The Directorate of Medical Education (DME), Madhya Pradesh, has released a comprehensive FAQ document addressing the most common questions candidates face during NEET PG 2026 counselling. This official clarification covers critical topics: who is eligible for NRI quota seats, how much you must pay at each counselling round, whether you can participate in later rounds if you don't get a seat in Round 1, what happens if you upgrade to a different college, and the exact process for registration, choice-filling, and seat allotment. These answers directly affect your admission strategy and your ability to secure a postgraduate medical seat in Madhya Pradesh. Read this carefully—missing a single rule can cost you your seat or lock you out of future rounds.
NRI quota seats in private colleges have NO social reservation; all candidates must pay ₹100 portal fee per round plus category-specific advance fees (₹25,000–₹10 lakh) to participate in choice-filling; if you don't get a seat in Round 1 or 2, you remain eligible for later rounds, but if you accept a seat and then don't join, you are locked out of all future rounds.
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Unlock My College ListWho Is Eligible for NRI Quota Seats in Private Medical Colleges?
NRI quota seats are available only in private medical colleges recognised by the state. To be eligible, you must score at least the minimum percentile set by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) in NEET PG 2026. Beyond that, you must also satisfy the eligibility criteria laid out in Rule 2(b) of the Madhya Pradesh Medical Education Admission Rules 2018, as published in the state gazette on 9 March 2018 (and all amendments since).
The key point: your NEET PG score and percentile are the primary gates. If you meet the minimum, you are eligible to apply for NRI quota seats. The state rules add additional conditions—read them carefully before registering.
- Minimum NEET PG 2026 percentile/score is mandatory
- Must comply with Madhya Pradesh Medical Education Admission Rules 2018, Rule 2(b)
- Eligibility applies to private medical colleges only
Can NRI Quota Candidates Also Apply for Open (Unreserved) Seats?
Yes. An NRI quota candidate is not restricted to NRI seats alone. You can also apply for open (unreserved) seats based on your merit and score. This means you have two pathways: compete for NRI quota seats in private colleges, or compete for open seats in any eligible college (government or private). Your eligibility and merit determine which seats you can fill in your choice list.
- NRI candidates are eligible for both NRI quota seats AND open unreserved seats
- Choice of seat depends on your merit and the seat availability in each category
Is Social Reservation Applied to NRI Quota Seats?
No. Social reservation (SC/ST/OBC) does NOT apply to NRI quota seats. All NRI quota seats are filled on merit alone, regardless of your social category. This is a critical distinction: if you belong to a reserved category (SC/ST/OBC) and are applying for NRI seats, you will be ranked purely on your NEET PG score, not given any reservation benefit. However, you can still apply for open seats where social reservation may apply.
- NRI quota seats: NO social reservation—merit-based only
- Open seats: social reservation rules apply (if applicable)
Do NRI Candidates Need Separate Registration for NRI Quota Seats?
No. You register only once. A single registration covers both NRI quota seats and open seats. You do not need to fill out separate forms or register multiple times. During choice-filling, you will indicate which seats (NRI quota, open, or both) you wish to apply for, and the system will process your application accordingly.
- One registration for all seat categories
- No separate NRI registration required
Do MBBS Graduates from MP-Recognised Colleges Get Priority in Round 1?
Yes, but only in Round 1. If you are an NRI candidate who graduated from an MBBS college recognised by the state (via NMC), you get priority in Round 1 choice-filling—only MBBS graduates from MP colleges can fill choices in Round 1. In Round 2 and later rounds, MBBS graduates from colleges outside MP can also participate and fill choices. This priority is designed to give local graduates a first opportunity.
- Round 1: only MBBS graduates from MP colleges can fill choices
- Round 2 onwards: MBBS graduates from any state can fill choices
Choice-Filling Fees: What You Must Pay at Each Round
You must pay a portal fee of ₹100 at the time of choice-filling in every round. This is non-refundable. In addition, depending on the type of college and your category, you must pay an advance fee (also called security deposit) before you can fill choices. These advance fees are substantial and vary by round and college type.
