Bihar NEET-PG 2026 Counselling: Registration, Dates & Documents

Bihar's BCECEB (Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board) has released the official prospectus for PGMAC-2026 — the state-quota postgraduate medical counselling for MD, MS, PG Diploma and DNB (Degree & Diploma) courses. Registration opens 22 October 2026 and closes 28 October. This is the first major counselling round for NEET-PG 2026 qualified candidates seeking admission to government and private medical colleges in Bihar. The counselling is merit-cum-choice based, and all eligible NEET-PG 2026 candidates must register online, pay the counselling fee and security deposit, and fill their course and college preferences by the deadline to participate in seat allotment.

What is PGMAC-2026 and Who Can Apply

PGMAC-2026 is Bihar's postgraduate medical admission counselling conducted by the Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (BCECEB). It allocates 50% of state-quota seats in MD (Doctor of Medicine), MS (Master of Surgery), PG Diploma and DNB (Degree and Diploma) courses across government and private medical colleges in Bihar.

Eligibility is open to all NEET-PG 2026 qualified candidates who have passed MBBS from a recognised medical college (government or private), completed one year of compulsory rotating internship by 30 September 2026, and hold permanent medical registration from the Medical Council of India or Bihar State Medical Council. Candidates from outside Bihar are also eligible, but non-residents cannot claim reserved-category seats in private colleges.

There is no maximum age limit. Candidates currently employed must provide a 'No Objection Certificate' from their employer or an undertaking that they will resign if selected.

• Eligible courses: MD, MS, PG Diploma, DNB (Degree and Diploma)
• Eligible candidates: NEET-PG 2026 qualified, MBBS passed, internship completed by 30.09.2026
• Medical registration: Permanent registration required; provisional registration allowed if obtained within one month of admission
• Age limit: None
• Employed candidates: Must provide No Objection Certificate or resignation undertaking

Important Dates: Registration, Choice Filling & Allotment

The counselling follows a strict timeline. Seat matrix (list of available seats) will be posted on 21 October. Online registration and application submission open on 22 October and close on 28 October at 11:59 PM. Candidates must complete registration, fill their application form, and pay the counselling fee and security deposit within this window.

Choice filling (selecting courses and colleges in order of preference) runs from 22 October to 31 October at 11:59 PM. Candidates can edit their choices multiple times but must lock them by the deadline. The rank card will be published on 30 October. Round 1 provisional seat allotment results will be announced on 4 November, and candidates must download their allotment order and complete document verification between 6 and 9 November.

Round 2 counselling follows for candidates who did not get a seat or wish to upgrade. Free exit (resignation without penalty) from Round 1 is allowed from 17–18 November. Round 2 choice filling is 19 November, with locking by 21 November. Round 2 allotment is 25 November, and document verification runs 27–30 November.

• Seat matrix posted: 21 October 2026
• Registration & application submission: 22–28 October 2026 (11:59 PM)
• Rank card publication: 30 October 2026
• Choice filling & locking: 22–31 October 2026 (11:59 PM)
• Round 1 allotment result: 4 November 2026
• Download allotment order: 4–9 November 2026
• Document verification & admission (Round 1): 6–9 November 2026
• Free exit from Round 1: 17–18 November 2026
• Round 2 choice filling: 19–21 November 2026
• Round 2 allotment: 25 November 2026
• Round 2 document verification: 27–30 November 2026

How to Register: Step-by-Step Online Process

Registration is entirely online via the BCECEB website (bceceboard.bihar.gov.in). Visit the site, click on 'Online Portal of PGMAC-2026', and then 'Apply Online'. You will be guided through seven steps.

**Step 1 (Registration):** Enter your NEET(PG)-2026 Roll Number, full name, and date of birth as they appear on your NEET admit card. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number and email address (the ones you used for NEET registration). Verify the OTP. You will then create a password and receive a PGMAC ID. Keep this ID and password safe — you will need them for all future logins.

**Step 2 (Multi-Step Application Form):** Log in with your PGMAC ID and password. Fill in your personal information (name, address, contact details), educational details (MBBS college, passing year, marks), and other details (category, disability status if applicable, remote service claim if applicable). Upload a high-contrast colour photograph and signature as per the specifications given on the portal.

**Step 3 (Application Preview & Final Submit):** Review all entries. If you find errors, click 'Back to Edit' to correct them. Once satisfied, click 'Final Submit & Proceed to Payment' and give your declaration.

**Step 4 (Payment):** Pay the counselling fee (₹2,200 for all categories) and security deposit (varies by college type and category — see table below) online using Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. A processing charge will be added. Payment is non-refundable.

