The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has activated Round 1 registration for NEET PG 2026 counselling, marking the formal start of postgraduate medical admissions for the 2026 session. Qualified NEET PG candidates can now register, pay fees and begin selecting their preferred colleges and specialisations. The entire process—from registration through seat allotment and reporting—spans from mid-October through early November. Understanding the timeline, fee structure and document requirements is essential for every MBBS graduate aiming to secure a postgraduate seat.
NEET PG 2026 Round 1 registration runs October 12–21; choice filling is October 13–22; seat allotment results are declared October 24; reporting is October 26–November 2.
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Unlock My College ListNEET PG 2026 Round 1 Counselling Timeline: Key Dates You Cannot Miss
The MCC has released a structured schedule for Round 1 counselling that spans nearly two months. Registration and fee payment began on October 12 and will close on October 21, 2026. This gives candidates a 10-day window to complete their online application, upload documents and pay the applicable registration fee and security deposit. Candidates should not delay registration to the final days, as technical glitches or payment failures could prevent timely submission.
Choice filling—the process of selecting and ranking your preferred colleges and postgraduate courses—opens on October 13 and closes on October 22. This overlaps with the registration period, meaning you can register and begin filling choices simultaneously. The MCC will process all submitted preferences from October 22–23, and the Round 1 seat allotment result will be announced on October 24. Candidates allotted seats must report to their respective colleges between October 26 and November 2. On November 3, MCC will verify the data of candidates who have joined.
This compressed timeline means every deadline is critical. Missing the registration deadline means you cannot participate in Round 1 at all. Missing the choice-filling deadline means your preferences will not be considered for allotment. Plan your registration and choice-filling activities well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
- Seat matrix verification: October 10–12
- Registration and fee payment: October 12–21
- Choice filling and locking: October 13–22
- Seat allotment processing: October 22–23
- Round 1 result announcement: October 24
- Reporting and joining: October 26–November 2
- Joined candidate data verification: November 3
| Activity | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Seat matrix verification | October 10 | October 12 |
| Registration & fee payment | October 12 | October 21 |
| Choice filling & locking | October 13 | October 22 |
| Seat allotment processing | October 22 | October 23 |
| Round 1 result | October 24 | October 24 |
| Reporting & joining | October 26 | November 2 |
| Data verification | November 3 | November 3 |
How to Register for NEET PG 2026 Counselling: Step-by-Step Process
Registration is the mandatory first step. Visit the official MCC website at mcc.nic.in and navigate to the PG Medical Counselling section on the homepage. Click on the 'NEET PG Counselling 2026 / New Registration' link. You will be asked to enter your NEET PG application number, password and other examination details to begin the process.
Once you log in, you will need to complete a detailed registration form with your personal information, academic qualifications, contact details and category (General, OBC, SC, ST, PwD, etc.). Ensure all information matches your NEET PG scorecard and MBBS documents exactly. Any discrepancies can lead to rejection during document verification or admission.
After completing the form, you must upload scanned copies of all required documents. These include your NEET PG admit card, scorecard, MBBS degree or provisional certificate, MBBS marksheets, internship completion certificate, medical registration certificate, valid government-issued photo ID, passport-size photograph and category certificate (if applicable). Upload clear, legible scans; you will carry original documents to your allotted college.
Finally, pay the applicable registration fee and security deposit. The registration fee is non-refundable; the security deposit is refundable subject to counselling rules. After payment, review all details carefully and submit the form. Save and download your registration confirmation page and payment receipt for your records. You will need these during choice filling and reporting.
- Visit mcc.nic.in and open PG Medical Counselling section
- Click 'NEET PG Counselling 2026 / New Registration'
- Enter NEET PG application number and password
- Fill personal, academic and contact details
- Upload scanned copies of all required documents
- Pay registration fee and security deposit
- Review and submit the form
- Save confirmation page and payment receipt
NEET PG 2026 Counselling Fees: What You Will Pay by Category
The MCC charges a registration fee and security deposit, both of which vary by candidate category and the quota/institution type you are applying under. For General category candidates applying under the 50% All India Quota (AIQ) or central universities, the registration fee is Rs 1,000 and the security deposit is Rs 25,000. For SC, ST and OBC candidates in the same categories, the registration fee is Rs 500 and the security deposit is Rs 10,000.
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The registration fee is non-refundable regardless of whether you are allotted a seat or not. The security deposit, however, is refundable after the counselling process concludes, subject to the terms outlined in the MCC counselling rules. If you are allotted a seat and join, the security deposit will be refunded after you complete the admission formalities. If you do not join or withdraw, the refund process will follow MCC guidelines.
