Tamil Nadu's Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DME) has opened Round 3 of online counselling for MBBS and BDS seats reserved under the 7.5% Government School Quota for the 2026–27 session. This round is exclusively for candidates who studied in Tamil Nadu government schools and meet the eligibility criteria. The counselling process involves registering on the official portal, filling in your choice of colleges and courses in order of preference, and then waiting for the allotment result. If you are eligible for this quota and have not yet secured a seat in earlier rounds, this is your opportunity to participate.
If you studied in a Tamil Nadu government school and are eligible for the 7.5% quota, you must register and fill your college choices during Round 3 choice-filling to be considered for seat allotment.
What is the 7.5% Government School Quota?
Tamil Nadu reserves 7.5% of MBBS and BDS seats in government medical colleges for students who have studied in Tamil Nadu government schools. This is a special reservation designed to encourage and support students from the government school system.
This quota is separate from other reservations (such as SC/ST/OBC) and is based on your educational background — specifically, that you completed your schooling in a Tamil Nadu government institution. The seats are filled through a dedicated counselling process, and Round 3 is the third phase of seat allocation for this quota in the 2026–27 session.
Who is Eligible for the 7.5% Government School Quota?
To be eligible for this quota, you must meet the following criteria:
You must have studied in a Tamil Nadu government school (not a private school, aided school, or school outside Tamil Nadu). Your entire schooling — or at least the qualifying years as defined by the DME — must have been in a government school in Tamil Nadu. You must have qualified in NEET UG 2026 and obtained a valid NEET score. You must not have already been allotted a seat in MBBS or BDS in an earlier round of counselling for the 2026–27 session. If you were allotted a seat in Round 1 or Round 2 and accepted it, you cannot participate in Round 3.
- Studied in a Tamil Nadu government school (full schooling or as per DME norms)
- Qualified NEET UG 2026 with a valid score
- Not allotted a seat in MBBS/BDS in Round 1 or Round 2 of 2026–27 counselling
- Meet any other eligibility criteria specified by the DME (check the full counselling prospectus)
Important Dates for Round 3 Choice Filling
The notice header indicates that Round 3 choice filling is now open, but the specific start date, end date, and time are not clearly stated in the provided document excerpt. You must visit the official TN MedSelect portal (counug.tnmedicalonline.co.in) immediately to confirm the exact dates and deadlines for choice filling.
Choice filling is a time-bound process — once the deadline passes, you will not be able to log in and modify your choices. Missing the deadline means you will not be considered for allotment in this round. Set a reminder and complete your choice filling well before the last date to avoid technical issues or last-minute problems.
- Check the TN MedSelect portal for the exact start and end dates of Round 3 choice filling
- Note the time zone (IST) and ensure you submit before the deadline
- Do not wait until the last day — submit your choices early to avoid portal congestion or technical failures
How to Register and Fill Your Choices
To participate in Round 3 counselling, you must first register on the official TN MedSelect portal using your NEET roll number and other credentials. The portal will verify your eligibility for the 7.5% quota based on your school records and NEET qualification. Once your registration is confirmed, you will be able to log in and access the choice-filling interface.
During choice filling, you will see a list of available MBBS and BDS colleges and courses. You must rank these colleges and courses in order of your preference — your first choice is the most preferred, your second choice is your next preference, and so on. The allotment algorithm will try to match you to the highest-ranked college on your list where a seat is available. Therefore, it is crucial to think carefully about your preferences and rank them honestly according to your priorities.
After you have filled and ranked all your choices, you must submit your form. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation. Do not assume your choices are saved unless you see a confirmation message or receipt. Take a screenshot or print the confirmation for your records.
- Visit counug.tnmedicalonline.co.in and log in with your NEET credentials
- Verify your eligibility for the 7.5% government school quota
- View the list of available colleges and courses
- Rank colleges and courses in order of preference (1st choice = most preferred)
- Submit your choices and save the confirmation receipt
- Do not log out until you see a final submission confirmation
Documents and Certificates You May Need
Before you begin the registration and choice-filling process, ensure you have the following documents ready. You may be asked to upload or verify these during registration or after allotment:
Your NEET UG 2026 admit card and score card. Your 10th and 12th mark sheets or certificates from your Tamil Nadu government school. A certificate or document proving that you studied in a Tamil Nadu government school (this is critical for the 7.5% quota). Your caste certificate (if applicable, for SC/ST/OBC candidates). Your income certificate or other documents as specified by the DME. Your Aadhaar card or other government-issued ID for verification.
