NEET PG 2026 AIQ Counselling Schedule: Registration Opens Oct 12

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has announced the official counselling schedule for NEET PG 2026, covering 50 per cent of All India Quota (AIQ) seats in MD and MS programmes. The schedule, released on 7 October 2026, outlines the timeline for registration, choice-filling, and seat allotment across multiple rounds. For MBBS graduates preparing to enter postgraduate medical training, this calendar is critical: it determines when you can register, lock your college and branch preferences, and when you will learn your allotted seat. Understanding these dates and deadlines now will help you plan your documentation, fee payment, and decision-making process.

What the MCC Schedule Covers

The MCC counselling process for NEET PG 2026 will allocate 50 per cent of postgraduate seats across MD and MS specialities. These seats span central universities, deemed universities, and Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) institutions. The remaining 50 per cent of seats are managed by individual state governments and are not part of this MCC-led process.

This AIQ (All India Quota) counselling is the primary pathway through which MBBS graduates across India compete for postgraduate positions on a national level. Unlike state-quota seats, which prioritise candidates from that state, AIQ seats are open to all NEET PG-qualified doctors regardless of their undergraduate college location or state of origin.

Round 1 Registration and Choice-Filling Timeline

Round 1 registration will begin on 12 October 2026. During this window, you must create your counselling account, verify your NEET PG score and eligibility, and complete any required fee payment. The exact closing date for registration has not been specified in the schedule, so check mcc.nic.in regularly for the full timeline.

Choice-filling—the process of ranking your preferred colleges and specialities in order of preference—will start on 13 October 2026. This is a critical step: the order in which you list your choices directly influences which seat you receive. You should research colleges, specialities, and placement outcomes before this date so you can make informed decisions quickly.

Seat Allotment and Result Declaration

The Round 1 seat allotment result is scheduled for 24 October 2026. On this date, MCC will release the list of candidates and their allotted seats based on your NEET PG rank, your choice order, and the availability of seats in each college and speciality. You will be able to view your allotment on the MCC portal.

After allotment, you will typically have a window to accept or reject your seat, and to pay the admission fee to secure your position. Subsequent rounds (Round 2, stray vacancy round, etc.) will follow if you do not accept a Round 1 seat or if seats remain unfilled. The exact dates for these later rounds have not yet been released.

How This Affects Your NEET PG Journey

If you have cleared NEET PG 2026 and are eligible for counselling, this schedule is your roadmap for the next two months. Unlike the exam itself, which has a fixed date, counselling involves multiple deadlines that you must meet to secure a seat. Missing a registration deadline or choice-filling window can result in forfeiture of your opportunity in that round.

The compressed timeline—from registration on 12 October to allotment on 24 October—means you have roughly two weeks to complete all steps. This is why preparation before registration opens is essential. Gather your documents (NEET PG admit card, score card, degree certificate, identity proof, etc.), confirm your fee payment method, and research your preferred colleges and specialities in advance.

Documents and Fees You Will Need

To register for NEET PG 2026 counselling, you will need your NEET PG admit card, score card, MBBS degree certificate (or provisional certificate if your degree is not yet formally awarded), and a valid identity proof (Aadhaar, passport, or PAN). Some candidates may also need to upload caste certificates if they are applying under reserved categories.

MCC will charge a counselling registration fee, typically in the range of ₹500–₹1,000, depending on your category. This is separate from the admission fee you will pay after your seat is allotted. Ensure you have a valid payment method (debit card, credit card, or net banking) ready before registration opens.

State Quota Seats and Parallel Counselling

While MCC manages the 50 per cent AIQ counselling, the remaining 50 per cent of postgraduate seats are allocated by individual state medical authorities. Many states conduct their own counselling in parallel with or after the MCC process. If you are eligible for state-quota seats in your home state, you may be able to participate in both MCC and state counselling simultaneously.

However, once you accept a seat in one counselling process, you are typically locked into that seat and cannot participate further in other processes. Plan carefully: if you receive a desirable AIQ seat in MCC Round 1, accepting it will prevent you from competing in state counselling. Conversely, if you are waiting for a state-quota seat, you may choose to skip MCC rounds and focus on state counselling. Understand your state's rules and your own priorities before making this choice.

What to Do Before Registration Opens

Start by verifying your NEET PG score and eligibility status on the official NBEMS (National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences) portal. Ensure your score card has been downloaded and saved. Collect all required documents and make digital copies (PDF or JPG format) so you can upload them quickly during registration.

Research postgraduate programmes and colleges. Visit college websites, read reviews from current residents, check placement data, and understand the stipend and bond terms for each speciality. Create a shortlist of your top 10–15 choices ranked by your preference. This preparation will allow you to complete choice-filling efficiently and thoughtfully once the window opens.

Key Dates at a Glance

Here is a summary of the confirmed dates from the MCC schedule:

• Round 1 registration begins: 12 October 2026
• Choice-filling begins: 13 October 2026
• Round 1 seat allotment result: 24 October 2026
• Dates for Round 2 and subsequent rounds: to be announced

Frequently asked questions

Mark 12 October 2026 on your calendar and begin preparing your documents, fee payment method, and college research now. The counselling process moves quickly, and timely action is essential to secure your postgraduate seat. Stay updated on mcc.nic.in for any changes or additional round schedules.