For Round 2 (second counselling round), the advance fees are: (i) Government colleges—₹25,000 for unreserved candidates and ₹12,500 for reserved candidates; (ii) Private colleges—₹2,00,000 (two lakh); (iii) NRI candidates—₹10,00,000 (ten lakh). For the Mop-Up round, all candidates pay ₹2,00,000 and NRI candidates pay ₹10,00,000. These fees are adjusted against your total academic fees at the college if you are allotted a seat. If you are not allotted a seat, the advance fee is refunded (with deductions as per rules). If you are allotted a seat but do not join, the advance fee is forfeited.
Important: the advance fee is mandatory to participate in choice-filling. Without payment, your choices will not be processed. Plan your finances accordingly.
- Portal fee: ₹100 per round (non-refundable)
- Round 2 advance fees: Government unreserved ₹25,000 | Government reserved ₹12,500 | Private ₹2,00,000 | NRI ₹10,00,000
- Mop-Up round advance fees: All candidates ₹2,00,000 | NRI ₹10,00,000
- Advance fee is adjusted against academic fees if you join; refunded (with deductions) if not allotted; forfeited if allotted but don't join
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Official round-wise closing ranks with fee and stipend, matched to your rank.
| Round / Category | Government Unreserved | Government Reserved | Private | NRI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round 2 (Second Counselling) | ₹25,000 | ₹12,500 | ₹2,00,000 | ₹10,00,000 |
| Mop-Up Round | ₹2,00,000 | ₹2,00,000 | ₹2,00,000 | ₹10,00,000 |
Registration Timing: When Must You Register?
Registration happens at specific times: before Round 1, after Round 2, and before the Mop-Up round. You do not register before every round. The exact dates will be published in the counselling schedule. Register during the window specified for each phase. Missing the registration window means you cannot participate in that round.
- Registration before Round 1
- Registration after Round 2 (before Mop-Up)
- Check the official schedule for exact dates
EWS Category Candidates: How to Update Your Category During Registration
If you were assigned 'Unreserved (UR)' category in NEET PG 2026 but you are eligible for EWS (Economically Weaker Section), you can change your category during online registration. At the time of registration, select EWS instead of UR. You must upload an EWS certificate issued by a competent authority of Madhya Pradesh for the financial year 2025–26. This certificate is mandatory and must be uploaded during registration; without it, your EWS claim will not be processed. After registration, you cannot change your category again.
- Change category from UR to EWS during registration only
- EWS certificate from MP competent authority for FY 2025–26 is mandatory
- Upload certificate during online registration
- No category change allowed after registration
What Happens If You Don't Get a Seat in Round 1?
If no seat is allotted to you in Round 1, you remain eligible for all subsequent rounds (Round 2, Mop-Up, etc.). You do not lose your candidacy. You will be invited to participate in the next round's choice-filling and allotment process. Your NEET PG score and merit remain valid throughout the counselling.
- No seat in Round 1 = eligible for Round 2 and later
- Your merit and score carry forward
What If You Accept a Seat in Round 1 but Don't Join?
If a seat is allotted to you in Round 1 and you accept it (take admission), but then do not join the college, you are locked out of all future rounds. You cannot participate in Round 2, Mop-Up, or any subsequent counselling. Additionally, the advance fee you paid is forfeited. This is a strict rule: accepting a seat is a commitment. Do not accept a seat unless you are certain you will join.
- Accepted seat in Round 1 + no joining = ineligible for all future rounds
- Advance fee is forfeited
- Think carefully before accepting a seat
Upgradation: What Happens If You Choose to Upgrade in Round 2?
Upgradation means moving from your Round 1 seat to a different (usually better) college or specialty in Round 2. At the time of joining after Round 1, you will be asked whether you want to upgrade in Round 2. If you say 'Yes', you can participate in Round 2 choice-filling and potentially move to a different seat. If you say 'No', you stay in your Round 1 seat and do not participate in Round 2.
Critical rule: If you choose to upgrade and a new seat is allotted to you in Round 2, your Round 1 seat is automatically cancelled. You must join the new college. If you do not join the new college, you lose both seats and are locked out of future rounds. If you choose to upgrade but no new seat is allotted in Round 2, your Round 1 seat remains yours and you keep it. If you were allotted a seat in Round 1 from a college in MP and you upgrade, you must complete the joining process at the new college (if allotted); if you were allotted from outside MP, the same rule applies.