The exact list of required documents may vary depending on your category and the DME's specific requirements for this round. Check the full counselling prospectus or the portal's instructions before you begin. If you are unsure whether a document is acceptable, contact the DME helpline or visit the official website.
- NEET UG 2026 admit card and score card
- 10th and 12th mark sheets or certificates from Tamil Nadu government school
- School certificate or proof of government school education
- Caste certificate (if SC/ST/OBC)
- Income certificate (if required)
- Aadhaar card or government-issued ID
- Any other documents specified in the counselling prospectus
What Happens After You Fill Your Choices?
After the choice-filling deadline passes, the DME will run an allotment algorithm. This algorithm processes all the choices submitted by eligible candidates and tries to match each candidate to a college and course based on their preferences, merit rank, and seat availability. The algorithm respects your preference order — it will try to give you your first choice if possible, then your second choice, and so on.
Once the allotment is complete, the DME will publish a merit list or allotment result on the TN MedSelect portal. You will be able to log in and check whether you have been allotted a seat, and if so, which college and course you have been assigned. The notice does not specify the exact date of the allotment result, so you must check the portal regularly or enable notifications.
If you are allotted a seat, you will then need to report to the college on the specified date with your original documents for verification and admission formalities. If you are not allotted a seat in this round, you may be eligible for a subsequent round (if one is conducted) or you may need to explore other options.
- DME runs allotment algorithm after choice-filling deadline
- Algorithm matches candidates to colleges based on preferences and merit
- Allotment result published on TN MedSelect portal
- Check your result and note the college and course allotted
- Report to the college with original documents on the specified date
- If not allotted, check for further rounds or alternative options
Critical Trap: Government School Certificate Must Be Valid
The most common reason for rejection in the 7.5% quota is an invalid or unacceptable school certificate. The DME will verify that you actually studied in a Tamil Nadu government school. If your certificate is from a private school, an aided school, a school outside Tamil Nadu, or if the certificate is incomplete or unclear, your application will be rejected and you will not be considered for allotment.
Ensure that your school certificate clearly states that the school is a 'Government School' or 'Government of Tamil Nadu School' and that it is issued by the school or the Tamil Nadu education department. If you have any doubt about whether your school qualifies, contact the DME or your school principal before registering. Do not assume — verify this before you submit your registration.
- School certificate must clearly state 'Government School' or 'Government of Tamil Nadu'
- Certificate must be from a school in Tamil Nadu, not outside the state
- Aided schools and private schools do NOT qualify
- If your certificate is unclear or incomplete, contact the DME before registering
- Submitting an invalid certificate will result in rejection and loss of your seat opportunity
Counselling Fees and Payment
The provided notice excerpt does not specify the counselling fee for Round 3 or the payment method. Counselling fees are typically charged by the DME to cover administrative costs, and they vary depending on the round and the candidate's category. You must check the TN MedSelect portal or the full counselling prospectus for the exact fee amount and payment instructions.
If a fee is required, you will usually be asked to pay it during or after registration, and you must retain the payment receipt as proof. Some candidates may be exempt from fees based on their category or income level — check the prospectus for exemption criteria.
- Check the TN MedSelect portal for the exact counselling fee for Round 3
- Payment method and deadline will be specified on the portal
- Retain the payment receipt for your records
- Check if you are eligible for fee exemption based on your category
Colleges and Courses Available Under the 7.5% Quota
The notice does not list the specific colleges or courses available under the 7.5% quota in Round 3. The available seats depend on which colleges have vacancies after earlier rounds and which seats are reserved for this quota. You will see the full list of available colleges and courses when you log into the TN MedSelect portal and begin the choice-filling process.
The list typically includes government medical colleges in Tamil Nadu offering MBBS and BDS courses. Private colleges do not participate in this quota. When you fill your choices, you will be able to see the exact number of seats available at each college for each course, which will help you make an informed decision.
- Available colleges and courses will be displayed on the TN MedSelect portal during choice filling
- Only government medical colleges participate in the 7.5% quota
- Seat availability depends on vacancies from earlier rounds
- Check the portal for the complete list before filling your choices
What If You Have Already Been Allotted a Seat?
If you were allotted a seat in MBBS or BDS in Round 1 or Round 2 of the 2026–27 counselling and you accepted that allotment, you are NOT eligible to participate in Round 3. The counselling process is designed so that once you accept a seat, you are committed to that college and course, and you cannot participate in further rounds.
If you are unsure whether you were allotted a seat in an earlier round, log into the TN MedSelect portal and check your status. If you have already been allotted and accepted, do not attempt to register for Round 3 — your registration will be rejected.
