Tamil Nadu NEET UG 2026 Counselling Round 1: Complete Schedule, Fees & Registration Guide
The wait is finally over for aspiring medical and dental students in Tamil Nadu. The Selection Committee under the Directorate of Medical Education & Research, Chennai, has officially released the Round 1 online counselling schedule for admission to MBBS and BDS degree courses for the 2026-2027 academic session. If you are dreaming of securing a seat in Tamil Nadu’s prestigious government medical colleges, ESIC Medical College, self-financing institutions, or Christian Medical College, Vellore, this is your moment to act.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about Tamil Nadu NEET UG 2026 counselling — from the complete schedule and registration fees to refundable security deposits, income-based exemptions, and the step-by-step process for choice filling and allotment. Whether you are applying under Government Quota, Management Quota, NRI, or Minority category, this article covers all the essential details to help you navigate the counselling process with confidence.
Tamil Nadu NEET UG 2026 Counselling: Complete Round 1 Schedule
The Selection Committee has released a detailed timeline for Round 1 counselling. Every date is critical, and missing any deadline could cost you your seat. Here is the complete schedule:
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Registration, Payment, Choice Filling & Locking | August 13, 2026 (12:00 Noon) – August 19, 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Processing of Seat Allotment | August 20, 2026 |
| Publication of Result | August 21, 2026 |
| Downloading Provisional Allotment Order | August 22 – August 28, 2026 (12:00 Noon) |
| Date of Joining | August 23 – August 28, 2026 (5:00 PM) |
What Are the Rank Ranges for This Round?
The counselling process is based on the General Rank (GR) and NEET marks. For Round 1, the following rank ranges are applicable:
Government Quota: GR 001 to GR 3592 (NEET Marks: 705 to 177)
Management Quota: GR 001 to GR 2695 (NEET Marks: 6693 to 177)
Candidates falling within these rank ranges are eligible to participate in Round 1. If your rank falls beyond these ranges, do not worry — you will be eligible for subsequent rounds.
Tamil Nadu NEET UG 2026 Counselling: Registration Fees
At the time of registration, candidates must pay a non-refundable registration fee. The fee varies based on the quota under which you are applying:
Government Quota: ₹500
Management Quota: ₹1,000
This fee is mandatory for all candidates and must be paid online during the registration process. No refunds will be issued under any circumstances.
Refundable Security Deposit for Government Quota
Candidates applying under the Government Quota must also pay a refundable security deposit. The deposit amount depends on the type of institution you are seeking admission to:
| Institution Type | Security Deposit |
|---|---|
| Government Medical Colleges | Nil |
| Government Dental Colleges | Nil |
| Government Quota Seats in Self-Financing Medical & Dental Colleges & State Private Universities | ₹30,000 |
Income-Based Exemption for Government Quota
The Selection Committee has provided a significant relief for candidates belonging to SC/SCA/ST and Converts to Christianity from Scheduled Caste (SCC) categories. If your annual family income is less than ₹2.5 lakh, you are exempted from paying the security deposit. To claim this exemption, you must submit a valid income certificate at the time of registration.
Refundable Security Deposit for Management Quota
For candidates applying under the Management Quota, including Minority and NRI categories, the refundable security deposit is:
| Seat Category | Security Deposit |
|---|---|
| Management Quota (including Minority/NRI) in Self-Financing Medical & Dental Colleges & State Private Universities | ₹1,00,000 |
Income-Based Exemption for Management Quota
Similar to the Government Quota, candidates belonging to SC/SCA/ST and SCC categories with an annual family income below ₹2.5 lakh are exempted from paying the security deposit for Management Quota seats as well. Proper income documentation is required to avail this benefit.
Important Instructions for Choice Filling and Locking
The choice filling process is one of the most critical steps in the counselling journey. Here are the key points to remember:
Read the Prospectus Thoroughly
Before you begin filling your choices, it is mandatory to read the prospectus carefully. The prospectus contains essential information about eligibility, reservation policies, fee structures, and other rules that govern the counselling process.
Fill Choices Based on Your Preferences
Candidates will have the option to fill choices for all the seats they have applied for. For instance, if you have applied for both Government and Management Quota, you will be able to select choices from both categories. You are encouraged to analyse all available choices and arrange them in order of your preference.