Candidates applying under deemed university counselling or other institutional categories may face different fee structures. Check the official MCC information bulletin for the exact fees applicable to your counselling category before making payment. Retain your payment receipt as proof of fee submission.
- General category (AIQ/central universities): Rs 1,000 registration fee + Rs 25,000 security deposit
- SC/ST/OBC category (AIQ/central universities): Rs 500 registration fee + Rs 10,000 security deposit
- Registration fee is non-refundable
- Security deposit is refundable after counselling (subject to rules)
- Different fees may apply for deemed university and other institutional categories
- Always retain payment receipt for verification
Documents Required for NEET PG 2026 Counselling Registration
Before you begin registration, gather all required documents in both digital (scanned) and physical (original) formats. The MCC requires your NEET PG 2026 admit card and scorecard/rank letter to verify your examination eligibility. You must also provide your MBBS degree certificate or provisional certificate (if your degree is not yet formally awarded), MBBS marksheets from all years and your internship completion certificate.
Additionally, you will need your medical registration certificate (issued by the State Medical Council or National Medical Commission), a valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, driving licence, etc.), a recent passport-size photograph and, if applicable, your category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/PwD). If you have a migration certificate from a different university, include that as well. Some candidates may also need to provide proof of date of birth.
Upload clear, legible scanned copies of all these documents during registration. The originals must be carried to your allotted college during the reporting period for physical verification. Any missing or illegible document can delay your admission process. Check the official MCC information bulletin for any additional documents required at the time of reporting to your allotted institute.
- NEET PG 2026 admit card
- NEET PG scorecard/rank letter
- MBBS degree certificate or provisional certificate
- MBBS marksheets (all years)
- Internship completion certificate
- Medical registration certificate
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Passport-size photograph
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Migration certificate (if applicable)
- Date of birth proof (if required)
Choice Filling Strategy: How to Rank Your Preferred Colleges and Courses
Choice filling is where you rank your preferred postgraduate medical colleges and specialisations in order of preference. The MCC will use your merit rank, category, available seats and your submitted preferences to allot you a seat. The order in which you list your choices matters significantly: the algorithm will try to allot you the highest-ranked choice for which you are eligible, based on your merit and category.
Before filling choices, study the seat matrix released by MCC. This document shows the number of seats available in each specialisation (MD, MS, PG Diploma) at each participating college, broken down by quota (AIQ, deemed university, central university, etc.) and category (General, OBC, SC, ST, PwD). Use this to identify realistic options based on your NEET PG rank and category. Research colleges, their reputation, location, course structure and previous-year closing ranks to make informed decisions.
Arrange your choices strategically: place your most preferred college–course combination first, followed by progressively less preferred options. Include a mix of aspirational choices (colleges where your rank may be borderline), realistic choices (colleges where your rank comfortably qualifies) and safe choices (colleges where you are very likely to get a seat). Do not leave your choice list incomplete; fill as many options as possible to maximise your chances of allotment. Remember, registering for counselling and selecting a college does not guarantee admission; allotment depends on merit, category, available seats and counselling rules.
- Study the seat matrix before filling choices
- Identify realistic options based on your rank and category
- Research colleges, specialisations and previous-year closing ranks
- Arrange choices in order of preference (most to least preferred)
- Include aspirational, realistic and safe choices
- Fill as many choices as possible to maximise allotment chances
- Do not assume selection of a college guarantees admission
- Lock your choices before the deadline (October 22)
What Happens After You Submit Your Choices: Seat Allotment Process
After the choice-filling window closes on October 22, the MCC will process all submitted preferences from October 22–23. During this stage, the committee runs an algorithm that considers your NEET PG merit rank, category, the preferences you submitted, the number of seats available in each specialisation and applicable reservation and eligibility rules. The algorithm attempts to allot you the best available option from your preference list based on your rank and category.
On October 24, the MCC will announce the Round 1 seat allotment result. You can check your allotment status on the official MCC portal using your login credentials. If you are allotted a seat, you will receive an allotment letter specifying the college, specialisation and seat category. If you are not allotted in Round 1, you can participate in Round 2 (registration in November) and subsequent rounds. Candidates not allotted in any round can participate in the stray vacancy round scheduled for December.
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It is important to understand that allotment is based on merit and availability, not on your preferences alone. Even if you rank a college first, you may not be allotted there if your rank does not qualify for that college's closing rank in your category. Conversely, you may be allotted a college ranked lower in your preference list if your rank qualifies for it and higher-ranked options are not available. This is why strategic choice filling and understanding the seat matrix are crucial.