**Step 5 (Choice Filling):** After successful payment, fill your course and college choices in order of preference. You can edit choices multiple times but must lock them by 31 October 11:59 PM. Locking is done via OTP authentication.

**Step 6 (Download Confirmation):** Download and save your confirmation page and fee receipt for your records.

**Step 7 (Download Choice Slip):** After locking choices, download your choice slip for reference during document verification.

• Visit bceceboard.bihar.gov.in → Online Portal of PGMAC-2026 → Apply Online
• Step 1: Register with NEET roll number, name, DOB; verify OTP; create password; receive PGMAC ID
• Step 2: Fill personal, contact, educational, and other details; upload photo and signature
• Step 3: Review application; correct errors if needed; final submit with declaration
• Step 4: Pay ₹2,200 counselling fee + security deposit online (non-refundable)
• Step 5: Fill course and college choices in preference order; lock by 31 October 11:59 PM
• Step 6: Download confirmation page and fee receipt
• Step 7: Download choice slip after locking
• Do NOT change your registered mobile number or email during the entire counselling process

Counselling Fee & Security Deposit: What You Must Pay

All candidates, regardless of category (Unreserved, SC, ST, EBC, BC, EWS, or Disabled Quota), must pay a non-refundable counselling fee of ₹2,200. This is a one-time payment.

In addition, you must pay a refundable security deposit. The amount depends on the type of college you are applying to and your category. If you are applying to both government and private colleges, you must pay the higher amount (₹2,00,000). The security deposit will be refunded to your bank account after all counselling rounds are complete, provided you either get a seat or do not participate in any round.

If your payment fails but the amount is debited from your account, you must re-pay the full fee to ensure your application is not rejected. Failed transactions will be refunded in due course. Contact the helpdesk (details at the end of this article) if you face payment issues.

• Counselling fee: ₹2,200 (non-refundable, all categories)
• Security deposit for government colleges: ₹25,000 (UR/EWS), ₹12,500 (SC/ST/EBC/BC)
• Security deposit for private colleges: ₹2,00,000 (all categories)
• Security deposit for both govt & private colleges: ₹2,00,000 (all categories)
• Payment method: Online only (Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI)
• Processing charge: Additional charge applies for online payment
• Refund: Security deposit refunded after all counselling rounds end

Reservation & Category Rules: SC, ST, EBC, BC, EWS, RCG, DQ

Bihar's reservation policy applies to government medical college seats. The state reserves seats as follows: SC (16%), ST (1%), EBC (18%), BC (12%), Reserved Category Girls / RCG (3%), and EWS (10%). The remaining 40% are unreserved (UR) seats. Additionally, 5% of seats in each institution are reserved for candidates with disabilities (Disabled Quota / DQ).

To claim a reserved-category seat, you must submit a Residential Certificate and Caste Certificate issued by the Competent Authority (CO or Revenue Officer) of your permanent residence district in Bihar. Certificates issued by any other authority will be rejected. The Residential Certificate must explicitly state that you are a 'permanent resident' of Bihar and include your complete address, letter number, and date of issue. Certificates stating 'resident' or 'temporary resident' will not be accepted.

**Critical:** The caste certificate must be issued based on your father's caste, not your spouse's. Caste certificates based on husband's or wife's caste are not acceptable. Your name spelling in the NEET application must match exactly with your matriculation and other certificates; any difference may lead to rejection or category change at the discretion of the authority.

If you claim a reserved category in your application but the merit list from NEET shows a different category, the merit list category will be treated as final. If you do not mention your category in the application or do not submit proper certificates, you will be treated as Unreserved (UR). Non-residents of Bihar cannot claim reserved-category seats in private colleges; they are eligible only for general (UR) seats in private institutions.

Women candidates: One-third of all seats in each institution are horizontally reserved for women candidates domiciled in Bihar. If no eligible woman candidate is available, these seats are filled by male candidates from the relevant category.

• SC: 16% of seats
• ST: 1% of seats
• EBC (Extremely Backward Caste): 18% of seats
• BC (Backward Caste): 12% of seats
• RCG (Reserved Category Girls): 3% of seats
• EWS (Economically Weaker Section): 10% of seats
• UR (Unreserved): 40% of seats
• DQ (Disabled Quota): 5% of seats in each institution
• Residential Certificate: Must be from CO/Revenue Officer, state 'permanent resident', include complete address, letter no., and date
• Caste Certificate: Must be from CO/Revenue Officer, based on father's caste only
• Name spelling: Must match NEET application, matriculation, and all other certificates exactly
• Non-residents of Bihar: Not eligible for reserved-category seats in private colleges; only UR seats
• Women: 1/3 of seats reserved horizontally for women domiciled in Bihar

Documents Required: Complete Checklist for Document Verification

You must submit original documents and self-attested photocopies at the time of document verification and admission. The prospectus lists 20 documents that may be required depending on your eligibility and claims. Below is the complete checklist. Bring all that apply to you.

