Tamil Nadu's Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DME) has opened Round 3 online counselling for MBBS and BDS courses under Government, Management (including Minority), and NRI quotas for the 2026-27 session. This is the choice-filling phase — the window during which you must log in to the TN MedSelect portal and rank the colleges and courses you are willing to accept. This round follows the earlier rounds and is your opportunity to secure a seat if you have not been allotted one yet, or to upgrade to a better college. The notice confirms that the online choice-filling portal is now live and candidates must act immediately to avoid missing the deadline.
Round 3 choice filling is now open on the TN MedSelect portal — log in immediately, select and rank your preferred colleges and courses, and submit before the deadline closes.
What is Round 3 Counselling and Why It Matters
Round 3 is the third and typically final phase of counselling in the Tamil Nadu NEET UG 2026 admission cycle. By this stage, seats that were not filled in Rounds 1 and 2 become available, and candidates who were not allotted a seat in earlier rounds get another chance to apply. Additionally, candidates who were allotted a seat in an earlier round but wish to move to a better college or course can participate in Round 3 to upgrade.
This round covers MBBS and BDS courses across Government quota seats, Management quota seats (including Minority seats), and NRI quota seats. The choice-filling phase is the critical step: you must log into the portal, view the available seats in colleges you are eligible for, and rank them in order of your preference. The system will then use your ranking and merit position to allot you a seat.
Who Can Participate in Round 3
You are eligible to participate in Round 3 if you have a valid NEET UG 2026 score and meet the eligibility criteria for MBBS or BDS admission in Tamil Nadu. This includes candidates who did not receive an allotment in Rounds 1 or 2, as well as candidates who were allotted a seat but wish to participate again to try for a better option.
The round is open to candidates applying under Government quota, Management quota (including Minority seats), and NRI quota. Each quota has its own set of available seats and eligibility rules. If you are unsure whether you are eligible for a particular quota, check the official TN MedSelect portal or contact the DME helpline before attempting to fill choices.
- Candidates who did not get a seat in Rounds 1 or 2
- Candidates who were allotted a seat but wish to upgrade in Round 3
- Candidates with a valid NEET UG 2026 score
- Candidates eligible for Government, Management, Minority, or NRI quota
How to Access the Choice-Filling Portal
The choice-filling portal is live on the TN MedSelect website at counug.tnmedicalonline.co.in. You will need to log in using your NEET registration number and password. If you have forgotten your password, use the 'Forgot Password' option on the login page to reset it. Do not share your login credentials with anyone.
Once logged in, you will see a list of colleges and courses for which seats are available in Round 3. The portal will display your merit rank, the quota(s) you are eligible for, and the seats available under each quota. Take time to review all available options before making your choices.
- Visit counug.tnmedicalonline.co.in
- Log in with your NEET registration number and password
- If you forgot your password, click 'Forgot Password' and reset it
- Review the list of available colleges and courses
- Check your merit rank and eligible quota(s)
Step-by-Step Process to Fill Your Choices
After logging in, you will see the choice-filling interface. The portal will display all colleges offering MBBS or BDS seats under the quota(s) you are eligible for. You must select the colleges and courses you wish to apply for and rank them in order of preference. Your first choice should be the college and course you most want; your last choice should be the one you are least interested in but would still accept.
The system uses your ranking and your merit position to allot seats. If your first choice is available and you have a high enough rank, you will be allotted that seat. If not, the system moves to your second choice, and so on. Therefore, it is crucial to rank your choices carefully — do not leave any choice blank if you are willing to accept that seat, and do not rank a college lower than another if you prefer it.
Once you have ranked all your choices, review them carefully to ensure they are in the correct order. Then click the 'Submit' or 'Confirm' button to finalize your choices. After submission, you will receive a confirmation message and a reference number. Save this reference number for your records. Do not close the browser or navigate away until you see the confirmation.
- Log in to the portal
- View all available colleges and courses under your eligible quota(s)
- Select the colleges and courses you wish to apply for
- Rank them in order of preference (1st choice = most preferred)
- Review your ranking carefully
- Click 'Submit' or 'Confirm' to finalize
- Save your confirmation reference number
- Do not close the browser until you see the confirmation message
Important Dates and Deadlines
The notice confirms that Round 3 choice filling is now open, but the exact closing date and time are not specified in the document provided. This is a critical gap — you must check the TN MedSelect portal immediately or contact the DME helpline to confirm the exact deadline. Choice-filling windows typically remain open for 2–5 days, so do not delay.
Once the choice-filling deadline passes, the portal will close and you will not be able to modify your choices. The allotment result will be published on a date announced separately. Mark your calendar and set a reminder to submit your choices well before the deadline — do not wait until the last moment, as technical issues or network problems could prevent you from submitting in time.