- Upgradation option given at Round 1 joining time
- If you upgrade and get a new seat in Round 2, your Round 1 seat is cancelled
- You must join the new seat; if you don't, you lose both seats and are locked out
- If you upgrade but get no new seat, your Round 1 seat is safe
- If you don't upgrade, you stay in Round 1 seat and don't participate in Round 2
What If You Accept a Seat in Round 2 but Don't Join?
If a seat is allotted to you in Round 2 and you accept it, but then do not join, you are ineligible for all future rounds (Mop-Up and beyond). The advance fee you paid for Round 2 is forfeited. Additionally, if you had accepted a seat in Round 1 and then upgraded to Round 2, your Round 1 seat is already cancelled, so you have no fallback. This is why upgradation is a high-stakes decision: only upgrade if you are confident you will join a new seat if allotted.
- Accepted seat in Round 2 + no joining = ineligible for Mop-Up and future rounds
- Advance fee is forfeited
- If you upgraded from Round 1, your old seat is gone
Can You Withdraw from a Round 1 Seat and Still Participate in Later Rounds?
Yes, but only if you withdraw BEFORE Round 2 begins. Specifically, if you withdraw (submit a resignation letter) from your Round 1 seat at least 2 days before Round 2 counselling starts, you remain eligible for Round 2 and later rounds. However, if you withdraw from a Round 2 or Mop-Up seat, you are ineligible for any subsequent rounds. The key is timing: withdraw early (before the next round begins) and you stay in the game; withdraw late and you are out.
- Withdraw from Round 1 seat at least 2 days before Round 2 starts = eligible for Round 2
- Withdraw from Round 2 or Mop-Up seat = ineligible for future rounds
- Timing is critical
Refund of Advance Fees: How Much Do You Get Back?
If you withdraw from a Round 1 seat at least 2 days before Round 2 starts, 10% of your advance fee is deducted and the remaining 90% is refunded (maximum deduction ₹10,000). If you are an NRI candidate and withdraw within the same timeframe, ₹25,000 is deducted and the rest is refunded. If you do not get a seat in any round, your advance fee is refunded in full (minus any applicable deductions per the admission rules). If you are allotted a seat but do not join, the advance fee is forfeited entirely.
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- Withdraw from Round 1 before Round 2: 10% deducted (max ₹10,000), 90% refunded
- NRI withdraw: ₹25,000 deducted, rest refunded
- No seat allotted: full refund (minus rule-based deductions)
- Allotted but don't join: fee forfeited
Eligibility for Round 2 Counselling
To participate in Round 2, you must be registered and fall into one of these categories: (i) You did not get a seat in Round 1; (ii) You are a newly registered candidate (registering for the first time in Round 2); (iii) You were allotted a seat in Round 1 or 2 but chose to upgrade and are now participating in Round 2 with the upgradation option. If you were allotted a seat in Round 1 and accepted it without choosing to upgrade, you cannot participate in Round 2.
- No seat in Round 1 = eligible for Round 2
- Newly registered = eligible for Round 2
- Allotted in Round 1 + chose to upgrade = eligible for Round 2
- Allotted in Round 1 + did not choose to upgrade = NOT eligible for Round 2
Eligibility for Mop-Up Round
The Mop-Up round is the final round. You are eligible if: (i) You did not get a seat in Round 1 or Round 2; (ii) You are a newly registered candidate; (iii) You were allotted a seat in Round 1 or 2 but chose to upgrade and are now participating in Mop-Up with the upgradation option. If you accepted a seat in Round 1 or Round 2 without upgrading, or if you accepted a seat and then withdrew after the deadline, you are ineligible for Mop-Up.
- No seat in Round 1 or 2 = eligible for Mop-Up
- Newly registered = eligible for Mop-Up
- Allotted + upgraded = eligible for Mop-Up
- Accepted seat without upgrade = NOT eligible for Mop-Up
Choice-Filling: Minimum and Maximum Choices
You must fill at least one choice (college/specialty combination). There is no upper limit—you can fill as many choices as you wish. After you submit your choices, the system locks them. You cannot change your choices after locking. Make sure you review your choices carefully before locking.
