The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has released the official schedule for NEET UG 2026 counselling Rounds 2, 3, and the Stray Vacancy Round. This schedule applies to the 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats, 100% Deemed Universities, Central Universities, AFMC, AIIMS institutions, and JIPMER (Puducherry & Karaikal) for MBBS, BDS, and B.Sc Nursing courses. The document provides exact dates for registration, payment, choice filling, choice locking, seat processing, result declaration, and reporting for each round. If you have qualified for NEET UG 2026 and are eligible for any of these categories, you must know these dates to ensure you do not miss any critical deadline.
Round 2 registration opens 3 September 2026; Round 3 opens 22 September 2026; Stray Vacancy Round opens 12 October 2026 — all times are server time, and weekends/holidays are working days.
What This Schedule Covers
This schedule applies to counselling for NEET UG 2026 conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. It covers three separate rounds of seat allotment and one final stray vacancy round.
The seats included are: 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats, 100% seats in Deemed Universities, Central Universities, AFMC (Armed Forces Medical College), AIIMS institutions, and JIPMER (Puducherry and Karaikal campuses). The courses covered are MBBS, BDS, and B.Sc Nursing.
This is NOT the state counselling schedule — state counselling for state quota seats follows a separate process. This schedule is for national-level counselling only. If you are eligible for AIQ or these specific institutions, this is your timeline.
Important: All Times Are Server Time
Every deadline in this schedule is given in 'Server Time' — this is the official time maintained by the MCC counselling portal server, not your local time or Indian Standard Time (IST). You must check the exact server time before submitting any form or making any payment.
The difference between server time and your local time can cause you to miss a deadline. For example, if choice filling closes at 10:00 A.M server time, and you assume it is IST, you may submit your choices after the portal has already closed. Always log into the counselling portal a few minutes early to see the live server time countdown.
Weekends and gazetted holidays are treated as working days for this counselling. There are no days off — the schedule runs continuously, including Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays.
Round 2: Complete Timeline (September 2026)
Round 2 is the second allotment round. Participating institutes will verify their seat matrix on 1st and 2nd September 2026. This is an internal process — you do not need to do anything at this stage.
Registration and payment for Round 2 opens on 3 September 2026 and closes on 8 September 2026 at 3:00 P.M (server time). Payment facility remains open until 6:00 P.M on 8 September 2026. You must register and pay the counselling fee during this window to participate in Round 2.
Choice filling begins on 3 September 2026 and closes on 9 September 2026 at 10:00 A.M (server time). You can fill and modify your choices during this period. Choice locking starts on 8 September 2026 at 4:00 P.M and continues until 9 September 2026 at 10:00 A.M — once you lock your choices, you cannot change them.
Seat allotment processing happens on 9–10 September 2026. Results are declared on 11 September 2026. Reporting (joining) period is 12–18 September 2026 (7 days). Institutes verify joined candidate data on 19 September 2026.
- Seat matrix verification: 1–2 September 2026
- Registration & payment: 3–8 September 2026 (payment until 6:00 P.M)
- Choice filling: 3–9 September 2026 (until 10:00 A.M on 9th)
- Choice locking: 8 September 2026 (4:00 P.M) to 9 September 2026 (10:00 A.M)
- Allotment processing: 9–10 September 2026
- Result declaration: 11 September 2026
- Reporting period: 12–18 September 2026
- Data verification by institutes: 19 September 2026
Round 3: Complete Timeline (September–October 2026)
Round 3 is the third and typically final allotment round before the stray vacancy round. Institutes verify seat matrix on 21 September 2026.
Registration and payment for Round 3 opens on 22 September 2026 and closes on 27 September 2026 at 3:00 P.M (server time). Payment facility is available until 6:00 P.M on 27 September 2026. This is your second chance to register if you did not participate in Round 2 or if you were not allotted a seat.
Choice filling runs from 23 September 2026 to 28 September 2026 at 12:00 Noon (server time). Choice locking begins on 27 September 2026 at 7:00 P.M and ends on 28 September 2026 at 12:00 Noon. Note the different locking times compared to Round 2.
Allotment processing occurs on 28–29 September 2026. Results are declared on 30 September 2026. Reporting period is 1–9 October 2026 (9 days). Institutes verify joined candidate data on 10 October 2026.
