If you were planning to log in and start filling your college choices for NEET UG 2026 All India Quota counselling on the earlier scheduled date, hold on — the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has pushed the Round 1 choice-filling window back by a couple of days. The window now opens on August 8, 2026, at 12 noon instead of the original date. This matters because every date after choice filling — locking, allotment, result, and reporting — has shifted accordingly. The change was made to accommodate a new National Medical Commission (NMC) rule affecting Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) candidates, so the counselling calendar needed to be realigned before choices could open. Registration and fee payment, however, continue on the same track and close August 12.
Round 1 choice filling on mcc.nic.in now opens August 8 at 12 noon and choices must be locked by August 13, 11 AM — registered candidates should use the extra two days to finalise their college-and-course preference list, not to delay it.
Why the schedule moved
MCC's counselling calendar is built around eligibility rules set by the NMC, and any change in those rules — even one affecting a specific candidate category — can force a reset of dates across the board. In this case, the NMC issued a fresh notification on eligibility norms for PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disability) candidates, and MCC needed to update its systems and instructions before opening choice filling to everyone.
This is a procedural adjustment, not a sign of any larger problem with the counselling process. Short shifts like this are fairly common in NEET UG counselling and are usually announced with only a few days' notice, which is why aspirants should check mcc.nic.in daily during the counselling window rather than relying only on a printed schedule.
Revised Round 1 schedule at a glance
Here is the updated timeline candidates should follow for NEET UG 2026 Round 1 All India Quota counselling.
| Event | Revised Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Registration and fee payment | August 5 to 12, 2026 (till 3 PM) |
| Choice filling opens | August 8, 2026, 12 noon to August 13, 2026 |
| Choice locking | August 12, 2026, 4 PM to August 13, 2026, 11 AM |
| Seat allotment processing | August 13 to 16, 2026 |
| Result declaration | August 17, 2026 |
| Reporting at allotted institute | August 18 to 22, 2026 |
What this means if you haven't registered yet
If you haven't completed registration and fee payment for Round 1, you still have until August 12 at 3 PM to do so — but do not wait until the last day. Only candidates who are registered and have paid the fee can log in to fill and lock choices, and payment gateways can slow down close to a deadline.
Once you're registered, you can start browsing college and course options even before the choice-filling window technically opens on August 8, so that when it does open you are simply entering and ordering your list rather than researching from scratch.
A note on document verification
MCC has also indicated that Round 1 this year will rely more on online document verification rather than requiring every candidate to report physically at this early stage. For aspirants, this is a practical change: keep scanned copies of your NEET scorecard, admit card, Class 10 and 12 certificates, category and PwBD certificates (if applicable), and identity proof ready in the format the portal accepts, well before the choice-locking deadline. Delays in uploading or verifying documents can hold up your allotment status even if your rank and choices are in order.
How to approach choice filling with the extra days
The two-day shift gives you a bit more breathing room, and it's worth using it well rather than treating it as a reason to delay.
- List colleges strictly in the order you would actually accept them — never by guesswork about 'safe' ranks.
- Cross-check each college's course (MBBS or BDS), seat category, and state/institute quota eligibility before adding it.
- Use your NEET UG 2026 rank alongside previous years' closing ranks for the same colleges as a rough guide, not a guarantee.
- Save your choice list periodically while filling — do not wait until the very last hour before the August 13, 11 AM locking deadline.
- Once locked, choices cannot be edited, so review the full list carefully before final submission.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
When does NEET UG 2026 Round 1 choice filling actually open now?
It opens on August 8, 2026, at 12 noon on the MCC portal (mcc.nic.in), two days later than originally planned.
Why was the choice-filling date postponed?
MCC cited a fresh NMC notification revising eligibility rules for PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disability) candidates, which required the counselling calendar to be updated before choice filling could begin.
Has the registration deadline also changed?
No. Registration and fee payment for Round 1 continue as scheduled and close on August 12, 2026, at 3 PM.
By when do I need to lock my choices?
Choice locking runs from August 12, 2026, 4 PM to August 13, 2026, 11 AM. Choices not locked in time may be auto-locked based on the order you entered them, so don't leave it to the last minute.
When will the Round 1 seat allotment result be declared?
The result is scheduled for August 17, 2026, with reporting at the allotted institute from August 18 to 22, 2026.
Do I need to report physically to my college after Round 1 allotment?
MCC has indicated a greater reliance on online document verification for Round 1 this year, though candidates should still check their specific allotment letter for exact reporting instructions, since requirements can vary by category and institute.
Could the schedule change again?
It's possible. Counselling dates can shift due to court orders, policy notifications, or technical issues, so aspirants should monitor mcc.nic.in regularly throughout the counselling period.
The revised dates leave a tight but workable window, so use the next few days to firm up your college preference order and keep your documents ready rather than waiting for the choice-filling window to open. Keep checking mcc.nic.in for any further updates, since counselling schedules can be revised again on short notice.
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