availed the Free Exit facility after Phase 1 (a one-time option to withdraw without penalty), you cannot submit choices in Phase 2 or any later round. Similarly, if you were allotted a seat in Phase 1 and joined that college, you can still upgrade to a better option in Phase 2, but if you were allotted a seat and did not join, you can fill choices for all colleges except the one you previously skipped.
What Colleges and Seats Are Available
Phase 2 offers MBBS seats across government medical colleges, private un-aided non-minority colleges, minority medical colleges, and SVIMS Sri Padmavathi Medical College for Women. The exact number of seats available in each category and college depends on how many candidates joined their Phase 1 allotments and how many opted for free exit.
Muslim Minority seats are reserved exclusively for Muslim Minority candidates; if you do not fall into this category, you will not be able to select these seats. Additionally, once the finalized lists for NCC and Sports quota candidates are released, those seats will also be considered for allotment alongside your regular choices.
Understanding Upgradation and Sliding Rules
If you joined a college in Phase 1 and now wish to move to a better-ranked or preferred college, Phase 2 allows you to upgrade. When you submit new choices in Phase 2, the system will consider them for allotment. If you receive a new seat, your Phase 1 seat is automatically cancelled and released back into the pool for other candidates.
This is called 'sliding'—your previous seat does not remain reserved for you. The advantage is that you get a chance to move up; the risk is that if you do not get allotted a new seat in Phase 2, you lose your Phase 1 seat and may not be allotted anything. Weigh this carefully before deciding to upgrade. Many candidates choose to stay with their Phase 1 seat if it is acceptable to them.
The Free Exit Rule and Its Impact
After Phase 1 allotment, candidates were given a one-time Free Exit option—a chance to withdraw from their allotted seat without any penalty or fee. If you exercised this option, you are now ineligible to participate in Phase 2 or any subsequent counselling round. This is a permanent decision, so if you took free exit, you cannot re-enter the counselling process.
The free exit rule exists to allow candidates who have secured admission elsewhere (e.g., through a different state's counselling or a private college) to step out without blocking a seat. If you are unsure whether you took free exit, check your counselling portal or contact Dr. NTR UHS directly before the Phase 2 deadline.
University Fee and Payment Details
If you are allotted a seat in Phase 2, you will be required to pay a university fee of ₹12,600 (non-refundable). However, if you already paid this fee during Phase 1, you are exempt from paying it again in Phase 2. Ensure you have proof of your Phase 1 payment if applicable.
The fee is separate from college fees and is a mandatory administrative charge. Payment details and deadlines will be communicated once the provisional seat allotment is released on September 21, 2026.
Key Dates and Timeline for Phase 2
Mark these dates on your calendar. Choice entry closes on September 18, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The provisional seat allotment will be released on September 21, 2026. After that, you will have a specified window to report to your allotted college, pay fees, and complete document verification. Missing any of these deadlines can result in forfeiture of your seat.
The exact reporting dates and further round schedules (if any) will be announced by Dr. NTR UHS. Keep checking the official portal regularly for updates.
- Web choice entry: September 16–18, 2026 (10:00 AM to 10:00 AM)
- Provisional seat allotment: September 21, 2026
- Reporting and fee payment: Dates to be announced
How to Avoid Common Mistakes During Choice Entry
First, do not wait until the last hour. The portal may experience traffic congestion, and you risk losing your chance to submit. Log in early, verify your details, and submit your choices with time to spare. Second, carefully rank your colleges in order of preference. The allotment algorithm will try to match you to the highest-ranked college on your list where a seat is available.
Third, ensure your mobile number and email are correct and active. OTP verification is mandatory, and if you cannot receive the code, you will be locked out. Fourth, if you are unsure about upgradation, consult a counsellor or the university helpline before making a decision. Finally, keep a screenshot or printout of your submitted choices for your records.
What Happens After You Submit Your Choices
Once you submit your choices, the allotment algorithm processes all eligible candidates' preferences and available seats. The system aims to allot each candidate the highest-ranked college on their list where a seat is available. On September 21, 2026, the provisional allotment list will be published. You will be able to see which college and seat (if any) you have been allotted.
If you are allotted a seat, you must report to that college within the specified timeframe, pay the university fee and college fees, and complete document verification. If you are not allotted a seat in Phase 2, further rounds may be conducted depending on the number of vacant seats. Stay in touch with the official portal for announcements.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
Am I eligible for AP NEET UG Phase 2 choice entry?
Yes, if your name appears in the main merit list (August 29, 2026) or either addendum list (September 1 or September 13, 2026). However, you are not eligible if you took the Free Exit option after Phase 1. If you were allotted a seat in Phase 1 but did not join, you can fill choices for all colleges except the one you skipped.
What is the deadline for submitting my choices?
The deadline is September 18, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The portal opened on September 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM. You have a 48-hour window to log in and submit your preferences. Do not wait until the last moment.
Can I upgrade from my Phase 1 seat to a better college in Phase 2?
Yes, you can submit new choices in Phase 2 to try for a better college. If you are allotted a new seat, your Phase 1 seat is automatically cancelled and released to other candidates. However, if you do not get allotted a new seat in Phase 2, you lose your Phase 1 seat. Weigh this risk carefully before deciding to upgrade.
What happens if I took the Free Exit option after Phase 1?
If you exercised Free Exit, you are permanently ineligible to participate in Phase 2 or any subsequent counselling round. This is a one-time, irreversible decision. You cannot re-enter the counselling process.
Do I have to pay the university fee again if I paid it in Phase 1?
No. The university fee of ₹12,600 is non-refundable and is waived if you already paid it in Phase 1. You will only pay it once. Keep proof of your Phase 1 payment.
When will the Phase 2 seat allotment results be announced?
The provisional seat allotment will be released on September 21, 2026. You will be able to check the official portal (apuhs-ugadmissions.aptonline.in) to see which college and seat you have been allotted.
What if I was allotted a seat in Phase 1 but did not join—can I fill choices in Phase 2?
Yes, you can fill choices in Phase 2, but with one restriction: you cannot select the college you were allotted in Phase 1 and skipped. You can choose from all other available colleges.
Are Muslim Minority seats available to all candidates?
No. Muslim Minority seats are reserved exclusively for Muslim Minority candidates. If you do not fall into this category, you will not be able to select these seats. Other candidates can choose from government, private un-aided non-minority, and general seats.
If you are on the AP NEET UG Phase 2 merit list, log in to apuhs-ugadmissions.aptonline.in between September 16 and 18, 2026, and submit your college choices carefully. Verify your contact details, rank your preferences in order, and do not wait until the last hour. Once you submit, monitor the official portal for the September 21 allotment result and be ready to report to your allotted college on time.
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