Counselling

NEET PG Counselling 2026 Round 1: Registration Opens Oct 12 — Key Dates & Steps

NEET PG counselling 2026 Round 1 registration begins October 12. Over 2 lakh qualified doctors must register by Oct 21, fill choices by Oct 22, and report by Nov 2. Check fees, documents, and MCC timeline.

MedAdmit News Desk 12 Oct 2026 5 min read

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has announced the schedule for NEET PG counselling 2026 Round 1, with registration set to open on October 12. More than 200,000 doctors who qualified in the NEET PG 2026 exam are now preparing to enter the counselling process to secure seats in MD, MS, postgraduate diploma, and eligible DNB programmes across India. This is a critical phase: candidates must complete registration, pay fees, select their preferred colleges and specialities, and lock their choices within a tight 10-day window. Understanding the exact dates, fee structure, and required documents will help you navigate the process smoothly and avoid costly delays.

NEET PG counselling 2026 Round 1 registration opens October 12 and closes October 21; you must fill and lock your college and course choices by October 22 to be eligible for seat allotment on October 24.

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When Does NEET PG Counselling 2026 Round 1 Begin and End?

The MCC has released the tentative schedule for NEET PG counselling 2026 Round 1. Registration and fee payment will open on October 12, 2026, and the window will remain open until October 21, 2026. This gives you a 10-day window to complete your online registration on the MCC portal, enter your personal and examination details, and pay the prescribed registration fee and security deposit.

Alongside registration, you can begin filling in your college and course preferences from October 13. However, the choice-filling window closes on October 22, which is one day after the registration deadline. This means you must complete your registration and fee payment by October 21 to have access to the choice-filling portal. The choice-locking window is October 21–22, so plan to finalize your preferences well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.

  • Registration and payment: October 12–21, 2026
  • Choice filling: October 13–22, 2026
  • Choice locking: October 21–22, 2026
  • Seat allotment processing: October 22–23, 2026
  • Round 1 seat allotment result: October 24, 2026
  • Reporting to allotted colleges: October 26 – November 2, 2026

How Much Will You Pay for NEET PG Counselling Registration?

The MCC charges a non-refundable registration fee and a refundable security deposit to participate in counselling. The amount depends on your category. General and EWS (Economically Weaker Section) candidates must pay Rs 1,000 as a registration fee and Rs 25,000 as a security deposit, totalling Rs 26,000. Candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC, or PwD (Person with Disability) categories pay a lower fee of Rs 500 and a security deposit of Rs 10,000, totalling Rs 10,500.

The security deposit is refundable, meaning you will receive it back after the counselling process is complete, provided you have fulfilled all obligations such as reporting to your allotted college and completing the admission formalities. The registration fee, however, is non-refundable and will not be returned under any circumstances. Ensure you have the funds ready before the October 21 deadline, as late payments may result in your registration being rejected.

  • General/EWS: Rs 1,000 (registration) + Rs 25,000 (security deposit) = Rs 26,000
  • SC/ST/OBC/PwD: Rs 500 (registration) + Rs 10,000 (security deposit) = Rs 10,500
  • Security deposit is refundable after counselling completion
  • Registration fee is non-refundable
CategoryRegistration Fee (Non-refundable)Security Deposit (Refundable)Total
General/EWSRs 1,000Rs 25,000Rs 26,000
SC/ST/OBC/PwDRs 500Rs 10,000Rs 10,500
NEET PG Counselling 2026 Registration Fee and Security Deposit Structure

What Documents Do You Need Before Starting Registration?

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Before you log into the MCC portal on October 12, gather all your admission-related documents. The MCC will ask you to verify your identity and qualifications during registration, and you will need these documents both for the online process and later when you report to your allotted college. Having them ready will save you time and prevent registration errors.

Your NEET PG 2026 admit card and rank or result details are essential to prove your eligibility. You will also need your MBBS degree certificate or a provisional degree certificate if your final degree has not yet been issued. Bring your MBBS marksheets, internship completion certificate, and your permanent or provisional medical registration certificate issued by the Medical Council of India (MCI) or your state medical council. A valid photo identity proof (Aadhaar, passport, or driving licence), a recent passport-size photograph, and your signature will also be required. If you belong to a reserved category or have a disability, keep your category or disability certificate handy.

