The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has opened the choice filling window for NEET UG 2026 Round 2 counselling. If you qualified in Round 1 but did not secure a seat, or if you wish to explore other college options, you must now submit your fresh preferences for All India Quota (AIQ) seats across MBBS, BDS, and B.Sc Nursing programmes. The choice filling deadline is September 28, 2026 at noon — missing this means automatic locking of whatever you have saved, so careful planning is essential. This article walks you through the exact timeline, what you must do, and the consequences of not locking your choices in time.
You must fill and lock your college preferences by September 28, 2026 (12:00 PM); if you don't lock manually, the system will auto-lock your saved choices, and you cannot change them after that.
When Does NEET UG Round 2 Choice Filling Start and End?
The choice filling process for NEET UG 2026 Round 2 began on September 23, 2026, and will close on September 28, 2026, at 12:00 noon (server time). This is a five-day window during which you can log into the MCC portal (mcc.nic.in) and enter your preferred colleges and courses in order of priority.
Before you can fill choices, you must complete registration and payment. The registration and payment window opened on September 22, 2026, and closes on September 27, 2026, at 3:00 PM (with payment facility available until 6:00 PM). If you have not yet registered and paid the counselling fee, do so immediately — you cannot fill choices without completing this step.
What Is the Choice Locking Deadline and How Does It Work?
Choice locking is the process of finalizing your preferences so they cannot be changed. The locking window runs from September 27, 2026, at 7:00 PM to September 28, 2026, at 12:00 noon. You have the option to manually lock your choices anytime during this period by clicking the 'Lock' button on the portal.
If you do not manually lock your choices before the deadline, the system will automatically lock whatever preferences you have saved at 12:00 noon on September 28. This is important: once locked (whether manually or automatically), your choices cannot be edited or deleted. The seat allotment algorithm will then process your locked preferences to assign you a seat based on your rank, category, and the availability of seats in your chosen colleges.
Which Seats and Courses Are Available in Round 2?
Round 2 counselling covers 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats in government colleges, as well as seats in Deemed Universities, Central Universities, ESIC, AFMC, AIIMS, and JIPMER institutions. You can apply for MBBS, BDS, or B.Sc Nursing programmes depending on your eligibility and the courses offered by your chosen colleges.
AIQ seats are allocated nationally, meaning you can choose colleges from any state in India. This is different from state-quota seats, which are reserved for candidates from that state. If you did not secure an AIQ seat in Round 1, Round 2 gives you another opportunity to compete for remaining AIQ vacancies.
Why Must You Fill Fresh Choices for Round 2?
A critical rule: your choices from Round 1 will not carry forward to Round 2. You must fill your preferences again from scratch. This is because Round 2 is a separate counselling round with a different pool of available seats and candidates. Even if you filled choices in Round 1, you must log in and enter your preferences again for Round 2.
This fresh filling also gives you the chance to revise your strategy. If you were not allotted a seat in Round 1, you can now reconsider which colleges and courses to prioritize. If you were allotted a seat but chose not to join, you can now apply for different colleges. Take time to review your options carefully before locking.
What Should You Check Before Locking Your Preferences?
Before you lock your choices, verify three key details for each college: the fee structure (tuition and hostel fees), the location (city and campus facilities), and any bond conditions (such as a commitment to work in a particular state or sector after graduation). Some colleges, especially those in remote areas or with government bonds, may have conditions you need to understand upfront.
Once you lock your choices, you cannot modify them. If you are allotted a seat and later realize the fees are higher than expected or the location is not suitable, you will have already committed to that college. Take your time during the choice-filling window to research each college thoroughly using the college information available on the MCC portal or through college websites.
What Happens If You Are Allotted a Seat but Don't Join?
If you are allotted a seat in Round 2 and choose not to report to the college, your refundable security deposit will be forfeited according to MCC rules. The security deposit is a sum of money you pay during registration to confirm your participation in counselling. Forfeiture means you lose this money and cannot claim it back.
