The Medical Counselling Committee has announced the complete counselling schedule for NEET PG 2026, covering 50% All India Quota (AIQ) seats in MD and MS programmes across central universities, deemed universities, and Armed Forces Medical Services institutions. The schedule spans four main counselling rounds plus a stray vacancy round, with registration beginning in mid-October. This timeline is critical for every NEET PG-qualified doctor planning their postgraduate admission journey, as missing any deadline can result in forfeiture of your seat.
NEET PG 2026 counselling for 50% AIQ MD/MS seats begins with Round 1 registration on October 12, with seat allotment on October 24; four rounds plus stray vacancy follow through December.
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Unlock My College ListWhen Does NEET PG 2026 Counselling Start and What Are the Key Dates?
The Medical Counselling Committee released the official counselling schedule on October 7, 2026. Round 1 counselling will commence with seat matrix verification from October 10 to 12. This verification step ensures that the seat inventory across all participating institutions is accurate and ready for allocation.
Registration and payment of the counselling fee will open on October 12 and close on October 21. Candidates must complete both registration and fee payment within this window to remain eligible for Round 1. Choice filling—the process of ranking your preferred colleges and specialities—will run from October 13 to October 22, overlapping with the registration period to allow flexibility.
The Round 1 seat allotment result will be declared on October 24. Selected candidates must then report to their allotted colleges between October 26 and November 2. This reporting period is mandatory; failure to report within the stipulated dates may result in forfeiture of your allocated seat.
Complete Round-Wise Counselling Timeline for MD/MS Seats
The MCC has structured the counselling into four main rounds plus a stray vacancy round to accommodate all eligible candidates and fill remaining seats progressively. Each round follows a similar structure: seat matrix verification, registration and payment, choice filling, seat allotment, and reporting.
Round 2 begins with seat matrix verification on November 6–7, followed by registration and payment from November 6–11 and choice filling from November 7–12. The Round 2 allotment result will be declared on November 14, with reporting from November 16–23. Round 3 follows a similar pattern in late November to early December, with allotment on December 4 and reporting from December 5–12.
The stray vacancy round, designed to fill any remaining unfilled seats after the main rounds, will have seat matrix verification on December 15, registration and payment from December 16–21, choice filling from December 16–21, allotment on December 24, and reporting from December 24–31. This extended reporting window through the year-end allows candidates to join their final allocated seats.
- Round 1: October 10–November 2 (allotment October 24)
- Round 2: November 6–November 23 (allotment November 14)
- Round 3: November 25–December 12 (allotment December 4)
- Stray Vacancy: December 15–December 31 (allotment December 24)
| Counselling Activity | Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3 | Stray Vacancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Matrix Verification | Oct 10–12 | Nov 6–7 | Nov 25–26 | Dec 15 |
| Registration & Payment | Oct 12–21 | Nov 6–11 | Nov 26–Dec 1 | Dec 16–21 |
| Choice Filling | Oct 13–22 | Nov 7–12 | Nov 27–Dec 2 | Dec 16–21 |
| Seat Allotment Result | Oct 24 | Nov 14 | Dec 4 | Dec 24 |
| Reporting/Joining | Oct 26–Nov 2 | Nov 16–23 | Dec 5–12 | Dec 24–31 |
What Seats Are Covered Under This 50% AIQ Counselling?
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The MCC counselling covers 50% of all MD and MS seats available across central universities, deemed universities, and Armed Forces Medical Services institutions. The remaining 50% of seats are managed by individual state governments and state counselling authorities, so you will need to participate in separate state-level counselling for those seats.
This 50% AIQ pool represents seats available to candidates from across India, regardless of their state of domicile. It is distinct from state quota seats, which are reserved for candidates from that particular state. Understanding this distinction is crucial when planning your counselling strategy and deciding which rounds to participate in.
Reservation and Category-Wise Quota for NEET PG 2026
Within the 50% AIQ counselling, the MCC applies the following reservation structure: 27% of seats are reserved for Other Backward Classes (OBC), 15% for Scheduled Castes (SC), 10% for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes (ST). Additionally, 5% horizontal reservation is provided for candidates with disabilities (PwD) across all categories.
These reservations mean that if you belong to a reserved category, your competition pool is limited to candidates within that category, potentially improving your chances of securing a seat at a higher rank. However, you must possess the valid certificate (caste certificate, EWS certificate, or disability certificate) at the time of reporting to your allotted college. Ensure you have these documents ready well in advance.
- OBC: 27% of seats
- SC: 15% of seats
- EWS: 10% of seats
- ST: 7.5% of seats
- PwD (horizontal): 5% across all categories
Essential Documents You Must Carry for Reporting
Once you receive your seat allotment, you will be required to report to your allotted college with both original documents and certified copies. The college will verify your eligibility and authenticity of credentials before confirming your admission. Missing or incomplete documentation can delay your admission or, in severe cases, result in cancellation of your allotted seat.
The mandatory documents include your NEET PG 2026 admit card, result/rank letter, Class 10 marksheet or birth certificate, all MBBS marksheets, MBBS degree certificate, internship completion certificate, and permanent or provisional registration certificate issued by the Medical Council of India (MCI) or your state medical council. You will also need a valid photo ID proof such as a passport, Aadhaar card, or driving licence.
If you belong to a reserved category, bring your caste certificate (for SC/ST/OBC candidates), Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) certificate (for OBC candidates), or disability certificate (for PwD candidates) as applicable. Prepare both originals and photocopies of all documents and organize them in a folder before your reporting date to avoid last-minute confusion.