- If allotted in Round 1 or Round 2, you cannot participate in Round 3
- Check your status on the TN MedSelect portal before registering
- Once you accept an allotment, you are committed to that college
Contact and Support
If you have questions or encounter technical issues during registration or choice filling, contact the DME or the TN MedSelect helpline. The notice does not provide specific contact details, but you can find them on the official TN MedSelect portal (counug.tnmedicalonline.co.in) or the DME website.
Do not delay in seeking help if you are unsure about your eligibility or the process. The choice-filling window is time-bound, and technical support may take time to respond, so reach out early if you have concerns.
- Visit counug.tnmedicalonline.co.in for helpline contact details
- Contact the DME if you have questions about eligibility or the process
- Reach out early — do not wait until the last day if you need help
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
Who is eligible for the 7.5% government school quota in Tamil Nadu MBBS/BDS counselling?
You are eligible if you studied in a Tamil Nadu government school (not private or aided), qualified NEET UG 2026, and have not already been allotted a seat in MBBS/BDS in Round 1 or Round 2 of the 2026–27 session. Your school certificate must clearly state that it is a government school in Tamil Nadu.
What is the deadline for filling my choices in Round 3?
The notice does not specify the exact deadline date or time. You must visit the TN MedSelect portal (counug.tnmedicalonline.co.in) immediately to check the start and end dates for Round 3 choice filling. Do not delay — choice filling is time-bound and you will not be able to submit after the deadline.
How do I register for Round 3 counselling?
Log into the TN MedSelect portal using your NEET roll number and credentials. The portal will verify your eligibility for the 7.5% quota based on your school records. Once verified, you can fill and rank your college choices in order of preference, then submit your form. Save the confirmation receipt.
What documents do I need to have ready before registering?
You will need your NEET admit card and score card, 10th and 12th mark sheets from your Tamil Nadu government school, a school certificate proving you studied in a government school, caste certificate (if applicable), income certificate (if required), and Aadhaar card or government ID. Check the full counselling prospectus for the complete list.
What happens if my school certificate says 'aided school' or 'private school'?
Your application will be rejected. The 7.5% quota is only for students who studied in government schools. Aided and private schools do not qualify. If you are unsure whether your school is classified as a government school, contact your school principal or the DME before registering.
Can I participate in Round 3 if I was allotted a seat in Round 1 or Round 2?
No. If you were allotted a seat in an earlier round and accepted it, you are not eligible for Round 3. Once you accept an allotment, you are committed to that college and cannot participate in further rounds. Check your status on the portal before registering.
How does the allotment algorithm work? Will I get my first choice?
The algorithm processes all submitted choices and tries to match each candidate to a college based on their preference order, merit rank, and seat availability. It will try to give you your first choice if a seat is available; if not, it will try your second choice, and so on. Rank your choices honestly in order of your true preferences.
When will the allotment result be published?
The notice does not specify the exact date of the allotment result. After the choice-filling deadline passes, the DME will run the allotment algorithm and publish the result on the TN MedSelect portal. Check the portal regularly or enable notifications to find out when the result is released.
What is the counselling fee for Round 3, and how do I pay it?
The notice does not specify the fee amount or payment method. Check the TN MedSelect portal or the full counselling prospectus for the exact fee and payment instructions. Retain your payment receipt as proof. Some candidates may be exempt from fees — check the prospectus for eligibility.
What colleges and courses are available under the 7.5% quota in Round 3?
The notice does not list specific colleges or courses. The available seats depend on vacancies from earlier rounds. You will see the complete list of available government medical colleges and courses when you log into the TN MedSelect portal during choice filling. Only government colleges participate in this quota.
What should I do if I encounter technical problems during registration or choice filling?
Contact the DME or TN MedSelect helpline for technical support. Contact details are available on the official portal (counug.tnmedicalonline.co.in). Reach out early if you have issues — do not wait until the last day, as support may take time to respond and the choice-filling window is time-bound.
If I am not allotted a seat in Round 3, what are my options?
If you are not allotted in Round 3, check whether the DME will conduct a further round of counselling. If no more rounds are planned, you may need to explore other options such as management quota seats, private colleges, or other courses. The DME will provide information about subsequent rounds on the portal.
Visit the TN MedSelect portal (counug.tnmedicalonline.co.in) immediately to confirm the exact dates and deadlines for Round 3 choice filling. Ensure your government school certificate is valid and all required documents are ready. Register, fill your college choices in order of preference, and submit before the deadline. After allotment, report to your assigned college with original documents on the specified date.
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