- Seat matrix verification: 21 September 2026
- Registration & payment: 22–27 September 2026 (payment until 6:00 P.M)
- Choice filling: 23–28 September 2026 (until 12:00 Noon on 28th)
- Choice locking: 27 September 2026 (7:00 P.M) to 28 September 2026 (12:00 Noon)
- Allotment processing: 28–29 September 2026
- Result declaration: 30 September 2026
- Reporting period: 1–9 October 2026
- Data verification by institutes: 10 October 2026
Stray Vacancy Round: Complete Timeline (October 2026)
The Stray Vacancy Round is the final round of counselling. It is held to fill any seats that remain vacant after Rounds 2 and 3. Candidates who were not allotted a seat in earlier rounds, or who did not report to their allotted college, can participate in this round.
Registration for the Stray Vacancy Round opens on 12 October 2026 and closes on 14 October 2026 at 3:00 P.M (server time). Payment facility is available until 6:00 P.M on 14 October 2026. This is your last opportunity to register for counselling in this session.
Choice filling runs from 12 October 2026 to 15 October 2026 at 10:00 A.M (server time). Choice locking begins on 14 October 2026 at 4:00 P.M and ends on 15 October 2026 at 10:00 A.M.
Allotment processing occurs on 15–16 October 2026. Results are declared on 17 October 2026. Reporting period is 19–26 October 2026 (8 days). Note: there is no 'Verification of Joined candidates Data by institutes' column for this round in the schedule.
- Registration: 12–14 October 2026 (payment until 6:00 P.M)
- Choice filling: 12–15 October 2026 (until 10:00 A.M on 15th)
- Choice locking: 14 October 2026 (4:00 P.M) to 15 October 2026 (10:00 A.M)
- Allotment processing: 15–16 October 2026
- Result declaration: 17 October 2026
- Reporting period: 19–26 October 2026
What Each Stage Means for You
**Registration & Payment**: You must create an account on the MCC counselling portal, fill in your details, and pay the counselling fee. Without registration and payment, you cannot participate in that round. The fee amount is not specified in this schedule — check the MCC portal for the exact fee.
**Choice Filling**: After registration, you log in and select your preferred colleges and courses in order of preference. You can fill multiple choices. The portal allows you to modify your choices until the choice-filling deadline. This is your chance to rank colleges by your preference.
**Choice Locking**: Once you lock your choices, you cannot change them. The system will use your locked choices to generate your allotment. Lock your choices only when you are completely satisfied with your ranking. Many candidates make the mistake of locking too early or forgetting to lock at all — if you do not lock, your choices may not be considered.
**Allotment Processing**: The MCC computer system processes all locked choices and generates allotments based on merit rank, category, and availability of seats. You cannot influence this process — it is automated.
**Result Declaration**: The allotment result is published. You log in to see which college and course you have been allotted, if any.
**Reporting**: You must visit your allotted college in person (or as per college instructions) to complete admission formalities, submit original documents, and pay fees. If you do not report within the reporting period, your seat is cancelled and offered to the next candidate.
Key Dates at a Glance
Below is a summary table of the most critical dates for each round. Mark these on your calendar and set reminders at least 24 hours before each deadline.
| Round | Registration Opens | Registration Closes | Choice Filling Closes | Result Date | Reporting Starts | Reporting Ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round 2 | 3 Sept 2026 | 8 Sept 2026 (3:00 P.M) | 9 Sept 2026 (10:00 A.M) | 11 Sept 2026 | 12 Sept 2026 | 18 Sept 2026 |
| Round 3 | 22 Sept 2026 | 27 Sept 2026 (3:00 P.M) | 28 Sept 2026 (12:00 Noon) | 30 Sept 2026 | 1 Oct 2026 | 9 Oct 2026 |
| Stray Vacancy | 12 Oct 2026 | 14 Oct 2026 (3:00 P.M) | 15 Oct 2026 (10:00 A.M) | 17 Oct 2026 | 19 Oct 2026 | 26 Oct 2026 |
Who Is Eligible to Use This Schedule
This schedule applies to candidates who have qualified NEET UG 2026 and are eligible for one or more of the following categories:
**15% All India Quota (AIQ)**: These are seats in government medical colleges across India that are filled through national-level counselling. Every state has a certain number of AIQ seats in its government colleges.
**100% Deemed Universities**: Private medical colleges with deemed university status fill all their seats through this national counselling.