**Core documents (required by all):** Residential Certificate, Caste Certificate (if claiming reserved category), College Leaving Certificate, Rotatory Internship Completion Certificate, MBBS Passing Certificate, Mark sheets of MBBS (Parts I, II, III), Medical Registration Certificate, NEET(PG)-2026 Admit Card, and six identical photographs (same as used for NEET admit card).

**Employment-related:** If you are employed, bring a No Objection Certificate from your employer or a relieving certificate. If you have not obtained relieving, bring an undertaking/affidavit that you will resign if selected.

**Special claims:** If you are claiming remote/difficult area service benefit (for incentive marks or diploma remote seats), bring a certificate issued by the Civil Surgeon of your district and countersigned by the District Magistrate, stating your service period in remote areas. If claiming NRI quota, bring your passport, NRI certificate from the Indian embassy/consulate, and a notarised affidavit from your sponsor. If claiming Disabled Quota (DQ), bring a disability certificate from an authorised medical assessment board (list provided in prospectus), UDID card, and affidavit.

**Other:** Matric/10th certificate, EWS certificate (if claiming EWS), and any other certificates supporting your eligibility as mentioned in the prospectus. Upload scanned copies of all documents on the counselling portal before downloading your allotment order. Submit originals at document verification.

• Residential Certificate (from CO/Revenue Officer, permanent resident status)
• Caste Certificate (from CO/Revenue Officer, if claiming reserved category)
• College Leaving Certificate
• Rotatory Internship Completion Certificate
• MBBS Passing Certificate
• Mark sheets of MBBS (Parts I, II, III)
• Medical Registration Certificate (permanent registration)
• NEET(PG)-2026 Admit Card
• Six identical photographs (same as NEET admit card)
• No Objection Certificate from employer (if employed)
• Relieving certificate or undertaking/affidavit (if employed)
• Remote/difficult area service certificate (if claiming incentive marks or diploma remote seat)
• NRI certificate, passport, sponsor's passport, sponsor's NRI certificate, sponsor's affidavit (if claiming NRI quota)
• Disability certificate from authorised medical board, UDID card, affidavit (if claiming DQ)
• Matric/10th certificate
• EWS certificate (if claiming EWS)
• Any other certificates supporting eligibility mentioned in prospectus

Seat Allotment Process: Freeze, Float & Free Exit

After Round 1 allotment is announced on 4 November, you will see your provisional allotment order. You must then decide whether to accept the seat or try for a better one in the next round. Your choice determines your status: **Freeze**, **Float**, or **Free Exit**.

**Freeze candidate:** If you accept your allotted seat and do NOT want to participate in Round 2, you are a Freeze candidate. You must visit the allotted college in person between 6 and 9 November with all original documents for document verification and admission. If you do not complete verification and admission within this period, your seat is cancelled and your security deposit is forfeited.

**Float candidate:** If you accept your allotted seat but DO want to try for a better seat in Round 2 (upgradation), you are a Float candidate. You do NOT need to visit the college physically. Instead, the college will verify your documents online based on the scanned copies you uploaded on the portal. If you are allotted a better seat in Round 2, your Round 1 seat is automatically cancelled.

**Free Exit:** If you do NOT want your Round 1 allotted seat, you can resign without losing your security deposit. You must do this between 17 and 18 November. After free exit, you are eligible for Round 2 counselling. You must fill fresh choices for Round 2 (your Round 1 choices become void).

**Important:** If you are a Freeze candidate and complete admission in Round 1, you cannot participate in Round 2 or any subsequent round. If you are a Float candidate and get allotted a seat in Round 2, you must decide again whether to freeze or float for Round 3 (if it occurs). The process repeats for each round.