  • NEET PG 2026 admit card and rank/result details
  • MBBS degree or provisional degree certificate
  • MBBS marksheets
  • Internship completion certificate
  • Permanent or provisional medical registration certificate
  • Valid photo identity proof (Aadhaar, passport, driving licence)
  • Category or disability certificate (if applicable)
  • Recent passport-size photograph and signature
  • Any other documents specified in the MCC information bulletin or by your allotted institution

How to Register on the MCC Portal: Step-by-Step Process

Registration on the MCC portal is straightforward. Visit the official MCC website at mcc.nic.in and navigate to the PG Medical Counselling section on the homepage. Once the NEET PG 2026 Round 1 registration link becomes active on October 12, click on it to begin. You will be asked to enter your examination details (such as your NEET PG roll number and rank) and personal information (name, date of birth, contact details, and address).

After entering your details, create or access your login credentials as instructed on the portal. Review all the information you have entered to ensure accuracy, as errors may lead to complications later. Once you have verified your details, proceed to pay the applicable registration fee and security deposit using the online payment gateway. Save your confirmation page and payment receipt for future reference. You will need these documents when reporting to your allotted college.

  • Visit mcc.nic.in
  • Open the PG Medical Counselling section
  • Click on the NEET PG 2026 Round 1 registration link (active from October 12)
  • Enter examination and personal details
  • Create or access login credentials
  • Verify all information entered
  • Pay the registration fee and security deposit
  • Save confirmation page and payment receipt

Which Seats Are Covered Under MCC Counselling?

The MCC conducts online counselling for 50% of the All India Quota (AIQ) postgraduate medical seats. This means half of the PG seats available across India are allocated through the MCC counselling process, while the remaining 50% are reserved for state quota counselling conducted by individual state authorities. In addition to AIQ seats, the MCC also conducts counselling for seats in central universities, deemed universities, and other participating institutions as applicable.

Before you fill in your college and course preferences, check the eligibility conditions and seat matrix for your preferred MD, MS, postgraduate diploma, and DNB programmes. Different colleges and specialities may have different eligibility criteria, and some seats may be reserved for specific categories. State quota counselling is conducted separately by each state's counselling authority and may follow different schedules and procedures. If you are eligible for state quota seats in your home state, you may need to participate in both MCC and state counselling processes.

  • MCC conducts counselling for 50% of All India Quota (AIQ) PG seats
  • Covers central universities, deemed universities, and participating institutions
  • State quota counselling (remaining 50%) is conducted by state authorities separately
  • Check eligibility and seat matrix before filling choices
  • Different colleges and specialities have different eligibility criteria
  • Some seats are reserved for specific categories

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What Happens After You Lock Your Choices?

Once you lock your college and course preferences by October 22, the MCC will process your choices and generate the seat allotment result. The processing will take place on October 22–23, and the Round 1 seat allotment result will be announced on October 24, 2026. You will be able to view your allotted college, course, and seat category on the MCC portal using your login credentials.

If you are allotted a seat, you must report to your allotted college between October 26 and November 2, 2026. Reporting involves verifying your documents, completing admission formalities, and paying the college fees. If you do not report within this window, your seat may be cancelled and offered to the next eligible candidate. If you are not satisfied with your Round 1 allotment, you may have the option to participate in subsequent rounds of counselling, though this will depend on the MCC's final schedule and the availability of seats.

  • Seat allotment result announced on October 24, 2026
  • Check your allotment on the MCC portal using your login
  • Reporting window: October 26 – November 2, 2026
  • Non-reporting may result in seat cancellation
  • Subsequent rounds may be available for candidates not satisfied with Round 1 allotment

Why Is the 10-Day Registration Window Critical?

The 10-day registration window (October 12–21) is your only chance to enter the MCC counselling system for Round 1. Missing this deadline means you will not be able to participate in Round 1 and will have to wait for subsequent rounds, if available. Given that over 200,000 doctors are competing for a limited number of seats, delays in any round can significantly affect your chances of securing a seat in your preferred college or speciality.

The overlap between registration (ending October 21) and choice-filling (ending October 22) is intentional but tight. You must complete your registration and payment by October 21 to access the choice-filling portal on October 13 onwards. Many candidates wait until the last moment to register, which can lead to portal congestion, payment failures, or technical glitches. Plan to register at least 2–3 days before the deadline to avoid such issues. Similarly, do not delay filling and locking your choices; complete this by October 21 itself to have a buffer before the October 22 deadline.

