The Directorate General of Medical Education and Training (DGME), Uttar Pradesh, has published the Round 1 state merit list for NEET UG 2026 on the official portal upneet.gov.in. This list determines which candidates can proceed to the next stage of counselling—choice filling and seat allotment. If your name appears on this list, you are now eligible to select your preferred MBBS, BDS, and other medical colleges in Uttar Pradesh. The next critical step is to prepare for choice filling, which will open on a date to be announced by the authority. Missing this window means losing your chance at state quota seats for this round.
Check your merit list status immediately on upneet.gov.in using your NEET roll number and application number; if shortlisted, prepare your college preferences and watch for the choice-filling schedule.
When Was the Merit List Released and Where to Find It
The UP NEET UG 2026 Round 1 merit list was released on September 2, 2026, after 3:00 PM on the official DGME UP portal. This list contains the names and ranks of all candidates who have qualified for Round 1 counselling in Uttar Pradesh. The merit list is accessible only through the login portal on upneet.gov.in, so you will need your NEET credentials to view your individual entry.
The release of the merit list marks the formal beginning of the counselling process. Candidates whose names appear on this list have cleared the first hurdle and are now eligible to participate in choice filling and seat allotment. Those not on the list will not be able to proceed further in this round, though they may be considered in subsequent rounds if seats remain vacant.
How to Check Your Rank and Merit List Status
To view your merit list entry and rank, visit upneet.gov.in and click on the Registration link on the homepage. You will be asked to enter your NEET UG 2026 Roll Number and Application Number, followed by a captcha code. Once you submit these details, your rank and eligibility status will appear on the screen.
It is important to download and save a copy of your merit list entry for your records. This document will be needed during the choice-filling process and later for college admission verification. Keep your NEET scorecard and all original documents ready, as you may need to present them during document verification at your allotted college.
- Visit upneet.gov.in
- Click Registration link
- Enter NEET Roll Number and Application Number
- Input the captcha code
- Click Submit to view your rank
- Download and save your merit list entry
Who Is Eligible for Round 1 Counselling
Only candidates whose names appear on the Round 1 state merit list can participate in counselling. However, simply being on the list is not enough—you must also meet several eligibility criteria set by DGME Uttar Pradesh. These criteria ensure that only genuinely qualified and eligible candidates proceed to seat allotment.
To be eligible, you must have qualified NEET UG 2026 as conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), hold valid Uttar Pradesh domicile as per state rules, and have completed your online registration and document upload within the prescribed deadline. Additionally, you must have paid the registration fee (₹2,000) and the required security deposit by the deadline of September 2, 2026, at 3:00 PM. Candidates who failed to meet any of these requirements will not be considered for seat allotment, even if their name appears on the merit list.
- Qualified NEET UG 2026
- Valid Uttar Pradesh domicile
- Completed online registration and document upload on time
- Paid registration fee (₹2,000) by deadline
- Paid security deposit by deadline
Understanding the Fees and Security Deposits for Round 1
All candidates participating in Round 1 counselling were required to pay a registration fee of ₹2,000 along with a security deposit. The security deposit amount varies depending on the type of seat you are interested in. For government medical seats, the security deposit is ₹30,000. For private medical seats, it is ₹2,00,000, and for private dental seats, it is ₹1,00,000.
These fees and deposits were due by 3:00 PM on September 2, 2026. The registration fee is non-refundable and covers the cost of processing your application. The security deposit is refundable—it will be returned to you after the counselling process is complete, provided you do not withdraw from an allotted seat without valid reason. If you have not yet paid these amounts, you will not be eligible for seat allotment, so verify your payment status immediately on the portal.
| Fee Type | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee (Online) | 2,000 |
| Security Deposit – Government Medical Seats | 30,000 |
| Security Deposit – Private Medical Seats | 2,00,000 |
| Security Deposit – Private Dental Seats | 1,00,000 |
What Happens After Merit List Release: The Choice-Filling Stage
After the merit list is released, the next stage is choice filling and locking. During this window, you will log into the DGME UP portal and select your preferred medical and dental colleges in order of priority. You can rank as many colleges as you wish, but the order matters—the system will allot you a seat based on your rank, your choices, and the availability of seats at each college.
Once you have entered all your choices, you must lock them before the deadline. After locking, you cannot make any changes. The authority will then use your locked choices and merit rank to generate the seat allotment result. The exact dates for choice filling and locking have not yet been announced, but DGME UP will notify them separately. It is critical that you fill and lock your choices as soon as the window opens, because waiting until the last moment increases the risk of technical issues or missing the deadline.
- Log into upneet.gov.in during the choice-filling window
- Select your preferred colleges in order of priority
- Rank both government and private colleges if interested
- Lock your choices before the deadline
- No changes allowed after locking
Preparing Your College Preferences in Advance
While you wait for the choice-filling window to open, use this time to research and shortlist your preferred colleges. Visit the websites of government and private medical and dental colleges in Uttar Pradesh to understand their infrastructure, faculty, placement records, and fee structures. Make a list of colleges ranked by your preference, considering factors such as location, course quality, and career prospects.
Having a pre-prepared list will help you fill your choices quickly and accurately when the window opens. Avoid making hasty decisions during the choice-filling period—the pressure of a deadline can lead to mistakes. Discuss your preferences with your parents, teachers, or mentors. Remember that your rank will determine which colleges are available to you, so be realistic about your options while also aiming for the best colleges within your reach.