• Freeze: Accept seat, do NOT want Round 2; visit college 6–9 Nov for document verification; if not completed, seat cancelled and deposit forfeited
• Float: Accept seat, DO want Round 2 upgradation; college verifies documents online; if better seat in Round 2, Round 1 seat cancelled
• Free Exit: Resign from Round 1 seat without penalty; eligible for Round 2; must fill fresh choices (Round 1 choices void)
• Free exit window: 17–18 November 2026
• If Freeze in Round 1 and admitted: Cannot participate in Round 2 or later
• If Float in Round 1 and allotted in Round 2: Must decide Freeze or Float again for Round 3

Special Provisions: Remote Service, NRI Quota & Disabled Quota

**Remote/Difficult Area Service:** Medical officers working in Bihar government service in remote or difficult areas (as notified by the Health Department) are eligible for special benefits. If you have served for at least 3 years in a notified remote area, you can claim incentive marks (up to 30% weightage) for MD/MS degree courses, or apply for 50% of PG Diploma seats reserved for remote-area doctors. To claim this benefit, upload a certificate from the Civil Surgeon of your district (countersigned by the District Magistrate) at the time of application. Mention your claim in the specified column of the application form; if you do not, your claim will not be entertained. Incentive marks are added to your NEET score only if you are already NEET-qualified; they do not elevate you to a higher category.

**NRI Quota:** Candidates who are Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) or children/wards of NRIs can apply under the NRI quota. To claim NRI status, select 'NRI' at the time of registration and upload the required documents: valid passport, NRI certificate from the Indian embassy/consulate, notarised affidavit from your NRI sponsor stating they will fund your entire course, and relationship verification from a competent revenue authority. All documents must be in English or accompanied by certified English translations. NRI documents are verified before the rank card is published.

**Disabled Quota (DQ):** Candidates with benchmark disabilities (40% or more) are eligible for 5% of seats reserved under the Disabled Quota. To claim DQ, mention your disability in the application form and upload a disability certificate from an authorised medical assessment board (list provided in the prospectus), along with your UDID card and affidavit. The certificate must be in the prescribed format. If any of these three documents is missing, you will not be eligible for DQ. Disability certificates from unauthorised centres will not be accepted, and legal action may be taken against false certificates.

• Remote service: 3+ years in notified remote area; eligible for incentive marks (up to 30%) or 50% diploma remote seats
• Remote service certificate: From Civil Surgeon (district), countersigned by District Magistrate
• Remote service claim: Must be mentioned in application form; if not, claim not entertained
• Incentive marks: Added only to NEET-qualified candidates; do not change category
• NRI quota: For NRIs and children/wards of NRIs
• NRI documents: Valid passport, NRI certificate (embassy/consulate), sponsor's notarised affidavit, relationship verification
• NRI documents: Must be in English or with certified English translation
• NRI verification: Done before rank card publication
• Disabled Quota: 5% of seats; for candidates with 40%+ benchmark disability
• DQ certificate: From authorised medical assessment board only; must be in prescribed format
• DQ documents required: Disability certificate, UDID card, affidavit; all three mandatory
• False DQ certificates: Legal action will be taken

Common Mistakes That Get Applications Rejected

**Name mismatch:** Your name in the NEET application must match exactly with your matriculation, MBBS certificates, and other documents. Even a spelling difference (e.g., 'Raj' vs 'Rajesh', or 'Singh' vs 'Sinha') can lead to rejection. Check all documents before applying.

**Wrong certificate type:** Residential and Caste certificates must be issued by the Competent Authority (CO or Revenue Officer) of your permanent residence district. Certificates from any other authority (e.g., Gram Panchayat, Tehsildar, or private notary) will be rejected. Similarly, caste certificates based on your spouse's caste (not your father's) are not acceptable.

**Incomplete or vague Residential Certificate:** The certificate must explicitly state that you are a 'permanent resident' of Bihar. Certificates saying 'resident' or 'temporary resident' will not be accepted. The certificate must include your complete address, letter number, and date of issue.

**Missing or incomplete documents at verification:** If you do not upload all required documents on the portal before downloading your allotment order, or if uploaded documents are blurred, corrupted, or incomplete, your allotment will be cancelled during online document verification. You will be notified via SMS/email to re-upload corrected documents within the given time; if you do not, a discrepancy is generated and your seat is cancelled.

**Not locking choices by deadline:** If you fill choices but do not lock them by 31 October 11:59 PM, they will be automatically locked after the deadline. However, if you make an error and do not lock in time, you cannot change them. Always lock your choices well before the deadline.

**Changing mobile number or email:** The prospectus explicitly warns: do NOT change your registered mobile number or email address during the entire counselling process. If you do, you will not receive OTPs, allotment notifications, or important updates, and your application may be rejected.

**Not paying the full fee:** If your payment fails but the amount is debited, you must re-pay immediately. If your required counselling fee and security deposit do not reflect in the board's account by the deadline, your application will be rejected.

**Claiming category without proper certificates:** If you claim SC/ST/EBC/BC but do not submit proper Residential and Caste certificates, or if the certificates are from the wrong authority, you will be treated as Unreserved (UR). You cannot change your category after application submission.

