Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 Counselling: CAP Round 1 Choice-Filling Dates and What Aspirants Must Do Now

If you're a NEET UG 2026 candidate hoping for an MBBS or BDS seat in Maharashtra, the state's counselling body has just opened the choice-filling window for the first round of the Centralised Admission Process (CAP). This is the stage where you list, in order of preference, the colleges and courses you're willing to accept — and getting this list right has a direct bearing on which seat you finally get. The Maharashtra CET Cell revised its earlier counselling timeline, pushing key milestones like the final merit list, choice filling, and seat allotment to new dates. Every candidate on the revised eligible merit list needs to log in and submit preferences within the given window, because only choices locked in during this period will be used for Round 1 allotment. Missing this step, or filling it carelessly, can cost you a good seat even if your NEET rank is competitive.

Revised Maharashtra CAP Round 1 Schedule

The Maharashtra CET Cell pushed back several dates in its NEET UG 2026 counselling calendar for admissions to the 2026-27 MBBS and BDS batch. Candidates should track these dates closely since counselling schedules in state processes can shift again if there are large-scale grievances or court directions.

How the Online Choice-Filling Actually Works

Choice filling is not the same as applying to a college directly — it is an ordered wishlist of course-college combinations that you submit on the official Maharashtra NEET UG counselling portal. The seat allotment software then matches this list against your NEET rank, category, and seat availability to allot the best possible option from your list.

• Log in to the official portal using your NEET UG counselling registration credentials.
• Go to the online choice/preference filling section for CAP Round 1.
• Browse and select the courses (MBBS or BDS) and colleges you are interested in.
• Arrange your selected options in the exact order you prefer them — this order matters and cannot be assumed neutral.
• Review the full list carefully before final submission; errors are hard to correct after the deadline.
• Lock and submit your preferences within the window, and download a confirmation copy for your records.

Documents You Should Have Ready Before Joining

Choice filling itself does not require document upload, but once you're allotted a seat on August 30 and proceed to physical joining between August 31 and September 4, you will need to carry originals and copies of several documents. Keeping these organised now avoids last-minute stress during the short joining window.

• NEET UG 2026 scorecard and admit card
• Maharashtra NEET UG counselling registration proof
• Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets/certificates
• Valid photo identity proof
• Domicile certificate, where applicable
• Caste, category and Non-Creamy Layer certificates, where applicable
• Medical fitness certificate
• Passport-size photographs
• Any additional document the CET Cell specifies before reporting

Practical Tips for Ordering Your Preferences

Many candidates lose a better seat simply because of a poorly ordered choice list, not because of their rank. A few habits help avoid regret after Round 1 results are out.

Remember that Maharashtra's CAP has multiple rounds after Round 1, so this first list does not have to be your only chance — but a well-thought-out list now increases the odds of settling early and reduces the anxiety of chasing upgrades later.

• List every college-course combination you would genuinely accept, even 'backup' options — an unlisted choice simply cannot be allotted.
• Put your most preferred combination first; the software allots the highest-ranked available choice on your list, not the 'safest' one.
• Don't leave out affordable government or grant-in-aid colleges just because a private college seems more familiar — fee differences across Maharashtra colleges can be substantial.
• Cross-check eligibility conditions (domicile, category reservation) for each college before adding it to your list.
• Save a screenshot or downloaded copy of your final submitted list as proof.

What Happens After Round 1 Allotment

Candidates who receive a seat in the August 30 allotment result must report and complete physical joining formalities at the allotted college within the specified window ending September 4. Those who are not allotted a seat, or who wish to try for an upgrade, typically get another opportunity in subsequent CAP rounds, based on how the CET Cell structures the rest of the 2026-27 admission cycle.

Frequently asked questions

If you're on the Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 merit list, log in to the official CET Cell portal well before August 29, 5:30 PM, and finalise your preference order after checking eligibility and fee details for each college. Keep your documents ready in advance so the short joining window after allotment doesn't catch you unprepared.