- Research government and private medical colleges in UP
- Check college infrastructure, faculty, and placements
- Compare fee structures and location
- Rank colleges by your preference
- Discuss options with parents and mentors
- Be realistic about your rank and available options
Seat Allotment and Admission Process After Choice Locking
Once all candidates have locked their choices, DGME UP will process the data and generate the seat allotment result. This result will show which college and course you have been allotted based on your merit rank and your choice preferences. The allotment is done using a computerized algorithm that respects both your rank and your stated preferences.
After the allotment result is announced, you will be required to report to your allotted college for admission. This typically involves document verification, payment of fees, and completion of admission formalities. The college will provide you with a specific reporting date and time. Failure to report within the stipulated time may result in forfeiture of your seat. Keep all your original documents, NEET scorecard, merit list printout, and allotment letter ready for submission at the college.
- DGME UP will announce the seat allotment result
- Check your allotted college and course on the portal
- Note the reporting date and time
- Carry all original documents to the college
- Complete document verification and fee payment
- Failure to report on time may result in seat cancellation
Important Dates and Deadlines to Track
The merit list was released on September 2, 2026, after 3:00 PM. The registration window closed on September 2 at 2:00 PM, and fee submission was allowed until 3:00 PM the same day. These deadlines have already passed, so if you have not yet registered or paid fees, you will not be eligible for Round 1.
The dates for choice filling and seat allotment have not yet been announced by DGME UP. You must monitor the official portal upneet.gov.in daily for these notifications. Typically, choice filling opens within a few days of merit list release, so be prepared to act quickly. Set a reminder to check the portal regularly, and consider subscribing to notifications if the portal offers this feature. Missing the choice-filling window will mean losing your opportunity to participate in Round 1.
- Merit list released: September 2, 2026 (after 3:00 PM)
- Registration deadline: September 2, 2026 (2:00 PM)
- Fee submission deadline: September 2, 2026 (3:00 PM)
- Choice filling dates: To be announced
- Seat allotment date: To be announced
- Check upneet.gov.in daily for updates
What to Do If Your Name Is Not on the Merit List
If your name does not appear on the Round 1 merit list, it does not necessarily mean you are ineligible for all counselling. Uttar Pradesh typically conducts multiple rounds of counselling to fill all available seats. Candidates not allotted in Round 1 may be considered in subsequent rounds if seats remain vacant. Additionally, if you believe there is an error in the merit list, you should contact DGME UP immediately with supporting documentation.
In the meantime, continue to monitor the portal for announcements about Round 2 and subsequent rounds. Some candidates may withdraw from their allotted seats, creating vacancies that will be filled in later rounds. Keep your documents and NEET scorecard ready, as you may be called for counselling in a future round. Do not lose hope—many candidates secure seats in later rounds.
- Check if you meet all eligibility criteria
- Verify that your registration and fees were processed
- Contact DGME UP if you believe there is an error
- Wait for Round 2 and subsequent round announcements
- Monitor the portal for vacancy-based counselling
- Keep all documents ready for future rounds
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
How do I check my rank on the UP NEET UG 2026 Round 1 merit list?
Visit upneet.gov.in and click on the Registration link. Enter your NEET UG 2026 Roll Number and Application Number, then input the captcha code. Click Submit to view your rank and eligibility status. Download and save a copy of your merit list entry for future reference.
What are the eligibility criteria for UP NEET UG 2026 Round 1 counselling?
You must have qualified NEET UG 2026, hold valid Uttar Pradesh domicile, completed online registration and document upload on time, and paid the registration fee (₹2,000) and required security deposit by the September 2 deadline at 3:00 PM. Only candidates meeting all these criteria and appearing on the merit list are eligible.
What is the security deposit amount for different types of seats?
For government medical seats, the security deposit is ₹30,000. For private medical seats, it is ₹2,00,000. For private dental seats, it is ₹1,00,000. These deposits are refundable after the counselling process is complete, provided you do not withdraw from an allotted seat without valid reason.
When will the choice-filling window open for UP NEET UG 2026 Round 1?
The exact dates for choice filling have not yet been announced by DGME UP. The authority will notify the schedule separately on upneet.gov.in. You should check the portal daily for this announcement, as choice filling typically opens within a few days of merit list release.
What should I do to prepare for the choice-filling stage?
Research government and private medical and dental colleges in Uttar Pradesh. Compare their infrastructure, faculty, placements, fees, and location. Create a ranked list of your preferred colleges based on your interests and realistic expectations given your merit rank. Discuss your preferences with parents and mentors before the choice-filling window opens.
What happens if my name is not on the Round 1 merit list?
If your name is not on the Round 1 merit list, you will not be eligible for Round 1 counselling. However, Uttar Pradesh typically conducts multiple rounds of counselling. You may be considered in Round 2 or subsequent rounds if seats remain vacant. Monitor the portal for announcements about future rounds and keep your documents ready.
Can I change my choices after locking them?
No, once you lock your choices, you cannot make any changes. The system will use your locked choices and merit rank to generate the seat allotment result. Therefore, carefully review all your choices before locking them.
What documents do I need to carry to my allotted college for admission?
Carry all original documents, your NEET scorecard, the merit list printout, the seat allotment letter, and any other documents specified by the college. You will need these for document verification and completion of admission formalities. Failure to report on time with required documents may result in forfeiture of your seat.
Check your merit list status immediately on upneet.gov.in using your NEET credentials. If you are shortlisted, begin researching colleges and preparing your preferences now. Watch the official portal daily for the choice-filling schedule—missing this window will cost you your seat in Round 1.
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