The NEET Counselling Process 2026 is the most crucial step for securing MBBS and BDS seats in India. This article covers AIQ and State Quota counselling, registration, choice filling, seat allotment, and FAQs with detailed explanations.
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Introduction
After clearing the NEET 2026 exam, the journey to becoming a doctor or dentist does not end. The next and most important stage is the NEET Counselling Process 2026, where lakhs of aspirants compete for a limited number of MBBS and BDS seats across government, private, and deemed universities in India.
Counselling is the stage where your NEET rank, preferences, category, and seat availability decide your admission outcome. It involves registration, document verification, choice filling, seat allotment, and reporting to the allotted college.
This comprehensive guide will explain every detail of the NEET Counselling Process 2026, including AIQ vs state quota, eligibility, documents required, fees, schedule, seat allotment rules, and FAQs.
Overview of NEET Counselling Process 2026
The counselling process is conducted by two main authorities:
- Medical Counselling Committee (MCC):
- Conducts counselling for 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats, Deemed Universities, Central Universities, AIIMS, and JIPMER.
- State Counselling Authorities:
- Conduct counselling for 85% State Quota seats and private medical/dental colleges within each state.
Key Highlights of NEET Counselling 2026:
- Mode of Counselling: Online (for most states and AIQ)
- Rounds of Counselling: 4 (Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up Round, Stray Vacancy Round)
- Eligibility: Candidates who qualify NEET 2026
- Seat Types: Government, Private, Deemed, AIIMS, JIPMER
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NEET UG Counselling 2025–2026: Reservations
The reservation policy plays a vital role in the NEET Counselling Process 2026, as it ensures fair representation of candidates from different categories in medical and dental colleges.
🏥 All India Quota (AIQ) Reservation – 15% Seats
The MCC (Medical Counselling Committee) conducts counselling for AIQ seats in government medical and dental colleges across India (except J&K). The reservation structure for AIQ seats is:
- 27% – OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)
- 15% – SC (Scheduled Caste)
- 7.5% – ST (Scheduled Tribe)
- 10% – EWS (Economically Weaker Section)
- 5% horizontal reservation – PwD (Persons with Disabilities) within each category
👉 Remaining seats are open to the General (Unreserved) category.
📌 State Quota Reservation – 85% Seats
Every state has its own reservation policy, applicable to state quota seats in government and private colleges. The rules may vary, but in general:
- Reserved categories include SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD.
- Some states also provide reservation for local residents, minorities, or specific communities.
- Domicile certificate is mandatory for claiming state quota seats.
NEET Counselling Process 2026
📊 Reservation for Deemed, Central Universities, and AIIMS/JIPMER
- Deemed Universities – No specific reservation (all India-based).
- Central Universities (DU, AMU, BHU, etc.) – Follow AIQ reservation norms.
- AIIMS & JIPMER – Reservation applies as per government rules (SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PwD).
⚖️ Important Notes on Reservation in NEET 2026
- Candidates must upload valid caste/category/EWS/PwD certificates during counselling.
- If a reserved category candidate does not submit documents, they will be considered under General category.
- Reserved candidates can compete for unreserved seats on merit.
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Step-by-Step NEET Counselling Process 2026
Here is the complete step-by-step procedure for the NEET Counselling Process 2026:
Step 1: Online Registration
- Visit the official MCC website (for AIQ/Deemed/AIIMS/JIPMER) or the respective state counselling website.
- Register by entering NEET 2026 roll number, application number, personal details, and security pin.
- Create login credentials for further use.
Step 2: Payment of Counselling Fees
- Candidates must pay the counselling fees online.
- Fees vary for AIQ, Deemed Universities, and State Quota seats.
- Includes non-refundable registration fee and refundable security deposit.
Step 3: Choice Filling & Locking
- Candidates must fill their preferred colleges and courses (MBBS/BDS) in order of priority.
- Carefully check the seat matrix before filling choices.
- Once finalized, lock the choices (no further editing after deadline).
Step 4: Seat Allotment
- MCC/State authorities use NEET rank, reservation policies, and seat availability to allot seats.
- Seat allotment result is published online in each round.
Step 5: Reporting to the Allotted College
- Download allotment letter from counselling portal.
- Report to the allotted college within the given time frame.
- Carry original documents for verification.
- Pay admission fee to confirm seat.
Step 6: Upgradation and Further Rounds
- If not satisfied with allotted seat, candidates can participate in Round 2 or Mop-Up Round.
- Already allotted candidates can opt for seat upgradation.