- Round 3 choice filling: NOW OPEN (exact closing date not specified in this notice — check the portal)
- Allotment result: To be announced (date not specified in this notice)
- Reporting date: To be announced (date not specified in this notice)
Documents You Will Need
To participate in Round 3 choice filling, you do not need to upload or submit any documents at this stage. The choice-filling phase is purely online and requires only your NEET registration number and password to log in. However, you must have all your original documents ready for the reporting stage, which comes after allotment.
Once you are allotted a seat, you will be required to report to the college with your original documents to confirm your admission. The documents typically required include your NEET admit card, NEET score card, 10th and 12th mark sheets, community certificate (if applicable), caste certificate (if applicable), income certificate (if applicable), medical fitness certificate, and any other documents specified by the college. Check the official notification for the complete list of documents required at the time of reporting.
- For choice filling: Only your NEET registration number and password
- For reporting (after allotment): Original NEET admit card and score card
- Original 10th and 12th mark sheets
- Community certificate (if applicable)
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Income certificate (if applicable)
- Medical fitness certificate
- Any other documents specified by the college
Understanding the Quota System
Tamil Nadu's NEET UG counselling allocates seats across four main quota categories: Government quota, Management quota, Minority quota, and NRI quota. Each quota has a different set of available seats and eligibility criteria. The notice confirms that Round 3 covers all these quotas.
Government quota seats are filled based on merit and are available to all eligible candidates. Management quota seats are filled by private colleges and may have different eligibility criteria or fees. Minority quota seats are reserved for students from minority communities and are typically offered by minority institutions. NRI quota seats are reserved for Non-Resident Indian candidates and their children and have separate eligibility and fee structures. When filling your choices, ensure you understand which quota each college seat falls under and whether you are eligible for it.
- Government quota: Merit-based, available to all eligible candidates
- Management quota: Offered by private colleges, may have different criteria
- Minority quota: Reserved for minority community students
- NRI quota: Reserved for Non-Resident Indian candidates and their children
What Happens After You Submit Your Choices
After you submit your choices, the DME will process all submissions and run the allotment algorithm. This algorithm matches your merit rank with your choice ranking to determine which seat you will be allotted. The allotment result will be published on the TN MedSelect portal on a date to be announced. You will receive a notification (via email or SMS, depending on the portal's settings) when the result is ready.
Once the allotment result is published, log in to the portal and check your allotment status. If you have been allotted a seat, the portal will display the college name, course (MBBS or BDS), and the quota under which you have been allotted. You will also be given a reporting date and time. You must report to the college on or before this date with all your original documents to confirm your admission. If you do not report by the deadline, your seat may be cancelled and offered to the next candidate.
- DME processes all choice submissions
- Allotment algorithm matches your rank with your choices
- Allotment result published on TN MedSelect portal (date to be announced)
- You receive notification via email or SMS
- Log in to check your allotment status
- If allotted, note the college, course, and quota
- Report to the college by the specified date with original documents
- Failure to report may result in cancellation of your seat
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common mistakes is not ranking all available choices. If you leave a choice blank, you are telling the system you do not want that seat, even if you would accept it. This can result in you not being allotted any seat if your higher-ranked choices are not available. Always fill in all the choices you are willing to accept, ranked in order of preference.
Another critical mistake is ranking colleges in the wrong order. Some candidates rank a college lower because they think it is 'safer' or because they are unsure about their rank. This is incorrect — rank colleges based on your genuine preference, not on perceived safety. The allotment algorithm will automatically consider your rank and the availability of seats; your job is only to rank your preferences correctly.
A third mistake is not checking the deadline and submitting your choices too late. The choice-filling window closes at a specific date and time, and late submissions are not accepted. Set a reminder at least one day before the deadline and submit your choices well in advance. Do not wait until the last hour, as technical issues or network problems could prevent you from submitting.
Finally, some candidates forget to save their confirmation reference number or do not take a screenshot of their submitted choices. Always save your confirmation number and take screenshots of your final submitted choices for your records. This will help you if there is any dispute or if you need to contact the DME for clarification.
- Do not leave any choice blank if you are willing to accept that seat
- Rank colleges based on your genuine preference, not perceived safety
- Do not wait until the last moment to submit — submit well before the deadline
- Save your confirmation reference number and take screenshots of your choices
- Do not share your login credentials with anyone
- Do not attempt to modify your choices after submission (unless the portal allows it)
- Do not assume you will be allotted a seat — check the result when published
Fees and Financial Information
The notice does not specify any fees for Round 3 choice filling. Typically, choice filling itself is free — you do not pay to submit your choices. However, once you are allotted a seat, you will be required to pay the college fees (tuition, hostel, etc.) as per the college's fee structure. The fee structure varies depending on the quota (Government, Management, Minority, or NRI) and the college.
Government quota seats typically have lower fees set by the state. Management quota seats may have higher fees set by the private college. NRI quota seats have fees in foreign currency or equivalent Indian rupees. Minority quota seats may have fees set by the minority institution. Before filling your choices, research the fee structure of each college you are interested in to ensure you can afford it. Contact the college directly or check the official website for the exact fee details.