This rule is in place to discourage candidates from blocking seats they do not intend to take. If you are unsure about a college or course, think carefully before locking it as a choice. Only include colleges and courses you are genuinely willing to join.
What Is the Timeline After Choice Locking?
After the choice-locking deadline on September 28, 2026, at noon, the MCC will process all locked preferences using a computerized algorithm. This processing will take place on September 28 and 29, 2026. The seat allotment result will be declared on September 30, 2026.
Once the result is out, you will have a window from October 1 to October 8, 2026, to physically report to your allotted college. Physical reporting means visiting the college in person, submitting original documents, paying fees, and completing admission formalities. If you do not report within this window, your seat may be cancelled and offered to another candidate.
How to Access the Choice Filling Portal
All choice filling for NEET UG Round 2 is done through the official MCC portal at mcc.nic.in. You will need your registration number and password to log in. If you have forgotten your password, use the 'Forgot Password' option on the login page to reset it.
Ensure you are using a stable internet connection and a device (computer or smartphone) that is compatible with the portal. Avoid filling choices on public Wi-Fi or shared devices. Keep your login credentials confidential and do not share them with anyone, including counsellors or agents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Choice Filling
Do not delay choice filling until the last moment. The portal may experience high traffic on the final day, leading to slow loading or technical issues. Fill your choices at least a day before the deadline so you have time to review and lock them without rush.
Do not fill choices randomly or without research. Each choice should reflect your genuine preference based on the college's reputation, course quality, location, and fees. Filling too many choices or choices you don't want can lead to an allotment you are unhappy with. Also, do not assume that locking your choices means you will definitely get a seat — allotment depends on your rank, category, and the number of available seats.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the last date to fill and lock choices for NEET UG Round 2 2026?
The choice filling window closes on September 28, 2026, at 12:00 noon (server time). You can manually lock your choices anytime between September 27, 2026, at 7:00 PM and September 28, 2026, at 12:00 noon. If you do not lock manually, the system will automatically lock your saved choices at noon on September 28.
Do I need to fill choices again for Round 2 if I already filled them in Round 1?
Yes, you must fill fresh choices for Round 2. Your Round 1 choices will not carry forward. You need to log into the MCC portal and enter your preferences again, as Round 2 is a separate counselling round with a different set of available seats.
What happens if I don't manually lock my choices before the deadline?
If you do not manually lock your choices, the system will automatically lock whatever preferences you have saved at 12:00 noon on September 28, 2026. Once locked (manually or automatically), your choices cannot be changed. The seat allotment will be based on your locked preferences.
Can I change my choices after locking them?
No, once you lock your choices, they cannot be modified or deleted. This is why it is important to review your preferences carefully before locking. Make sure you are satisfied with the order of colleges and courses you have chosen.
What should I verify before locking my choices?
Before locking, verify the fee structure (tuition and hostel fees), the location of the college, and any bond conditions (such as a commitment to work in a particular state after graduation). Research each college thoroughly to ensure it aligns with your expectations and financial situation.
What happens if I am allotted a seat but don't report to the college?
If you are allotted a seat and choose not to report, your refundable security deposit will be forfeited according to MCC rules. You will lose this money and cannot claim it back. Only lock choices for colleges and courses you are genuinely willing to join.
When will the Round 2 seat allotment result be declared?
The seat allotment result will be declared on September 30, 2026. After the result is out, you will have from October 1 to October 8, 2026, to physically report to your allotted college and complete admission formalities.
Which colleges and courses are available in NEET UG Round 2 2026?
Round 2 covers 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats in government colleges, Deemed Universities, Central Universities, ESIC, AFMC, AIIMS, and JIPMER. You can apply for MBBS, BDS, or B.Sc Nursing programmes depending on your eligibility and the courses offered by your chosen colleges.
Mark September 28, 2026, at 12:00 noon as your absolute deadline. Complete your registration and payment by September 27 at 3:00 PM, fill your choices thoughtfully, and lock them well before the final deadline to avoid any technical issues. Once the result is declared on September 30, be ready to report to your allotted college between October 1 and 8.
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