The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has released the official schedule for Round 1 of NEET UG 2026 counselling, covering All India Quota (AIQ) seats, Deemed Universities, and Central Universities, as well as state-wise counselling. This schedule sets out the exact dates when counselling will run, when candidates must join their allotted colleges, and the verification timelines that colleges and state authorities must follow. The notice clarifies that all Saturdays, Sundays, and gazetted holidays will be treated as working days to keep the process on track. Every NEET UG 2026 candidate aiming for an MBBS or BDS seat must know these dates to avoid missing critical deadlines.
AIQ counselling runs 4–21 August 2026; state counselling runs 13–27 August 2026; the last date to join is 31 August (AIQ) or 5 September (state)—missing these dates means losing your seat.
What This Schedule Covers
This official schedule from DGHS sets the timeline for Round 1 of NEET UG 2026 counselling across three pathways: All India Quota (AIQ) seats, Deemed Universities, and Central Universities on one side, and state-wise counselling on the other. The schedule does not cover private colleges or state private seats—only government and central institutions.
The notice applies to all NEET UG 2026 candidates who have qualified and are eligible for counselling. It is binding on all participating colleges and state counselling authorities. Understanding these dates is critical because missing even one deadline can result in your seat being cancelled and offered to the next candidate on the merit list.
Important Dates: All India Quota (AIQ), Deemed & Central Universities
The All India Quota counselling—which includes seats at Deemed Universities and Central Universities—will run from 4 August 2026 to 21 August 2026. During this period, the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) will conduct the counselling process, generate merit lists, and allot seats to eligible candidates.
The last date for candidates to join their allotted college under AIQ is 31 August 2026. This is a hard deadline. If you do not report to your college by this date with all required documents, your seat will be cancelled. After joining, the MCC will verify your data by 1 September 2026.
- AIQ counselling period: 4 August to 21 August 2026
- Last date to join (AIQ): 31 August 2026
- MCC verification of joined candidates: 1 September 2026
Important Dates: State Counselling
State counselling—conducted by each state's Directorate of Medical Education (DME) or state counselling authority—will run from 13 August 2026 to 27 August 2026. This covers state quota seats (the seats reserved for candidates from that state). Each state runs its own counselling process independently, so the exact dates and procedures may vary slightly by state, but the overall window is fixed.
The last date for candidates to join their allotted college under state counselling is 5 September 2026. After joining, the state DME or counselling authority will verify your data by 6 September 2026. Do not assume your state's deadline is the same as AIQ—check with your state counselling authority for any state-specific variations.
- State counselling period: 13 August to 27 August 2026
- Last date to join (state counselling): 5 September 2026
- State verification of joined candidates: 6 September 2026
Complete Schedule Table
Below is the full schedule as issued by DGHS, showing all key milestones for both AIQ and state counselling in Round 1.
| Event | All India Quota / Deemed & Central Universities | State Counselling |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 Counselling Period | 4 Aug – 21 Aug 2026 | 13 Aug – 27 Aug 2026 |
| Last Date to Join | 31 Aug 2026 | 5 Sept 2026 |
| Verification of Joined Candidates by MCC / State Authority | 1 Sept 2026 | 6 Sept 2026 |
Weekends and Holidays Are Working Days
A critical point in the notice: all Saturdays, Sundays, and gazetted holidays (national and state holidays) will be treated as working days during the counselling period. This means counselling will continue on weekends and holidays without interruption. Colleges and state authorities are directed to remain operational throughout.
This is important for your planning. Do not assume you have extra time because a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday. If the last date to join is 31 August and that date is a Saturday, you must still join on that Saturday. Check the calendar and plan accordingly.
- All Saturdays and Sundays are working days during counselling
- All gazetted holidays (national and state) are working days
- Deadlines do not shift if they fall on a weekend or holiday
What Happens During Each Phase
During the counselling period (4–21 Aug for AIQ, 13–27 Aug for state), the MCC or state authority will conduct the counselling process. This includes registration, choice filling, processing of choices, and generation of the merit list and allotment. You will be informed of your allotted college and seat through the official counselling portal.
Once you receive your allotment, you must report to the college in person with all required documents by the last joining date. The college will verify your documents and confirm your admission. After you join, the MCC or state authority will verify that you have actually joined by the verification date (1 Sept for AIQ, 6 Sept for state). If you do not join by the deadline, you will not appear in the verification data, and your seat will be cancelled.
- Counselling period: registration, choice filling, allotment
- After allotment: report to college with documents by last joining date
- College verifies your documents and confirms admission
- MCC/state authority verifies joined candidates by verification date
Who Must Follow This Schedule
This schedule applies to all NEET UG 2026 candidates who are eligible for counselling and have qualified the exam. It covers admission to MBBS and BDS seats in government medical and dental colleges, Deemed Universities, and Central Universities under the All India Quota, as well as state quota seats.
The schedule is mandatory for all participating colleges and state counselling authorities. If a college or state authority does not adhere to these dates, it is in violation of DGHS directives.
- All NEET UG 2026 qualified candidates
- All government medical and dental colleges
- All Deemed Universities and Central Universities
- All state counselling authorities and DMEs
Key Trap: Missing the Joining Deadline
The most common mistake is not joining by the last date. If you receive an allotment but do not report to the college by 31 August (AIQ) or 5 September (state), your seat is automatically cancelled. There is no grace period, no extension, and no second chance in Round 1. The seat will be offered to the next candidate on the merit list.
