The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has released the official counselling schedule for NEET-PG 2026, covering all four rounds of admission — Round 1, Round 2, Round 3, and Stray Vacancy — for both All India Quota (AIQ) seats at deemed and central universities, and State Quota seats managed by state counselling authorities. The schedule runs from 12 October 2026 through 31 December 2026, with the academic session commencing on 20 November 2026. This is the master timeline that governs when you can fill choices, when allotments happen, when you must join, and when data flows between MCC and state authorities. Missing a joining deadline means losing your seat, so every date in this notice is critical.
Round 1 counselling for AIQ opens 12 October 2026 and closes 24 October 2026; you must join by 2 November 2026 or your seat is forfeited.
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This is the official counselling calendar for NEET-PG 2026 postgraduate medical admission. It applies to all MD, MS, and PG Diploma courses offered through All India Quota (AIQ) seats at deemed universities and central universities, as well as State Quota seats managed by state Directorate of Medical Education (DME) and state counselling authorities.
The schedule is divided into two parallel tracks: one for AIQ/Deemed/Central Universities (managed by MCC) and one for State Quota seats (managed by individual state authorities). Both tracks run on similar timelines but with different dates for choice-filling, allotment, and joining. You must understand which track applies to you based on the seats you are eligible for.
Important Note: Weekends and Holidays Are Working Days
The notice explicitly states that all participating institutes and colleges must treat Saturdays, Sundays, and Gazetted Holidays as working days during the counselling period. This means you cannot assume that a weekend or national holiday will extend a deadline — all dates in this schedule are absolute and include weekends and holidays.
If a deadline falls on a Saturday or Sunday, you must still meet it on that date. Plan your document submission, choice-filling, and joining accordingly. Do not wait until Monday if the deadline is on a Friday or weekend.
Round 1: Dates, Choice-Filling & Joining
Round 1 is the first and largest counselling round. For All India Quota seats, choice-filling opens on 12 October 2026 and closes on 24 October 2026 — a 13-day window. You must log in to the MCC portal, enter your choices of colleges and courses in order of preference, and submit before 24 October. The allotment result will be declared on 3 November 2026.
For State Quota seats, the choice-filling window is 21 October 2026 to 2 November 2026 — a longer window because state authorities manage their own portals. Allotment for state seats is declared on 11 November 2026.
After allotment, you have a limited time to join your allotted college. For AIQ seats, the last date of joining is 2 November 2026. For State Quota seats, the last date of joining is 10 November 2026. Joining means reporting to the college, submitting original documents, and completing admission formalities. If you do not join by this date, your seat is cancelled and offered to the next candidate.
- AIQ Round 1 choice-filling: 12–24 October 2026
- AIQ Round 1 allotment: 3 November 2026
- AIQ Round 1 joining deadline: 2 November 2026
- State Quota Round 1 choice-filling: 21 October–2 November 2026
- State Quota Round 1 allotment: 11 November 2026
- State Quota Round 1 joining deadline: 10 November 2026
Round 2: Dates, Choice-Filling & Joining
Round 2 is held for candidates who did not get a seat in Round 1, or who wish to upgrade to a better college or course. For AIQ seats, choice-filling runs from 6 November 2026 to 14 November 2026. Allotment is declared on 24 November 2026, and the joining deadline is 23 November 2026.
For State Quota seats, choice-filling is 14 November 2026 to 23 November 2026. Allotment is declared on 1 December 2026, and the joining deadline is 30 November 2026.
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Note: The joining deadline for AIQ Round 2 (23 November) comes before the allotment date (24 November). This is not a typo — it means you must join immediately after allotment is declared, with no delay. Check the allotment portal on 24 November and report to your college the same day or within hours.
- AIQ Round 2 choice-filling: 6–14 November 2026
- AIQ Round 2 allotment: 24 November 2026
- AIQ Round 2 joining deadline: 23 November 2026
- State Quota Round 2 choice-filling: 14–23 November 2026
- State Quota Round 2 allotment: 1 December 2026
- State Quota Round 2 joining deadline: 30 November 2026
Round 3: Dates, Choice-Filling & Joining
Round 3 is the final main counselling round, held for remaining vacancies. For AIQ seats, choice-filling is 26 November 2026 to 4 December 2026. Allotment is declared on 14 December 2026, and the joining deadline is 12 December 2026.
For State Quota seats, choice-filling is 4 December 2026 to 12 December 2026. Allotment is declared on 19 December 2026, and the joining deadline is 18 December 2026.
Again, note that the AIQ joining deadline (12 December) comes before the allotment date (14 December). This is intentional — you must be ready to join immediately after allotment is announced.
- AIQ Round 3 choice-filling: 26 November–4 December 2026
- AIQ Round 3 allotment: 14 December 2026
- AIQ Round 3 joining deadline: 12 December 2026
- State Quota Round 3 choice-filling: 4–12 December 2026
- State Quota Round 3 allotment: 19 December 2026
- State Quota Round 3 joining deadline: 18 December 2026
Stray Vacancy Round: Last Chance for Remaining Seats
After Rounds 1, 2, and 3, any seats that remain unfilled are offered in the Stray Vacancy round. This is the final opportunity to secure a seat. For AIQ seats, choice-filling is 16 December 2026 to 24 December 2026. MCC will share data of allotted candidates on 24 December 2026. The joining deadline for AIQ Stray Vacancy is 31 December 2026.
