MCC NEET UG 2026 Counselling Schedule: Complete Round-wise Dates & Process
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has released the official counselling schedule for NEET UG 2026 admissions. This comprehensive guide covers all four rounds of counselling, including important dates for registration, choice filling, seat allotment, and reporting. Whether you’re applying for 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats, Deemed Universities, Central Universities, AIIMS, JIPMER, or B.Sc Nursing courses, understanding this schedule is crucial for securing your medical seat.
Overview of MCC NEET UG 2026 Counselling
MCC conducts centralized counselling for NEET UG qualified candidates across multiple categories of medical institutions. The counselling process for the academic year 2026 consists of four rounds, each with specific timelines for registration, choice filling, seat allotment, and reporting.
Important Note: All Saturdays, Sundays, and Gazetted holidays will be treated as working days for counselling activities to ensure timely completion of the admission process.
Round 1: First Allotment Round
The first round sets the foundation for the entire counselling process. Candidates must complete registration and choice filling within the specified deadlines.
Key Dates for Round 1
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Verification of Tentative Seat Matrix | 4th August 2026 |
| Registration & Payment | 5th August to 12th August 2026 (up to 3:00 PM) |
| Choice Filling | 6th August to 13th August 2026 (up to 11:00 AM) |
| Choice Locking | Available until 11:00 AM on 13th August 2026 |
| Processing of Seat Allotment | 13th August to 16th August 2026 |
| Result Declaration | 17th August 2026 |
| Reporting to Allotted College | 18th August to 22nd August 2026 |
| Verification of Joined Candidates | 23rd August 2026 |
Important Payment Details
Payment facility will remain available until 6:00 PM on 12th August 2026 (as per Server Time)
Registration must be completed before the deadline to participate in choice filling
Pro Tip for Round 1
Fill as many choices as possible during this round. Even if you’re not completely satisfied with your rank, participating in Round 1 ensures you have a secured seat while remaining eligible for upgradation in subsequent rounds.
Round 2: Second Allotment Round
Round 2 begins immediately after Round 1 completion and offers another opportunity for candidates who either didn’t get a seat or wish to upgrade.
Key Dates for Round 2
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Verification of Tentative Seat Matrix | 24th August 2026 |
| Registration & Payment | 25th August to 29th August 2026 (up to 3:00 PM) |
| Choice Filling | 25th August to 30th August 2026 (up to 11:00 PM) |
| Choice Locking | 30th August 2026 (4:00 PM to 11:00 PM) |
| Processing of Seat Allotment | 31st August to 1st September 2026 |
| Result Declaration | 2nd September 2026 |
| Reporting to Allotted College | 3rd September to 8th September 2026 |
| Verification of Joined Candidates | 9th September 2026 |
Important Payment Details
Payment facility for Round 2 will be available until 6:00 PM on 29th August 2026 (as per Server Time)
Registration facility closes at 3:00 PM on 29th August 2026
What Changes in Round 2?
Fresh registration is required for Round 2
Choice locking has a specific window (4:00 PM to 11:00 PM on 30th August)
Candidates who opted for Float in Round 1 can upgrade their seats
Round 3: Third Allotment Round
Round 3 provides yet another chance for candidates who still wish to improve their seat allocation or those who missed previous rounds.
Key Dates for Round 3
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Verification of Tentative Seat Matrix | 10th September 2026 |
| Registration & Payment | 11th September to 15th September 2026 (up to 3:00 PM) |
| Choice Filling | 11th September to 16th September 2026 (up to 11:00 AM) |
| Choice Locking | 15th September (4:00 PM) to 16th September (11:00 AM) |
| Processing of Seat Allotment | 16th September to 17th September 2026 |
| Result Declaration | 18th September 2026 |
| Reporting to Allotted College | 19th September to 26th September 2026 |
| Verification of Joined Candidates | 27th September 2026 |
Important Payment Details
Payment facility available until 6:00 PM on 15th September 2026 (as per Server Time)
Registration closes at 3:00 PM on 15th September 2026
Key Considerations
Choice locking window is longer: from 4:00 PM on 15th September to 11:00 AM on 16th September
This round is particularly important for candidates who want to secure seats in Deemed Universities or Central Institutions
Round 4: Final Allotment Round (Stray Vacancy Round)
The fourth round serves as the final opportunity for seat allocation, addressing any remaining vacancies after Round 3.
Key Dates for Round 4
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Verification of Tentative Seat Matrix | 27th September 2026 |
| Registration & Payment | 28th September to 30th September 2026 (up to 3:00 PM) |
| Choice Filling | 28th September to 30th September 2026 (up to 11:00 PM) |
| Choice Locking | 30th September 2026 (4:00 PM to 11:00 PM) |
| Processing of Seat Allotment | 1st October to 2nd October 2026 |
| Result Declaration | 3rd October 2026 |
| Reporting to Allotted College | 4th October to 10th October 2026 |
| Verification of Joined Candidates | No verification round specified |
Important Payment Details
Payment facility available until 6:00 PM on 30th September 2026 (as per Server Time)
Registration closes at 3:00 PM on 30th September 2026
Round 4 Specifics
This is typically a shorter round with a 3-day registration window
It’s the last chance to secure a seat through MCC counselling
No additional verification of joined candidates is conducted after this round
Complete Round-wise Timeline Summary
| Activity | Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3 | Round 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Matrix Verification | 4th Aug | 24th Aug | 10th Sept | 27th Sept |
| Registration Period | 5-12 Aug | 25-29 Aug | 11-15 Sept | 28-30 Sept |
| Choice Filling | 6-13 Aug | 25-30 Aug | 11-16 Sept | 28-30 Sept |
| Choice Locking | 13th Aug | 30th Aug | 15-16 Sept | 30th Sept |
| Allotment Processing | 13-16 Aug | 31 Aug-1 Sept | 16-17 Sept | 1-2 Oct |
| Result Declaration | 17th Aug | 2nd Sept | 18th Sept | 3rd Oct |
| Reporting Period | 18-22 Aug | 3-8 Sept | 19-26 Sept | 4-10 Oct |
Important Guidelines for Candidates
1. Registration is Mandatory for Each Round
You must register separately for each counselling round. Fresh registration and payment are required even if you participated in previous rounds.
2. Choice Locking is Critical
Unlocked choices will not be considered during seat allotment. Always lock your choices before the deadline to avoid disqualification.
3. Payment Deadlines
Payment facilities close at 6:00 PM on the registration deadline day, while registration itself closes at 3:00 PM. Complete both activities well in advance.
4. Reporting is Time-Sensitive
Once a seat is allotted, you must report to the institute within the specified window. Failure to report on time will result in cancellation of the allotment.
5. Working Days Include Weekends
MCC has directed all participating institutes to treat Saturdays, Sundays, and Gazetted holidays as working days during counselling. Stay prepared for activities on these days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Missing registration deadline | Cannot participate in that round |
| Forgetting to lock choices | Choices not considered for allotment |
| Missed reporting date | Seat cancellation |
| Incorrect document upload | Rejection of candidature |
| Misunderstanding Float/Freeze | Loss of existing seat or upgrade opportunity |
Conclusion
The MCC NEET UG 2026 counselling schedule is designed to provide multiple opportunities for candidates to secure medical seats across India. With four rounds spanning from August to October 2026, candidates have ample chances to get admission in their preferred colleges.
Key takeaways:
Mark all important dates in your calendar
Register on time for each round
Lock your choices before the deadline
Report promptly after seat allotment
Keep documents ready for verification
Stay updated with official MCC notifications for any changes in the schedule. Good luck with your counselling journey!