Even if you are in the process of arranging documents or travel, you must physically report to the college by the deadline. If you have a genuine emergency, contact the college and the counselling authority immediately—but do not assume they will grant an extension. Plan to arrive at least one day before the deadline.
- ⚠️ Missing the joining deadline = automatic seat cancellation
- ⚠️ No extensions or grace periods in Round 1
- ⚠️ Seat goes to the next candidate on merit list
- ✅ Arrive at college at least one day before the deadline
Difference Between AIQ and State Counselling
All India Quota (AIQ) seats are 15% of the total MBBS and BDS seats in government colleges, plus all seats in Deemed Universities and Central Universities. These are counselled by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and are open to candidates from any state. State quota seats are the remaining 85% of seats in government colleges, reserved for candidates from that state, and are counselled by the state's own DME or counselling authority.
The key difference for you: if you are eligible for AIQ (based on your rank and category), you can apply for AIQ seats across India. If you are applying for state seats, you can only apply in your home state (or the state where you have domicile). The schedules are slightly different—AIQ counselling ends on 21 Aug, state on 27 Aug—and the joining deadlines are different (31 Aug vs 5 Sept). You may participate in both if you are eligible, but you must meet both deadlines if you receive allotments in both.
- AIQ: 15% of government seats + all Deemed/Central seats, open to all India
- State quota: 85% of government seats, open to state domicile candidates only
- AIQ counselling: 4–21 Aug; state counselling: 13–27 Aug
- AIQ joining deadline: 31 Aug; state joining deadline: 5 Sept
What to Do Now: Action Checklist
Mark the key dates on your calendar immediately. Set reminders for 4 August (AIQ counselling starts), 13 August (state counselling starts), 21 August (AIQ counselling ends), 27 August (state counselling ends), 31 August (AIQ joining deadline), and 5 September (state joining deadline). Do not rely on memory.
Prepare all required documents now—your NEET admit card, scorecard, 10th and 12th mark sheets, category certificate (if applicable), domicile certificate, and any other documents your state or college requires. Having these ready will save you time and stress when you receive your allotment. Check the counselling portal and your state's official website for the complete list of required documents.
- ✅ Mark all key dates on your calendar
- ✅ Set phone reminders for each deadline
- ✅ Gather all required documents now
- ✅ Check your state counselling authority's website for state-specific rules
- ✅ Know your eligibility (AIQ, state quota, or both)
- ✅ Plan your travel to the college in advance
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
When does AIQ counselling start and end?
AIQ counselling for NEET UG 2026 Round 1 starts on 4 August 2026 and ends on 21 August 2026. During this period, the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) will conduct the entire counselling process, including registration, choice filling, and allotment.
When does state counselling start and end?
State counselling starts on 13 August 2026 and ends on 27 August 2026. Each state's DME or counselling authority conducts this independently, so check your state's official website for any state-specific variations in dates or procedures.
What is the last date to join after receiving an allotment?
For AIQ seats, the last date to join is 31 August 2026. For state quota seats, the last date to join is 5 September 2026. If you do not report to your allotted college by these dates with all required documents, your seat will be cancelled.
Will counselling happen on weekends and holidays?
Yes. The notice explicitly states that all Saturdays, Sundays, and gazetted holidays will be treated as working days. Counselling will continue without interruption, and deadlines will not shift if they fall on a weekend or holiday.
What happens if I miss the joining deadline?
If you do not join by the last date (31 Aug for AIQ or 5 Sept for state), your seat will be automatically cancelled with no grace period or extension. Your seat will be offered to the next candidate on the merit list. There is no second chance in Round 1.
Can I apply for both AIQ and state counselling?
Yes, if you are eligible for both. AIQ is open to all candidates across India, while state quota is open only to candidates with domicile in that state. If you receive allotments in both, you must meet both joining deadlines (31 Aug for AIQ, 5 Sept for state) or choose one and forfeit the other.
What is the difference between AIQ and state quota seats?
AIQ seats are 15% of government MBBS/BDS seats plus all seats in Deemed and Central Universities, open to candidates from any state. State quota seats are 85% of government seats, reserved for candidates from that state. AIQ is counselled by MCC; state quota is counselled by the state's own authority.
When will the MCC and state authority verify that I have joined?
The MCC will verify joined candidates by 1 September 2026 for AIQ. The state authority will verify joined candidates by 6 September 2026 for state counselling. If you have joined on time, you will appear in this verification data.
Is this schedule for MBBS and BDS both?
Yes. This schedule applies to both MBBS and BDS counselling under NEET UG 2026 Round 1, for all government colleges, Deemed Universities, and Central Universities.
What should I do to prepare for these dates?
Mark all key dates on your calendar now. Gather all required documents (NEET scorecard, 10th/12th mark sheets, category certificate if applicable, domicile certificate, etc.). Check your state counselling authority's website for state-specific requirements. Plan your travel to the college in advance so you can join by the deadline.
The NEET UG 2026 Round 1 counselling schedule is now fixed. AIQ counselling runs 4–21 August; state counselling runs 13–27 August. The last dates to join are 31 August (AIQ) and 5 September (state). Missing these deadlines will result in automatic seat cancellation with no extension. Start preparing now: mark the dates, gather your documents, and plan your travel. Check your state counselling authority's website for any state-specific rules or additional requirements. Do not delay—the counselling process moves fast, and every day counts.
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