For State Quota seats, choice-filling is 22 December 2026 to 25 December 2026. The joining deadline is also 31 December 2026.
Stray Vacancy seats are typically in less popular colleges or courses, or in colleges in remote locations. However, if you have not secured a seat in the first three rounds, this is your last chance before the admission process closes for the year.
- AIQ Stray Vacancy choice-filling: 16–24 December 2026
- AIQ Stray Vacancy allotment data shared: 24 December 2026
- AIQ Stray Vacancy joining deadline: 31 December 2026
- State Quota Stray Vacancy choice-filling: 22–25 December 2026
- State Quota Stray Vacancy joining deadline: 31 December 2026
Academic Session Start Date
The academic session for all PG courses (MD, MS, PG Diploma) commences on 20 November 2026. This is the date when classes, clinical postings, and academic activities begin at your college. You must join your college well before this date — ideally during the Round 1 joining period (by 2 November for AIQ, by 10 November for State Quota) — so that you can complete admission formalities, hostel check-in, and orientation before classes start.
If you join late (e.g., in Round 2 or Round 3), you will miss the beginning of the academic session and may fall behind in coursework. Plan your joining accordingly.
- PG academic session begins: 20 November 2026
Complete Counselling Schedule Table: AIQ vs. State Quota
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Below is the complete side-by-side comparison of all dates for All India Quota (AIQ) and State Quota counselling. Use this table to track your deadlines and plan your joining.
| Round | AIQ/Deemed/Central Universities | State Quota | Key Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 Choice-Filling | 12–24 Oct 2026 | 21 Oct–2 Nov 2026 | Fill choices before deadline |
| Round 1 Allotment | 3 Nov 2026 | 11 Nov 2026 | Check portal for result |
| Round 1 Joining Deadline | 2 Nov 2026 | 10 Nov 2026 | Report to college by this date |
| Round 2 Choice-Filling | 6–14 Nov 2026 | 14–23 Nov 2026 | Fill choices before deadline |
| Round 2 Allotment | 24 Nov 2026 | 1 Dec 2026 | Check portal for result |
| Round 2 Joining Deadline | 23 Nov 2026 | 30 Nov 2026 | Report to college by this date |
| Round 3 Choice-Filling | 26 Nov–4 Dec 2026 | 4–12 Dec 2026 | Fill choices before deadline |
| Round 3 Allotment | 14 Dec 2026 | 19 Dec 2026 | Check portal for result |
| Round 3 Joining Deadline | 12 Dec 2026 | 18 Dec 2026 | Report to college by this date |
| Stray Vacancy Choice-Filling | 16–24 Dec 2026 | 22–25 Dec 2026 | Fill choices before deadline |
| Stray Vacancy Allotment | 24 Dec 2026 | — | Data shared by MCC |
| Stray Vacancy Joining Deadline | 31 Dec 2026 | 31 Dec 2026 | Final deadline for all seats |
| Academic Session Begins | 20 Nov 2026 | 20 Nov 2026 | Classes start |
Data Sharing Between MCC and State Authorities
The schedule includes dates when MCC shares data of joined candidates with state authorities, and vice versa. This is administrative coordination to prevent duplicate admissions and ensure that a candidate who has joined a seat in one quota does not also join a seat in another quota.
For example, after Round 1, MCC shares the list of candidates who joined AIQ seats on 3 November 2026. State authorities then use this data to identify candidates who have already joined and remove them from state counselling. Similarly, state authorities share their joined candidate data with MCC on 11 November 2026.
As a candidate, you do not need to take any action based on these data-sharing dates. However, understand that if you join a seat in one quota, you are automatically ineligible for seats in other quotas in the same round.
- Round 1: MCC shares AIQ joined data on 3 Nov; States share on 11 Nov
- Round 2: MCC shares AIQ joined data on 24 Nov; States share on 1 Dec
- Round 3: MCC shares AIQ joined data on 14 Dec; States share on 19 Dec
- Stray Vacancy: MCC shares data on 24 Dec
What 'Joining' Means and Why It's Mandatory
Joining is not just accepting an allotment online — it means physically reporting to the college, submitting original documents (degree certificate, mark sheets, category certificate, etc.), completing the admission form, paying fees, and being formally enrolled. Until you join, your seat is not confirmed.
If you are allotted a seat but do not join by the deadline, the seat is automatically cancelled and offered to the next candidate on the merit list. There is no grace period, no extension, and no exception. Many candidates lose seats every year because they miss joining deadlines.
Plan to join immediately after allotment is declared. Do not wait. Have all your documents ready, arrange travel to the college, and report on the first day of the joining window if possible.
- Joining = physically reporting to college + submitting documents + completing admission
- Missing the joining deadline = automatic seat cancellation
- No extensions or grace periods are given
- Prepare documents and travel plans in advance
AIQ vs. State Quota: Which Track Applies to You?
