The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has released key timelines for NEET PG 2026 Round 1 counselling, with particular focus on candidates in the PWD (Persons with Disability) category. The PWD portal will go live on October 1, marking the start of medical assessment procedures that must be completed before counselling begins. Candidates are still awaiting the official seat matrix from the National Medical Commission (NMC) and NBEMS, which will determine the total number and distribution of MD, MS, and DNB seats across colleges. Understanding these dates and processes is critical for all aspirants, especially those requiring disability assessment and certification.
PWD portal opens October 1; primary medical assessments run October 1–9, appellate assessments October 5–12; all candidates must complete assessment before counselling begins.
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Unlock My College ListPWD Portal Launch and Medical Assessment Timeline
The MCC has announced that the PWD portal will become active from October 1, 2026. This portal is essential for candidates registered under the disability category who need formal medical assessment to confirm their eligibility for PWD-reserved seats and any applicable relaxations during counselling.
Alongside the portal launch, the Primary Medical Assessment Board will remain open from October 1 to October 9, 2026, until 5 PM. Candidates must visit designated assessment centres during this window, submit required documentation, and complete the evaluation process. Only after this assessment is completed and verified will the eligibility certificate be issued—a mandatory document for counselling registration.
Appellate Medical Assessment: Second Chance for Reassessment
For candidates who wish to appeal or seek reassessment of their medical evaluation, the Appellate Medical Assessment Board will operate from October 5, 2026 (10 AM) to October 12, 2026 (5 PM). This window allows those who believe their initial assessment was incorrect or incomplete to request a fresh evaluation.
The MCC has indicated that detailed instructions on how to file an appeal and the criteria for reassessment will be available in the PG Information Bulletin. Candidates should review this document carefully to understand the appeal process and ensure they meet any specific requirements before submitting a request.
Why Medical Assessment Matters for PWD Candidates
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Medical assessment for PWD candidates is not a formality—it directly affects seat allocation and counselling eligibility. The assessment confirms the nature and severity of disability, which determines whether a candidate qualifies for PWD-reserved seats and what accommodations (such as extra time, scribe support, or accessible examination halls) they may receive during counselling and subsequent postings.
An eligibility certificate issued after successful assessment is a prerequisite for registration in the counselling portal. Without it, a candidate cannot proceed to choice filling or seat allocation, regardless of their NEET PG rank. This is why completing the assessment within the stipulated dates is non-negotiable.
Seat Matrix: The Missing Piece of the Puzzle
While the MCC has released assessment timelines, the official seat matrix—the breakdown of total MD, MS, and DNB seats by college, speciality, and category (including PWD)—has not yet been published. This matrix is typically released by the NMC and NBEMS and is essential for candidates to understand how many seats are available, which colleges are participating, and how many PWD seats exist in each speciality.
The delay in seat matrix release is common in NEET PG counselling cycles, but it can create uncertainty for candidates planning their choice lists. Once released, the seat matrix will allow aspirants to use college predictors and counselling tools to estimate their chances of securing a seat in their preferred college and speciality based on their rank and category.
What Candidates Must Do Now: Action Items
If you are a PWD candidate, your immediate priority is to gather all required documents for medical assessment. Typically, this includes your NEET PG admit card, identity proof, disability certificate issued by a competent authority, and any medical reports relevant to your condition. Check the MCC website or the PG Information Bulletin for the exact list of documents required at your designated assessment centre.
Mark the assessment dates on your calendar: October 1–9 for primary assessment and October 5–12 for appellate assessment. Plan your travel to the assessment centre well in advance, especially if it is in a different city. Do not miss these windows—there is no extension, and missing assessment means you cannot participate in counselling.
- Collect disability certificate and all supporting medical documents
- Identify your designated assessment centre from the MCC portal
- Plan travel and accommodation if the centre is outside your city
- Keep NEET PG admit card and identity proof ready
- Monitor MCC website for any updates or changes to dates
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NEET PG Result Already Out: Next Steps
The NEET PG 2026 result was released by NBEMS on September 24, 2026. If you have already received your result and rank, you are eligible to proceed with medical assessment (if applicable) and counselling registration. Your rank, combined with your category (including PWD status once confirmed), will determine your position in the merit list during seat allocation.