- Minimum: 1 choice (mandatory)
- Maximum: unlimited
- Lock your choices carefully—no changes after locking
Can You Choose to Upgrade (Better Seat) in Later Rounds?
Yes. If you are allotted a seat in Round 1 and you chose the upgradation option at joining time, you can participate in Round 2 choice-filling and try to move to a better college or specialty. Similarly, if you are allotted in Round 2 and chose to upgrade, you can participate in Mop-Up. The upgradation option is available at the time of joining at the college (after allotment). You will be asked 'Yes' or 'No'—choose 'Yes' if you want to try for a better seat in the next round. Your choice can be edited in your candidate login until the deadline for that round.
- Upgradation option offered at joining time after each round
- Choose 'Yes' to participate in the next round
- You can edit your choice via candidate login until the deadline
Out-of-State MBBS Graduates: When Can They Apply?
In Round 1, only MBBS graduates from colleges in Madhya Pradesh (recognised by NMC) can fill choices. Out-of-state MBBS graduates are not eligible in Round 1. From Round 2 onwards, MBBS graduates from any state can participate and fill choices. Additionally, for private colleges' 50% non-institutional seats, out-of-state MBBS graduates can apply in Round 1 if they meet the merit criteria. For institutional quota seats in private colleges, out-of-state MBBS graduates are eligible only if there are no in-state candidates available (merit-wise).
- Round 1: only MP MBBS graduates can fill choices (general)
- Round 1: out-of-state graduates eligible for private college non-institutional seats (50%)
- Round 2 onwards: all MBBS graduates (any state) can fill choices
- Institutional quota: out-of-state eligible only if in-state candidates unavailable
What to Do After You Are Allotted a Seat
After allotment, you will receive an allotment order with a list of required documents (Annexure 3 / Form 1). You must collect these documents and go to the allotted college in person to complete the joining process. The joining must be done within the time limit specified in the admission rules (Rule 10 of the Madhya Pradesh Medical Education Admission Rules 2018). At the college, your documents will be verified. Once verified and you have paid the full academic fees online, your admission is complete. Do not delay—missing the joining deadline can result in cancellation of your seat.
- Collect all documents listed in the allotment order
- Go to the allotted college in person
- Complete joining within the specified time limit
- Pay full academic fees online after document verification
- Missing the deadline = seat cancellation
Online Registration and Choice-Filling: Where and How
All registration and choice-filling is done online via the MP Online portal (dme.mponline.gov.in). You do not need to visit the college or any office for registration or choice-filling. You can complete both processes from any location with internet access. However, you must be present at the college in person for the joining process (after allotment). For detailed instructions and updates, visit the official website of the Directorate of Medical Education: www.medicaleducation.mp.gov.in. Stay in regular contact with both the MP Online portal and the DME website for announcements and schedule updates.
- Registration: online via dme.mponline.gov.in
- Choice-filling: online via dme.mponline.gov.in
- Joining: in person at the allotted college
- Check www.medicaleducation.mp.gov.in for updates and instructions
Online Payment (RTGS/NEFT): How to Pay Your Advance Fee
You will pay your advance fee online via RTGS or NEFT through your candidate login on the MP Online portal. The system will generate a challan (payment slip) for the exact amount you are paying. If you are paying the full amount in one transaction, generate one challan for the full amount. If you are paying in multiple transactions (e.g., ₹30 lakh in three payments of ₹10 lakh each), generate a separate challan for each transaction amount. The total of all challan amounts must equal the full advance fee. Do not pay more or less than the required amount in a single transaction; if you do, you will need to generate a new challan for the remaining balance.
- Generate challan via candidate login for the exact amount you are paying
- One transaction = one challan
- Multiple transactions = multiple challans (one per transaction)
- Total of all challans must equal the full advance fee
- Example: ₹30 lakh total = three challans of ₹10 lakh each
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
I am an NRI candidate. Do I need to register separately for NRI quota seats?