- Choice filling itself is free
- College fees are payable after allotment
- Government quota: Lower fees set by the state
- Management quota: Fees set by the private college
- NRI quota: Fees in foreign currency or equivalent
- Minority quota: Fees set by the minority institution
- Research fee structures before filling choices
Contact Information and Support
If you encounter any technical issues while filling your choices, or if you have questions about your eligibility or the process, contact the DME helpline. The notice does not provide a specific phone number or email address, but you can find this information on the official TN MedSelect website (counug.tnmedicalonline.co.in) or by visiting the DME office in person.
The DME typically provides support during business hours (9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays). If you are unable to reach them by phone, send an email with your query and your NEET registration number. Include as much detail as possible about your issue so they can help you quickly. Do not wait until the last day to seek help — contact them as soon as you encounter a problem.
- Visit counug.tnmedicalonline.co.in for helpline contact details
- Contact DME during business hours (typically 9 AM to 5 PM, weekdays)
- Include your NEET registration number in all communications
- Provide detailed information about your issue
- Do not wait until the last day to seek help
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is Round 3 counselling and who should participate?
Round 3 is the third phase of Tamil Nadu's NEET UG 2026 counselling. You should participate if you did not receive an allotment in Rounds 1 or 2, or if you were allotted a seat but wish to try for a better college or course. It covers MBBS and BDS seats under Government, Management, Minority, and NRI quotas.
How do I access the choice-filling portal?
Visit counug.tnmedicalonline.co.in and log in with your NEET registration number and password. If you forgot your password, use the 'Forgot Password' option to reset it. Once logged in, you will see the list of available colleges and courses.
What is the deadline for submitting my choices in Round 3?
The notice confirms that choice filling is now open, but the exact closing date and time are not specified in this document. You must check the TN MedSelect portal immediately or contact the DME helpline to confirm the deadline. Do not delay — choice-filling windows typically close within 2–5 days.
How should I rank my choices?
Rank colleges and courses in order of your genuine preference — your first choice should be the one you most want, and your last choice should be the one you least prefer but would still accept. The allotment algorithm will use your ranking and merit rank to allot you a seat. Do not rank based on perceived safety; rank based on your true preference.
What documents do I need to fill my choices?
For choice filling, you only need your NEET registration number and password to log in. You do not need to upload or submit any documents at this stage. However, once you are allotted a seat, you will need to bring your original NEET admit card, score card, 10th and 12th mark sheets, community/caste/income certificates (if applicable), and medical fitness certificate to the college for reporting.
What happens if I do not submit my choices by the deadline?
If you do not submit your choices by the deadline, you will not be considered for allotment in Round 3. You may lose the opportunity to secure a seat in this round. Always submit your choices well before the deadline to avoid missing it due to technical issues or network problems.
Can I change my choices after I submit them?
The notice does not specify whether you can modify your choices after submission. Typically, once you submit your choices, they are locked and cannot be changed. However, check the portal or contact the DME to confirm. If modification is allowed, there will be a specific window for it — do not assume you can change your choices after the submission deadline.
What is the difference between Government, Management, Minority, and NRI quotas?
Government quota seats are merit-based and available to all eligible candidates, with lower fees set by the state. Management quota seats are offered by private colleges with potentially higher fees. Minority quota seats are reserved for students from minority communities. NRI quota seats are reserved for Non-Resident Indian candidates and their children, with fees in foreign currency. Each quota has different eligibility criteria and fee structures.
When will the allotment result be published?
The notice confirms that Round 3 counselling is open, but the exact date for publishing the allotment result is not specified in this document. Check the TN MedSelect portal regularly or contact the DME for the result publication date. Once published, log in to the portal to check your allotment status.
What should I do if I am allotted a seat?
If you are allotted a seat, the portal will display the college name, course, and quota. You will be given a reporting date and time. You must report to the college on or before this date with all your original documents (NEET admit card, score card, mark sheets, certificates, etc.) to confirm your admission. Failure to report by the deadline may result in cancellation of your seat.
Is there a fee for filling my choices?
No, choice filling itself is free. You do not pay any fee to submit your choices. However, once you are allotted a seat, you will be required to pay the college fees as per the college's fee structure, which varies depending on the quota and the college.
What should I do if I encounter technical issues while filling my choices?
Contact the DME helpline immediately. You can find the contact details on the TN MedSelect website (counug.tnmedicalonline.co.in). Include your NEET registration number and provide detailed information about the issue. Do not wait until the last day to seek help — contact them as soon as you encounter a problem.
Round 3 choice filling is now live on the TN MedSelect portal (counug.tnmedicalonline.co.in). Log in immediately with your NEET registration number and password, review the available colleges and courses, rank them in order of your preference, and submit your choices before the deadline closes. The exact closing date is not specified in this notice — check the portal or contact the DME helpline to confirm it. Once you submit, save your confirmation reference number and wait for the allotment result to be published. If you are allotted a seat, report to the college by the specified date with all your original documents.
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