- MCC processes choices October 22–23 using merit-based algorithm
- Allotment considers rank, category, preferences, available seats and rules
- Round 1 result announced October 24
- Check allotment status on mcc.nic.in using your login
- Allotment letter specifies college, specialisation and seat category
- Not allotted in Round 1? Participate in Round 2 or later rounds
- Allotment is merit-based; preferences alone do not guarantee a seat
- Strategic choice filling increases chances of allotment
Reporting and Joining: What to Do After You Are Allotted a Seat
If you are allotted a seat in Round 1, you must report to your allotted college between October 26 and November 2, 2026. Download your allotment letter from the MCC portal and carry it along with all original documents (NEET PG scorecard, MBBS degree, internship certificate, medical registration certificate, category certificate, photo ID, etc.) to your college. The college will verify your documents, confirm your eligibility and complete the admission formalities.
Reporting is mandatory to confirm your seat. If you do not report within the specified window, your seat will be cancelled and offered to the next eligible candidate. Some colleges may have specific reporting instructions or additional requirements; check the allotment letter and the college's official website for details. You may also need to pay the college's admission fee and security deposit during reporting.
After you join, the MCC will verify the data of all joined candidates on November 3. This is a final verification step to ensure all admissions are valid. Once this is complete, you are officially admitted to your postgraduate course. If you do not join in Round 1 but wish to participate in Round 2, you can do so; however, your Round 1 seat will be forfeited.
- Reporting window: October 26–November 2
- Download allotment letter from mcc.nic.in
- Carry all original documents to your allotted college
- College will verify documents and complete admission formalities
- Reporting is mandatory; non-reporting cancels your seat
- Check college's specific reporting instructions
- Pay college admission fee and security deposit as required
- MCC verifies joined candidate data on November 3
- Non-joining in Round 1 allows participation in Round 2
Multiple Rounds and Stray Vacancy: Your Options Beyond Round 1
NEET PG 2026 counselling includes three main rounds plus a stray vacancy round. If you are not allotted in Round 1, you can participate in Round 2 (registration November 6–11, choice filling November 7–12, allotment result November 14). Round 2 includes seats vacated by candidates who did not join Round 1, plus any new seats released by colleges. Your rank and category remain the same; only the available seats change.
Round 3 follows in late November (registration November 26–December 1, choice filling November 27–December 2, allotment result December 3). This round includes seats remaining after Rounds 1 and 2. Finally, the stray vacancy round (registration December 16–21, choice filling December 16–21, allotment result December 23) is for any seats still vacant after all three main rounds. Candidates can participate in multiple rounds if they are not allotted in earlier rounds.
Each round gives you a fresh opportunity to secure a postgraduate seat. However, the number of available seats decreases with each round as candidates join. If you are not allotted in Round 1, do not lose hope; participate actively in subsequent rounds. Monitor the MCC website for Round 2 and Round 3 schedules and seat matrices to make informed choices in those rounds as well.
- Round 1: October 12–November 2
- Round 2: November 6–14 (registration, choice filling, allotment)
- Round 3: November 26–December 3 (registration, choice filling, allotment)
- Stray vacancy round: December 16–23 (registration, choice filling, allotment)
- Not allotted in Round 1? Participate in Round 2
- Seats decrease with each round as candidates join
- Monitor MCC website for updated schedules and seat matrices
- Participate actively in all rounds until you secure a seat
Important Reminders: Avoid Common Mistakes During NEET PG Counselling
Do not wait until the last day to register. Technical issues, payment failures or internet problems can prevent timely submission. Register at least 2–3 days before the deadline. Similarly, do not delay choice filling; complete it well before October 22 to avoid last-minute errors. Double-check all information you enter during registration—personal details, examination roll number, category, contact information—against your NEET PG scorecard and MBBS documents. Any mismatch can lead to rejection during verification.
Ensure you upload clear, legible scans of all required documents. Blurry or incomplete documents may be rejected, delaying your admission. Keep your login credentials (application number and password) safe; you will need them for choice filling, checking allotment results and other counselling activities. Do not share your credentials with anyone. Avoid registering multiple times; multiple registrations can lead to cancellation of all applications.
Understand that registering for counselling does not guarantee a postgraduate seat. Your allotment depends on your merit rank, category, available seats and your preferences. Even if you rank a college first, you may not be allotted there if your rank does not qualify. Be realistic in your choice filling and include safe options. Finally, if you are allotted a seat, report on time; non-reporting cancels your seat and may affect your eligibility for subsequent rounds.