Candidates should use this time to research colleges, specialities, and their realistic chances based on previous year cutoffs and the expected seat matrix. Many online tools and college predictors are available to help estimate your likely allocation, though these are indicative until the official seat matrix is released.
Understanding PWD Reservation and Seat Allocation
PWD candidates benefit from horizontal reservation in most medical colleges, meaning they are eligible for seats across all categories (General, OBC, SC, ST) without competing directly against other PWD candidates in most cases. However, the exact reservation policy and seat allocation mechanism can vary by state and college. The seat matrix will clarify this for 2026.
Once your medical assessment is complete and your eligibility certificate is issued, you will be placed in the merit list according to your NEET PG rank and category. During choice filling, you can select colleges and specialities in order of preference. The counselling algorithm will then allocate seats based on your rank, choices, and seat availability.
Common Delays and How to Stay Informed
NEET PG counselling cycles often experience delays in releasing the seat matrix, updating portals, or announcing revised schedules. While the MCC has set clear dates for medical assessment, it is wise to assume that counselling itself may not begin immediately after assessment is complete. The seat matrix release, in particular, can shift by a few days or weeks.
To stay updated, regularly check the official MCC website and the NBEMS portal. Subscribe to notifications if available, and follow official social media channels. Do not rely on unofficial sources or rumours; always verify information from the MCC or NBEMS directly. This is especially important for PWD candidates, as any miscommunication about assessment or eligibility could jeopardise your counselling participation.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
When does the PWD portal open for NEET PG 2026 counselling?
The PWD portal will be activated on October 1, 2026. This portal is specifically for candidates registered under the Persons with Disability category who need to complete medical assessment to confirm their eligibility for PWD-reserved seats and counselling.
What are the dates for primary medical assessment?
The Primary Medical Assessment Board will be open from October 1 to October 9, 2026, until 5 PM. Candidates must visit their designated assessment centre, submit required documents, and complete the evaluation during this window to receive an eligibility certificate.
Can I request a reassessment if I disagree with my medical assessment result?
Yes. The Appellate Medical Assessment Board will operate from October 5, 2026 (10 AM) to October 12, 2026 (5 PM). Candidates can file an appeal for reassessment during this period. Detailed instructions on the appeal process will be available in the PG Information Bulletin.
Is the eligibility certificate mandatory for counselling registration?
Yes, absolutely. The eligibility certificate issued after successful medical assessment is a prerequisite for registering in the counselling portal. Without it, you cannot proceed to choice filling or seat allocation, regardless of your NEET PG rank.
When will the seat matrix be released?
The seat matrix has not yet been released as of the MCC announcement. It is expected to be released by the NMC and NBEMS before counselling begins, but the exact date has not been announced. Candidates should monitor the official MCC and NBEMS websites for updates.
What documents do I need for medical assessment?
While the exact list may vary, typically you will need your NEET PG admit card, identity proof, disability certificate issued by a competent authority, and any relevant medical reports. Check the MCC website or PG Information Bulletin for the complete list of required documents for your assessment centre.
What happens if I miss the medical assessment deadline?
If you miss the primary assessment window (October 1–9), you can attempt the appellate assessment (October 5–12). However, if you miss both windows, you will not receive an eligibility certificate and cannot participate in counselling. There is no extension for medical assessment.
How does PWD reservation work in NEET PG seat allocation?
PWD candidates typically benefit from horizontal reservation, meaning they can compete for seats across all categories (General, OBC, SC, ST) without competing directly against other PWD candidates in most cases. The exact policy and seat allocation mechanism will be clarified in the seat matrix and counselling guidelines.
Mark October 1–9 and October 5–12 on your calendar if you are a PWD candidate; medical assessment is non-negotiable for counselling eligibility. Keep monitoring the MCC and NBEMS websites for the seat matrix release and any updates to the counselling schedule—this information will be critical for planning your choice list and estimating your allocation chances.
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