Edit Before Locking, Not After
You can edit your choices any number of times before locking them. However, once you lock your choices, you will not be allowed to make any changes. Therefore, it is crucial to double-check your selections and the order of preference before hitting the lock button.
Automatic Locking
If you forget to lock your choices manually by the deadline (August 19, 2026, 5:00 PM), the system will automatically lock your choices on your behalf. While this is a helpful safety net, it is always advisable to lock them manually to ensure your preferences are correctly recorded.
No Changes After Locking
Once the choices are locked — either manually or automatically — no requests for change of course (MBBS to BDS or vice versa) or college will be entertained. So, choose wisely.
Instructions for Downloading the Allotment Order
If you are allotted a seat, here is what you need to do next:
For MBBS Seats (All Categories)
If you are allotted an MBBS seat in any college under any category, you must pay the tuition fee online to download the provisional allotment order. Payment can be made through:
Debit Card
Credit Card
Net Banking
Ensure that you have sufficient funds available in your bank account with the required credit limit before initiating the payment.
For BDS Seats in Self-Financing Dental Colleges
If you are allotted a BDS seat in a Self-Financing Dental College, you do not need to pay the tuition fee online. Instead, you must pay the tuition fee directly at the college at the time of admission, as per Government Order G.O(D) No.868 Health and Family Welfare (MCA-1) Department dated July 18, 2023.
Download the Allotment Order
The provisional allotment order must be downloaded from the official website between August 22 and August 28, 2026, until 12:00 Noon. You will need this document to report to the allotted college.
Document Verification and Joining Process
The document verification process will take place at the selected colleges themselves. Here is what you need to know:
Report to the College on Time
Allotted candidates must report to the Head of the Institution to which they have been allotted between August 23 and August 28, 2026, by 5:00 PM. Failure to report within this deadline will result in the cancellation of your selection and admission without any further notice.
Carry Original Certificates
At the time of joining, candidates must produce their original certificates in person along with scanned copies of the original documents for verification. Keep the following documents ready:
NEET UG 2026 Admit Card and Scorecard
Class 10 Mark Sheet and Certificate
Class 12 Mark Sheet and Certificate
Transfer Certificate
Conduct Certificate
Caste Certificate (if applicable)
Income Certificate (for exemption)
Domicile Certificate (if applicable)
Recent Passport-Size Photographs
Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, etc.)
Self-Declaration Form
At the time of reporting, candidates must submit a self-declaration form stating that they are liable for forfeiture of selection or admission if any suppression of facts or misinterpretation is found at any time during or after the admission process.
Important Reminders for All Candidates
The Selection Committee has issued several reminders to ensure a smooth counselling experience:
Stay Connected to the Official Website: All schedule updates, results, notices, and news will be published exclusively on the official website: www.tnmedicalselection.org. The Selection Committee will not individually contact candidates, so you must check the website regularly.
No Responsibility for Connectivity or Procedural Errors: The Selection Committee does not take responsibility for any connectivity or procedural errors. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and follow all instructions carefully.
Seat Matrix Available Online: The seat matrix for the courses will be available on the official website. Analyse it thoroughly before filling your choices.
Admission Based on Rank and Reservation Rules: Admission to MBBS and BDS degree courses shall be made through online counselling based on the candidate’s rank and the applicable rule of reservation.
Final Words of Advice for Tamil Nadu NEET UG 2026 Aspirants
The Tamil Nadu NEET UG 2026 counselling process has officially begun, and the clock is ticking. With registration closing on August 19 and seat allotment processing on August 20, you have a very short window to complete all formalities. Here are a few final tips:
Start Early: Do not wait until the last minute to register and fill your choices. Technical glitches are common during peak hours, and missing the deadline is not an option.
Double-Check Every Detail: Review your personal information, choices, and payment details carefully before locking. Once locked, no changes will be allowed.
Keep Documents Ready: Organise all original and self-attested copies to avoid last-minute stress during the joining process.
Stay Updated: Visit the official website daily for any addenda, corrigenda, or updates to the counselling schedule.
We hope this guide helps you navigate the Tamil Nadu NEET UG 2026 counselling process with ease and confidence. Your dream medical seat is within reach — stay focused, stay informed, and make every decision count. Good luck!