**Central Universities**: Medical colleges run by central universities (e.g., Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University) participate in this counselling.
**AFMC (Armed Forces Medical College)**: Located in Pune, AFMC seats are filled through this process.
**AIIMS Institutions**: All AIIMS colleges across India (Delhi, Bhopal, Patna, Raipur, Rishikesh, Jodhpur, Nagpur, Bibinagar, Bathinda, Kalyani, Mangalagiri, Guwahati, Gorakhpur, Indore, Vikarabad, Bathinda, and others) participate in this counselling.
**JIPMER (Puducherry & Karaikal)**: Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research in Puducherry and Karaikal fills seats through this process.
If you are eligible for state quota seats only (not AIQ), you will participate in your state's separate counselling, not this one. Check your NEET scorecard and eligibility to confirm which counselling applies to you.
Important Traps and Common Mistakes
**Mistake 1: Confusing Server Time with Local Time or IST**. The schedule uses 'Server Time' throughout. If you assume it is IST and submit your form 30 minutes late, you will be locked out. Always check the live server time on the counselling portal before any submission.
**Mistake 2: Not Locking Your Choices**. Many candidates fill their choices but forget to click the 'Lock' button. If you do not lock, your choices are not finalized and may not be used for allotment. Lock your choices well before the deadline.
**Mistake 3: Missing the Registration Deadline**. Registration closes at 3:00 P.M (or 12:00 Noon in Round 3) on specific dates. If you miss this, you cannot participate in that round. Payment facility closes even later (6:00 P.M), but you must register first.
**Mistake 4: Not Reporting Within the Reporting Period**. Even if you are allotted a seat, you must report to the college within the specified dates. If you do not report, your seat is cancelled. Reporting means visiting the college in person (or following the college's online process) and completing admission formalities.
**Mistake 5: Assuming You Can Participate in All Rounds**. You can participate in multiple rounds, but once you report to a college in one round, you are typically locked into that college and cannot participate in later rounds. Check the MCC rules on this before reporting.
**Mistake 6: Not Checking Eligibility for Each Round**. Some candidates may not be eligible for certain rounds (e.g., if they have already reported in an earlier round). Always verify your eligibility before registering for a new round.
What to Do Before Each Round
**Before Registration Opens**: Ensure your NEET scorecard is ready. Verify that you are eligible for AIQ or the specific institution category. Have your NEET roll number, date of birth, and other details handy. Check the MCC website for any updates or clarifications.
**Before You Register**: Prepare a list of colleges and courses you are interested in, ranked by preference. Research each college's location, fees, reputation, and course structure. This will help you fill your choices quickly and accurately during the choice-filling window.
**Before Choice Filling**: Log in to the portal a few minutes early to see the live server time. Read the instructions carefully. Fill your choices in order of preference — the system will allot you the highest-ranked college for which you are eligible.
**Before Choice Locking**: Review your choices one final time. Ensure they are in the correct order. Once you lock, you cannot change them. If you are unsure, you can modify before locking.
**Before the Reporting Period**: If you are allotted a seat, note the exact reporting dates and the college's address. Prepare all required documents (original certificates, ID proof, etc.). Contact the college in advance to confirm the reporting process and any specific requirements.
Weekends and Holidays Are Working Days
The schedule explicitly states: 'All participating institutes/colleges are directed to treat all Saturdays/Sundays and Gazetted Holidays as working days.' This means the counselling does not stop on weekends or national holidays. If a deadline falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it still applies on that day.
For example, if choice filling closes on a Sunday at 10:00 A.M, you must submit by that time — the weekend does not extend the deadline. Plan accordingly and do not assume any day off.
How to Access the Counselling Portal
The MCC counselling portal is the official website where you will register, fill choices, and check results. The exact URL is not provided in this schedule — it will be announced by MCC closer to the counselling dates. Watch the official MCC website (mcc.nic.in) and your email for the portal link.
When the portal opens, you will need your NEET scorecard details to log in. Create a strong password and keep it safe. Do not share your login credentials with anyone. If you forget your password, use the 'Forgot Password' option to reset it.
The portal may experience high traffic during peak hours (just before deadlines). Try to complete your registration and choice filling well in advance, not at the last minute. If the portal is slow, be patient — do not refresh repeatedly or close the browser, as this may cause your form to be lost.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between Round 2, Round 3, and the Stray Vacancy Round?