  • Registration window is only 10 days (October 12–21)
  • Missing the deadline means waiting for subsequent rounds
  • Over 200,000 candidates competing for limited seats
  • Portal congestion likely near the deadline
  • Register 2–3 days early to avoid technical issues
  • Lock your choices by October 21 to have a safety buffer

What Should You Do Right Now to Prepare?

Start preparing immediately. Gather all your documents listed above and organize them in a folder (physical or digital). Verify that your MBBS degree certificate or provisional certificate is ready, your medical registration certificate is valid, and your internship completion certificate is in hand. If you belong to a reserved category or have a disability, ensure your category or disability certificate is current and valid.

Create a checklist of the registration steps and mark off each one as you complete it. Decide on your college and course preferences in advance by researching the specialities, college reputation, location, and placement outcomes. Prepare a ranked list of your top 10–15 colleges and courses so that when the choice-filling window opens on October 13, you can fill them quickly without hesitation. On October 12, log into the MCC portal a few hours after the registration link goes live to avoid the initial rush, verify that your login works, and then proceed with registration. Have your payment method (debit card, credit card, or net banking) ready to avoid delays during fee payment.

  • Gather and organize all required documents now
  • Verify that all certificates are current and valid
  • Research colleges and specialities in advance
  • Prepare a ranked list of your top 10–15 preferences
  • Test your MCC portal login on October 12 morning
  • Have your payment method ready
  • Register a few hours after the link goes live to avoid congestion
  • Fill and lock your choices by October 21
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Frequently asked questions

When does NEET PG counselling 2026 Round 1 registration start and end?

NEET PG counselling 2026 Round 1 registration opens on October 12, 2026, and closes on October 21, 2026. You have a 10-day window to register on the MCC portal, enter your details, and pay the registration fee and security deposit. After October 21, the registration window will close, and you will not be able to participate in Round 1.

How much registration fee do I need to pay for NEET PG counselling 2026?

The registration fee depends on your category. General and EWS candidates must pay Rs 1,000 as a non-refundable registration fee and Rs 25,000 as a refundable security deposit (total Rs 26,000). SC, ST, OBC, and PwD candidates pay Rs 500 as a registration fee and Rs 10,000 as a security deposit (total Rs 10,500). The security deposit will be refunded after the counselling process is complete.

What documents do I need to keep ready before registering for NEET PG counselling?

You should have your NEET PG 2026 admit card and rank details, MBBS degree or provisional degree certificate, MBBS marksheets, internship completion certificate, permanent or provisional medical registration certificate, valid photo identity proof (Aadhaar, passport, or driving licence), category or disability certificate (if applicable), and a recent passport-size photograph and signature. Having these documents ready will help you complete registration quickly and accurately.

When can I fill in my college and course preferences, and what is the deadline?

You can begin filling in your college and course preferences from October 13, 2026. The choice-filling window closes on October 22, 2026. You must lock your preferences by October 21–22, 2026. It is important to complete this step before the deadline, as your locked choices will be used to generate the seat allotment result.

When will the NEET PG counselling 2026 Round 1 seat allotment result be announced?

The MCC will process your choices on October 22–23, 2026, and announce the Round 1 seat allotment result on October 24, 2026. You will be able to view your allotted college, course, and seat category on the MCC portal using your login credentials.

What is the reporting deadline after I receive my seat allotment?

If you are allotted a seat in Round 1, you must report to your allotted college between October 26 and November 2, 2026. Reporting involves verifying your documents, completing admission formalities, and paying college fees. If you do not report within this window, your seat may be cancelled and offered to the next eligible candidate.

What seats are covered under MCC counselling, and what about state quota seats?

The MCC conducts counselling for 50% of the All India Quota (AIQ) postgraduate medical seats, as well as seats in central universities, deemed universities, and other participating institutions. The remaining 50% of seats are reserved for state quota counselling, which is conducted separately by each state's counselling authority. You may need to participate in both MCC and state counselling if you are eligible for state quota seats.

How many doctors are competing for seats in NEET PG counselling 2026 Round 1?

Over 200,000 doctors who qualified in the NEET PG 2026 exam are awaiting the opening of the counselling registration window. This large number of candidates means competition for seats is intense, and it is important to register early and carefully select your preferences to maximize your chances of securing a seat in your preferred college or speciality.

Mark October 12 on your calendar and prepare your documents now. Register within the first few days to avoid portal congestion, fill your choices thoughtfully by October 21, and be ready to report to your allotted college by November 2. Your next step is to finalize your college and speciality preferences and ensure all your documents are in order.

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