**Not mentioning remote service or special claims in the application:** If you are eligible for remote service incentive marks or NRI quota but do not mention it in the specified column of the application form, your claim will not be entertained, even if you upload supporting documents.

**Submitting false or forged documents:** Submitting incorrect, false, or forged documents (especially disability certificates) can lead to rejection of your candidature, cancellation of admission, and legal action.

• ⚠️ Name spelling must match NEET application, matriculation, and all certificates exactly
• ⚠️ Residential and Caste certificates must be from CO/Revenue Officer only
• ⚠️ Residential Certificate must state 'permanent resident', not 'resident' or 'temporary resident'
• ⚠️ Caste certificate must be based on father's caste, not spouse's
• ⚠️ Upload all required documents on portal before downloading allotment order
• ⚠️ Uploaded documents must be clear, complete, and not corrupted
• ⚠️ Lock choices by 31 October 11:59 PM; cannot change after deadline
• ⚠️ Do NOT change registered mobile number or email during counselling
• ⚠️ Pay full counselling fee and security deposit by deadline; re-pay if payment fails
• ⚠️ Claim reserved category only if you have proper certificates; otherwise treated as UR
• ⚠️ Mention remote service, NRI, or DQ claims in the specified column of application form
• ⚠️ Do not submit false, forged, or incomplete documents; legal action will be taken

Available Seats: Government & Private Colleges

The prospectus includes detailed seat matrices for all participating government and private medical colleges in Bihar. Government colleges offer seats in MD, MS, PG Diploma, and DNB (Degree and Diploma) courses. Private colleges offer MD/MS seats only. The total number of seats available varies by college and course.

**Government colleges participating:** Patna Medical College, Darbhanga Medical College, A.N.M. Medical College (Gaya), I.G.I.M.S. (Patna), N.M.C. (Patna), S.K.M.C. (Muzaffarpur), J.L.N.M.C. (Bhagalpur), BMIMS (Pawapuri), G.M.C. (Bettiah), and others.

**Private colleges participating:** Katihar Medical College, MGM Medical College (Kishanganj), N.M.C. & Hospital (Rohtas), Madhubani Medical College, Netaji Subhas Medical College (Bihta), Lord Buddha Koshi Medical College (Saharsa), RDJM Medical College (Muzaffarpur), Shri Narayan Medical Institute (Saharsa), and others.

The seat matrix will be posted on 21 October on the board's website. Candidates are advised to check the matrix carefully to understand the number of seats available in their preferred courses and colleges. Note that the state government reserves the right to add new institutions or increase seat numbers if approved by the National Medical Commission; any such changes will be communicated at the time of choice filling.

• Government colleges: MD, MS, PG Diploma, DNB (Degree & Diploma)
• Private colleges: MD/MS only
• Seat matrix posted: 21 October 2026 on bceceboard.bihar.gov.in
• Seats vary by college, course, and category
• State reserves right to add institutions or increase seats if approved by NMC
• Changes communicated at time of choice filling

Contact & Support: Helpdesk & Website

For any queries or technical issues during registration, application, or counselling, contact the BCECEB helpdesk. The board's website is bceceboard.bihar.gov.in. You can also email the helpdesk or call the phone number provided below. For payment-related issues, contact the payment gateway provider (Billdesk or ICICI Bank) using the email addresses listed.

Keep checking the board's website regularly for updates, notifications, and any changes to the schedule. All important announcements will be posted there. Candidates are advised to download and save all documents (confirmation page, fee receipt, choice slip, allotment order) for their records.

• Website: https://bceceboard.bihar.gov.in
• Helpdesk email: helpdesk.bceceboard@bihar.gov.in
• Helpdesk phone: 0612-2220230
• Payment issues (Billdesk): bangalorepgsd@billdesk.com
• Payment issues (ICICI Bank): cmssupport@icici.bank.in
• Check website regularly for updates and announcements
• Download and save all documents for your records

Frequently asked questions

Registration for PGMAC-2026 opens 22 October 2026. Visit bceceboard.bihar.gov.in, click 'Online Portal of PGMAC-2026', and register with your NEET roll number, name, and date of birth. Complete your application, pay the counselling fee (₹2,200) and security deposit, and lock your course and college choices by 31 October 11:59 PM. Download your rank card on 30 October and your allotment order on 4 November. Attend document verification at your allotted college between 6 and 9 November. For any queries, contact the BCECEB helpdesk at 0612-2220230 or helpdesk.bceceboard@bihar.gov.in. Do not delay — the deadline is strict, and late applications will not be accepted.