Round 2 and Round 3 are regular allotment rounds where seats are filled based on merit and choice. Round 2 happens first (early September), and Round 3 happens later (late September). The Stray Vacancy Round (October) is the final round and fills only the seats that remain vacant after Rounds 2 and 3. If you do not get a seat in Rounds 2 or 3, or if you do not report to your allotted college, you can try the Stray Vacancy Round.
What does 'Server Time' mean, and why is it important?
Server Time is the official time maintained by the MCC counselling portal server. All deadlines in this schedule are in Server Time, not your local time or IST. If you submit a form after the Server Time deadline, it will be rejected. Always check the live Server Time on the counselling portal before submitting anything. The difference between Server Time and your local time can be significant, so do not assume.
Can I participate in multiple rounds?
Yes, you can register and participate in multiple rounds if you do not report to a college in an earlier round. However, once you report to a college in one round, you are typically locked into that college and cannot participate in later rounds. Check the MCC rules on this before reporting. If you are allotted a seat but do not report, you can participate in the next round.
What happens if I miss the registration deadline for a round?
If you miss the registration deadline, you cannot participate in that round. You will have to wait for the next round. For example, if you miss the Round 2 registration deadline (8 September 2026 at 3:00 P.M), you can register for Round 3 (22 September 2026 onwards). The Stray Vacancy Round is your last chance — if you miss that, counselling for this session is over.
What is choice locking, and why do I need to do it?
Choice locking means finalizing your college and course preferences. After you fill your choices, you must click the 'Lock' button to confirm them. Once locked, you cannot change your choices. The allotment system uses only your locked choices to generate your allotment. If you do not lock your choices, they may not be considered for allotment. Always lock your choices before the deadline.
What happens if I am allotted a seat but do not report within the reporting period?
If you do not report within the specified reporting period, your seat is cancelled and offered to the next candidate. Reporting means visiting the college in person (or following the college's online process) and completing admission formalities. If you are allotted a seat, you must report on time or forfeit the seat.
Are there any days off during counselling (weekends or holidays)?
No. The schedule explicitly states that all Saturdays, Sundays, and gazetted holidays are treated as working days. Counselling continues without interruption. If a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it still applies on that day. Do not assume any day off.
What is the counselling fee, and when do I pay it?
The schedule does not specify the counselling fee amount. You will find the fee details on the MCC counselling portal when registration opens. You must pay the fee during the registration period (e.g., by 8 September 2026 at 6:00 P.M for Round 2). Payment is mandatory to participate in a round.
Can I change my choices after I have filled them but before I lock them?
Yes. You can modify your choices at any time during the choice-filling period, as long as you have not locked them. Once you lock your choices, you cannot change them. So, fill your choices, review them carefully, and only lock when you are completely satisfied.
What if I am eligible for both AIQ and state quota seats?
This schedule covers only AIQ and specific national-level institutions (Deemed Universities, Central Universities, AFMC, AIIMS, JIPMER). If you are also eligible for state quota seats, you will participate in your state's separate counselling. You can participate in both counsellings, but once you report to a college in one counselling, you may not be able to participate in the other. Check your state's counselling rules.
How do I know if I am eligible for this counselling?
You are eligible if you have qualified NEET UG 2026 and are eligible for one of these categories: 15% AIQ, 100% Deemed Universities, Central Universities, AFMC, AIIMS, or JIPMER. Check your NEET scorecard and the eligibility criteria on the MCC website. If you are eligible for state quota seats only, you will participate in your state's counselling, not this one.
What should I do if the counselling portal is not working or is very slow?
If the portal is slow, be patient and do not refresh repeatedly or close the browser. Try again after some time. If the portal is down, contact MCC support. However, do not wait until the last minute to register or fill choices — do it well in advance to avoid technical issues. If you face a genuine technical problem, contact MCC immediately with proof (screenshots, etc.) to request an extension.
Mark all three rounds' key dates on your calendar now: Round 2 registration opens 3 September 2026, Round 3 opens 22 September 2026, and the Stray Vacancy Round opens 12 October 2026. Remember that all times are Server Time — check the live server time on the MCC portal before every submission. Do not miss registration deadlines, do not forget to lock your choices, and do report to your allotted college within the reporting period. For the most up-to-date information and the counselling portal link, visit the official MCC website (mcc.nic.in) and monitor your email for announcements.
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