All India Quota (AIQ) seats are 15% of total PG seats in government medical colleges across India. These seats are filled through MCC counselling and are open to candidates from any state. Deemed universities and central universities (like AIIMS, JIPMER) also participate in AIQ counselling.
State Quota seats are 85% of total PG seats in government medical colleges within each state. These seats are reserved for candidates from that state and are filled through state counselling authorities (state DME or state counselling committee). Each state has its own counselling portal and schedule.
If you are eligible for both AIQ and State Quota seats, you can participate in both counselling processes. However, once you join a seat in one quota, you are ineligible for seats in other quotas. Choose carefully which quota to prioritize based on your rank and preferences.
- AIQ = 15% of seats, open to all India, managed by MCC
- State Quota = 85% of seats, state-specific, managed by state authorities
- You can participate in both but can join only one seat
- Joining one quota makes you ineligible for other quotas
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
When does NEET-PG 2026 counselling start?
Round 1 counselling for All India Quota (AIQ) starts on 12 October 2026. State Quota counselling for Round 1 starts on 21 October 2026. These are the dates when choice-filling portals open. You must fill your choices and submit before the closing date of each round.
What is the joining deadline for Round 1?
For AIQ seats, the joining deadline for Round 1 is 2 November 2026. For State Quota seats, it is 10 November 2026. If you are allotted a seat but do not join by this date, your seat is cancelled. Joining means physically reporting to the college and submitting original documents.
When will Round 1 allotment results be declared?
For AIQ seats, Round 1 allotment will be declared on 3 November 2026. For State Quota seats, it will be declared on 11 November 2026. You must check the respective counselling portal on these dates to see if you have been allotted a seat.
Can I participate in multiple rounds if I don't get a seat in Round 1?
Yes. If you are not allotted a seat in Round 1, or if you wish to upgrade to a better college or course, you can participate in Round 2 (starting 6 November for AIQ, 14 November for State Quota). Similarly, you can participate in Round 3 and Stray Vacancy if you do not get a seat in earlier rounds.
What happens if I miss the joining deadline?
If you miss the joining deadline, your seat is automatically cancelled with no extension or grace period. The seat is then offered to the next candidate on the merit list. You will lose your admission opportunity for that round. Always join immediately after allotment is declared.
When does the academic session start?
The academic session for all PG courses (MD, MS, PG Diploma) begins on 20 November 2026. You should join your college well before this date — ideally during Round 1 joining (by 2 November for AIQ, by 10 November for State Quota) — so that you can complete admission formalities and orientation before classes start.
Are Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays treated as working days?
Yes. The notice explicitly states that all Saturdays, Sundays, and Gazetted Holidays are treated as working days during counselling. This means deadlines do not extend over weekends or holidays. If a deadline falls on a Saturday or Sunday, you must still meet it on that date.
What is the Stray Vacancy round?
Stray Vacancy is the final counselling round held after Rounds 1, 2, and 3. It is for any seats that remain unfilled. For AIQ, choice-filling is 16–24 December 2026, and joining deadline is 31 December 2026. For State Quota, choice-filling is 22–25 December 2026, and joining deadline is 31 December 2026. This is your last chance to secure a seat.
Can I join a seat in AIQ and also join a seat in State Quota?
No. Once you join a seat in one quota (AIQ or State Quota), you are automatically ineligible for seats in other quotas. You can participate in counselling for both quotas, but you can join only one seat. Choose carefully which quota to prioritize based on your rank and preferences.
What is the difference between choice-filling and joining?
Choice-filling is when you log into the counselling portal and enter your preferred colleges and courses in order of preference. Joining is when you physically report to the college after allotment, submit original documents, complete the admission form, and pay fees. Both are mandatory — you must fill choices to be considered for allotment, and you must join to confirm your seat.
Why does the joining deadline sometimes come before the allotment date?
This is intentional. For example, in Round 2 AIQ, the joining deadline is 23 November but allotment is declared on 24 November. This means you must be ready to join immediately after allotment is announced — often the same day or within hours. Do not delay. Have all documents ready and be prepared to travel to the college on short notice.
How do I know which counselling portal to use — MCC or state?
If you are applying for All India Quota (AIQ) seats at deemed universities or central universities, use the MCC portal (mcc.nic.in). If you are applying for State Quota seats in your state, use your state's counselling portal (managed by your state DME or state counselling authority). Your state counselling authority will provide the portal link and login credentials.
Mark all four round dates in your calendar now — Round 1 (12 Oct–2 Nov for AIQ), Round 2 (6 Nov–23 Nov for AIQ), Round 3 (26 Nov–12 Dec for AIQ), and Stray Vacancy (16 Dec–31 Dec for AIQ). Remember that weekends and holidays are working days, so deadlines do not shift. Prepare all your documents (degree certificate, mark sheets, category certificate, etc.) in advance so you can join immediately after allotment. Missing a joining deadline means losing your seat permanently — there are no extensions. Check the MCC portal (mcc.nic.in) for AIQ counselling and your state's counselling portal for State Quota counselling as the dates approach.
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