- Register 2–3 days before the deadline, not on the last day
- Complete choice filling well before October 22
- Verify all personal and examination details against your scorecard
- Upload clear, legible scans of all required documents
- Keep login credentials safe; do not share them
- Avoid multiple registrations
- Understand that registration does not guarantee allotment
- Be realistic in choice filling; include safe options
- Report on time if allotted; non-reporting cancels your seat
- Check MCC website regularly for updates and notices
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
When does NEET PG 2026 Round 1 counselling registration close?
Registration and fee payment for Round 1 closes on October 21, 2026. Registration closes at 12 noon on October 21, and the payment facility remains available until 3 PM on October 21. Do not wait until the last day; register at least 2–3 days in advance to avoid technical issues.
What is the difference between the registration deadline and the choice-filling deadline?
Registration and fee payment must be completed by October 21. Choice filling (selecting your preferred colleges and courses) begins on October 13 and closes on October 22. You can register and fill choices simultaneously, but you must complete registration before you can participate in choice filling. Missing the registration deadline means you cannot participate in Round 1 at all.
How much will I pay as registration fee and security deposit?
For General category candidates applying under the 50% All India Quota or central universities, the registration fee is Rs 1,000 and the security deposit is Rs 25,000. For SC, ST and OBC candidates in the same categories, the registration fee is Rs 500 and the security deposit is Rs 10,000. The registration fee is non-refundable; the security deposit is refundable after counselling, subject to MCC rules. Different fees may apply for deemed university and other institutional categories.
When will the Round 1 seat allotment result be announced?
The Round 1 seat allotment result will be announced on October 24, 2026. You can check your allotment status on the MCC portal (mcc.nic.in) using your login credentials. If you are allotted a seat, you will receive an allotment letter specifying the college, specialisation and seat category.
What should I do if I am not allotted a seat in Round 1?
If you are not allotted in Round 1, you can participate in Round 2 (registration November 6–11, allotment result November 14). Round 2 includes seats vacated by candidates who did not join Round 1. You can also participate in Round 3 (late November) and the stray vacancy round (December) if needed. Your NEET PG rank and category remain the same across all rounds.
What documents do I need to carry to my allotted college during reporting?
Carry all original documents to your allotted college during the reporting window (October 26–November 2). These include your NEET PG scorecard, MBBS degree certificate or provisional certificate, MBBS marksheets, internship completion certificate, medical registration certificate, valid government-issued photo ID, category certificate (if applicable) and any other documents specified in your allotment letter or the college's instructions. The college will verify these documents before completing your admission.
Is reporting to my allotted college mandatory?
Yes, reporting is mandatory. If you are allotted a seat and do not report to your college between October 26 and November 2, your seat will be cancelled and offered to the next eligible candidate. You will also lose eligibility for subsequent rounds. Always report on time if you are allotted a seat.
Can I participate in Round 2 if I join a college in Round 1?
No. Once you join a college in Round 1, you cannot participate in Round 2 or subsequent rounds. Your seat is confirmed, and you are admitted to that college's postgraduate course. If you do not join in Round 1, you can participate in Round 2, but your Round 1 seat will be forfeited.
What is the stray vacancy round, and when is it conducted?
The stray vacancy round is conducted after all three main counselling rounds to fill any seats that remain vacant. Registration and choice filling for the stray vacancy round are scheduled for December 16–21, 2026, with the allotment result on December 23. Candidates not allotted in Rounds 1, 2 or 3 can participate in this round. However, the number of available seats in the stray vacancy round is typically very limited.
How is my seat allotted? Does my preference list guarantee a seat at my first choice?
Your seat is allotted based on a merit-based algorithm that considers your NEET PG rank, category, the preferences you submitted, available seats and applicable counselling rules. The algorithm tries to allot you the best available option from your preference list based on your rank and category. However, your preferences alone do not guarantee a seat at your first choice. If your rank does not qualify for your first-choice college in your category, you may be allotted a lower-ranked choice or not allotted at all in that round. This is why strategic choice filling and understanding the seat matrix are crucial.
NEET PG 2026 Round 1 counselling is now live. Register immediately at mcc.nic.in, complete your choice filling by October 22, and prepare for reporting if allotted. Monitor the MCC website regularly for updates, and remember that each deadline is critical—missing one can cost you a round of counselling. If not allotted in Round 1, participate actively in Round 2 and subsequent rounds until you secure your postgraduate seat.
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