- NEET PG admit card and result/rank letter
- Class 10 marksheet or birth certificate
- MBBS marksheets and degree certificate
- Internship completion certificate
- MCI/SMC permanent or provisional registration certificate
- Valid photo ID (passport, Aadhaar, driving licence)
- Caste certificate (if SC/ST/OBC)
- Non-Creamy Layer certificate (if OBC)
- Disability certificate (if PwD)
How to Register and Fill Your Choices During Counselling
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Registration for each round must be completed on the official MCC website, mcc.nic.in. You will need to log in using your NEET PG credentials and fill in your personal and academic details. After registration, you must pay the counselling fee through the online payment gateway. Keep your payment receipt safe as proof of registration.
Choice filling is a separate step that begins after registration opens. You will be presented with a list of all available colleges and specialities (MD/MS branches) in the 50% AIQ pool. You must rank these options in order of your preference. The algorithm will then match your rank and preferences with available seats, allocating you the highest-ranked college and speciality for which you are eligible based on your NEET PG rank.
It is critical to fill your choices carefully and strategically. Research each college's reputation, location, infrastructure, and speciality curriculum before ranking them. Do not leave choices blank; fill as many as possible to maximize your chances of allocation. Remember that your final allotment will be the best match between your rank and your preferences, so thoughtful choice filling directly impacts your outcome.
What Happens If You Miss a Reporting Deadline?
If you do not report to your allotted college within the specified reporting window, your seat will be forfeited and reallocated to the next eligible candidate. There is typically no grace period or extension for reporting, so mark your calendar and plan your travel well in advance. Some colleges may allow a brief delay if you provide a valid medical or emergency reason, but this is at the college's discretion and not guaranteed.
If you are allotted a seat but decide not to join, you must formally withdraw from that round to avoid being marked as a no-show. This allows the seat to be offered to the next candidate and may preserve your eligibility for subsequent rounds. However, withdrawal policies vary by round, so check the MCC guidelines carefully before deciding to withdraw.
Should You Participate in All Four Rounds or Wait for a Better Seat?
This is a strategic decision that depends on your NEET PG rank, your preferred specialities, and your risk tolerance. If you are allotted a seat in Round 1 that you are satisfied with, you can join immediately. However, if you believe a better college or speciality may be available in later rounds, you can choose to withdraw and participate in Round 2.
The risk of this strategy is that in later rounds, fewer seats remain available, and competition may be fiercer. Your rank does not change, but the pool of available seats shrinks. Many candidates who withdraw from Round 1 find themselves with fewer or less desirable options in Round 2 or 3. Conversely, some candidates do secure better seats by waiting. Evaluate your options carefully and consult with mentors or seniors who have gone through the process.
A practical approach is to fill your choices in Round 1 honestly, reflecting your true preferences. If you are allotted a seat you are happy with, join. If not, you can withdraw and try again in the next round. Do not withdraw from a good seat hoping for a marginal improvement unless you have strong reasons to believe a significantly better option will be available.
Where to Find the Official Schedule and Updates
All official information regarding NEET PG 2026 counselling, including the detailed schedule, seat matrix, counselling notices, and updates, is available on the MCC website at mcc.nic.in. Bookmark this site and check it regularly, especially as each round approaches. The MCC also publishes important notices and clarifications on this portal, so staying informed is essential.
Do not rely on unofficial sources, social media, or third-party websites for counselling information. Misinformation spreads quickly during counselling season, and following incorrect dates or procedures can jeopardize your admission. Always verify information directly from mcc.nic.in before taking any action.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
When does NEET PG 2026 counselling registration start?
Round 1 registration opens on October 12, 2026, and closes on October 21. Seat matrix verification begins on October 10. You must complete registration and pay the counselling fee within the October 12–21 window to participate in Round 1.
What is the date of Round 1 seat allotment for NEET PG 2026?
The Round 1 seat allotment result will be declared on October 24, 2026. Selected candidates must report to their allotted colleges between October 26 and November 2.
How many counselling rounds are there in NEET PG 2026?
There are four main counselling rounds plus a stray vacancy round. Round 1 concludes by November 2, Round 2 by November 23, Round 3 by December 12, and the stray vacancy round by December 31. Each round follows the same structure: seat matrix verification, registration, choice filling, allotment, and reporting.
What documents do I need to carry when reporting to my allotted college?
You must carry your NEET PG admit card, result/rank letter, Class 10 marksheet or birth certificate, MBBS marksheets and degree certificate, internship completion certificate, MCI/SMC registration certificate, valid photo ID, and any applicable caste, NCL, or disability certificate. Bring both originals and photocopies.
What is the reservation breakdown for 50% AIQ NEET PG 2026 counselling?
The 50% AIQ seats are reserved as follows: 27% for OBC, 15% for SC, 10% for EWS, 7.5% for ST, and 5% horizontal reservation for PwD candidates across all categories. You must possess the valid certificate at the time of reporting.
What happens if I miss the reporting deadline for my allotted seat?
If you do not report within the specified reporting window, your seat will be forfeited and reallocated to the next eligible candidate. There is typically no extension or grace period. Plan your travel in advance and report on time to secure your admission.
Can I withdraw from Round 1 and participate in Round 2 if I get a seat?
Yes, you can withdraw from a Round 1 allotment and participate in Round 2. However, this is a strategic risk because fewer seats are available in later rounds, and you may end up with a less desirable option. Evaluate your allotment carefully before deciding to withdraw.
Where can I find the official NEET PG 2026 counselling schedule and updates?
All official information is available on the MCC website at mcc.nic.in. Check this site regularly for the schedule, seat matrix, counselling notices, and updates. Do not rely on unofficial sources or social media for counselling information.
Mark the key dates on your calendar now: Round 1 registration opens October 12, allotment is October 24, and reporting is October 26–November 2. Visit mcc.nic.in immediately to download the full schedule, understand the seat matrix, and prepare your documents. Your timely action and strategic choice filling will directly determine your postgraduate admission outcome.
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