No. You register only once. A single registration covers both NRI quota seats and open seats. During choice-filling, you indicate which seats you wish to apply for, and the system processes your application accordingly.
I got a seat in Round 1 but I want to try for a better college in Round 2. What should I do?
At the time of joining after Round 1, you will be asked whether you want to upgrade in Round 2. Choose 'Yes' if you want to participate in Round 2 choice-filling. If you are allotted a new seat in Round 2, your Round 1 seat is automatically cancelled and you must join the new college. If you don't get a new seat in Round 2, your Round 1 seat remains yours.
I accepted a seat in Round 1 but now I don't want to join. Can I participate in Round 2?
No. If you accept a seat in Round 1 and do not join, you are locked out of all future rounds (Round 2, Mop-Up, etc.). Your advance fee is also forfeited. Do not accept a seat unless you are certain you will join.
How much advance fee do I need to pay for Round 2 choice-filling?
It depends on your category and the type of college: Government unreserved ₹25,000 | Government reserved ₹12,500 | Private ₹2,00,000 | NRI ₹10,00,000. This fee is mandatory to participate in choice-filling. It is adjusted against your academic fees if you join; refunded (with deductions) if you don't get a seat; forfeited if you get a seat but don't join.
I am an EWS candidate but NEET PG assigned me UR category. Can I change it?
Yes. During online registration, you can change your category from UR to EWS. You must upload an EWS certificate issued by a competent authority of Madhya Pradesh for the financial year 2025–26. This certificate is mandatory. After registration, you cannot change your category again.
I did not get a seat in Round 1. Am I eligible for Round 2?
Yes. If you did not get a seat in Round 1, you remain eligible for Round 2 and all subsequent rounds. Your NEET PG score and merit carry forward. You will be invited to participate in the next round's choice-filling and allotment.
Can I withdraw from my Round 1 seat and still participate in Round 2?
Yes, but only if you withdraw at least 2 days before Round 2 counselling starts. If you do, 10% of your advance fee (max ₹10,000) is deducted and the rest is refunded. If you withdraw after that deadline, you are ineligible for Round 2 and all future rounds.
I am an MBBS graduate from outside Madhya Pradesh. Can I apply in Round 1?
In Round 1, only MBBS graduates from colleges in Madhya Pradesh can fill choices. However, you can apply for private colleges' 50% non-institutional seats in Round 1 if you meet the merit criteria. From Round 2 onwards, MBBS graduates from any state can participate.
What is the minimum and maximum number of choices I can fill?
You must fill at least one choice (mandatory). There is no upper limit—you can fill as many choices as you wish. After you lock your choices, you cannot change them, so review carefully before locking.
How do I pay my advance fee online? Can I pay in multiple transactions?
You pay via RTGS/NEFT through your candidate login on the MP Online portal. The system generates a challan for each transaction. If you are paying in multiple transactions, generate a separate challan for each amount. The total of all challans must equal your full advance fee. For example, if you owe ₹30 lakh, you can pay ₹10 lakh three times, generating three separate challans.
Is social reservation applied to NRI quota seats?
No. NRI quota seats are filled on merit alone. Social reservation (SC/ST/OBC) does not apply. If you belong to a reserved category and apply for NRI seats, you will be ranked purely on your NEET PG score.
After I am allotted a seat, what do I need to do?
You will receive an allotment order with a list of required documents. Collect all documents and go to the allotted college in person to complete the joining process. Your documents will be verified, and you must pay the full academic fees online. Joining must be completed within the time limit specified in the admission rules. Missing the deadline results in seat cancellation.
This FAQ document is your roadmap through MP NEET PG 2026 counselling. The rules around upgradation, seat acceptance, and withdrawal are strict—one wrong move can lock you out of future rounds. Before you register, understand the fees you must pay at each stage and the consequences of accepting or rejecting a seat. For the latest schedule, detailed instructions, and any updates, visit dme.mponline.gov.in and www.medicaleducation.mp.gov.in regularly. If you have questions not covered here, contact the Directorate of Medical Education, Madhya Pradesh, directly.
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