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NEET Counselling Rounds 2026
The NEET Counselling Process 2026 will be conducted in multiple rounds:
- Round 1:
- Fresh registration, choice filling, and seat allotment.
- Candidates must report to allotted college.
- Round 2:
- Fresh registration for new candidates.
- Already registered candidates can re-fill or edit choices.
- Seat upgradation allowed.
- Mop-Up Round:
- Conducted for vacant seats after Round 2.
- Fresh choice filling allowed.
- Stray Vacancy Round:
- Final round for leftover seats.
- No fresh registration; only registered candidates can participate.
Types of Seats Covered Under NEET Counselling 2026
- Government Medical & Dental Colleges (15% AIQ + 85% State Quota)
- Private Medical & Dental Colleges
- Deemed Universities
- AIIMS Institutes (20+ campuses)
- JIPMER Puducherry & Karaikal campuses
- Central Universities (e.g., BHU, AMU, DU, etc.)
NEET Counselling 2026: Eligibility Criteria
- Must qualify NEET 2026 with minimum percentile (50% for General, 40% for SC/ST/OBC, 45% for PwD).
- Indian citizens, NRI, OCI, PIO, and foreign candidates are eligible.
- For AIQ: Candidates from any state can apply.
- For State Quota: Only candidates holding state domicile can apply.
Documents Required for NEET Counselling 2026
- NEET 2026 Admit Card
- NEET 2026 Rank Card/Scorecard
- Class 10th Marksheet & Certificate
- Class 12th Marksheet & Certificate
- Domicile Certificate (for state quota)
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Income/EWS Certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-size photographs
- Identity Proof (Aadhar/PAN/Passport/Driving License)
- Provisional Allotment Letter
NEET Counselling Fees 2026 (Expected)
For 15% AIQ/ Central Universities:
- UR: ₹1,000 (non-refundable) + ₹10,000 (refundable)
- SC/ST/OBC/PwD: ₹500 (non-refundable) + ₹5,000 (refundable)
For Deemed Universities:
- All Categories: ₹5,000 (non-refundable) + ₹2,00,000 (refundable)
Note: State counselling fees may vary from state to state.
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NEET Counselling Schedule 2026 (Tentative)
- Round 1 Registration: June/July 2026
- Round 1 Seat Allotment Result: July 2026
- Round 2 Registration: July 2026
- Round 2 Seat Allotment Result: August 2026
- Mop-Up Round: August 2026
- Stray Vacancy Round: September 2026
Related Titles with Description
- NEET 2026 Exam Date & Application Process
- Detailed information about NEET 2026 application, eligibility, exam date, and important guidelines.
- NEET 2026 Cut-Off Marks: Category-Wise Expected Trends
- Insights on expected NEET 2026 cut-off scores for MBBS and BDS admission.
- NEET 2026 Seat Matrix: MBBS & BDS Seats Across India
- Complete state-wise and category-wise distribution of NEET 2026 seats.
- NEET 2026 Registration Last Date & Process
- Step-by-step guide to NEET 2026 registration, fees, and important instructions.
- NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria for MBBS & BDS
- Eligibility requirements including age, education, nationality, and reservation rules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who conducts the NEET Counselling Process 2026?
- MCC conducts AIQ, Deemed, Central University, AIIMS, and JIPMER counselling.
- State authorities conduct state quota counselling.
2. How many rounds are there in NEET Counselling 2026?
There will be four rounds – Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up Round, and Stray Vacancy Round.
3. What is the difference between AIQ and State Quota in NEET?
- AIQ (15%) allows students to apply for government seats across India.
- State Quota (85%) is reserved for state domicile candidates.
4. Can I participate in both AIQ and State Counselling?
Yes, candidates can apply for both AIQ and their respective state counselling to maximize chances.
5. What documents are required during counselling?
NEET 2026 admit card, scorecard, Class 10 & 12 certificates, domicile, category, and identity proofs are mandatory.
6. What is a Mop-Up Round in NEET Counselling 2026?
It is conducted for vacant seats after Round 2, mainly in Deemed and private colleges.
7. What happens if I don’t join the allotted college?
If you fail to report within the deadline, your allotted seat will be cancelled and may be allotted to another candidate.
8. Can NRI candidates apply in NEET Counselling 2026?
Yes, NRI/OCI/PIO candidates can apply under NRI quota and AIQ seats.
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Conclusion
The NEET Counselling Process 2026 is a crucial step for every medical aspirant aiming for MBBS and BDS admissions. With more than 1.38 lakh seats available across India, proper understanding of counselling rounds, eligibility, reservation, and documentation is essential.
Candidates must carefully participate in both AIQ and state counselling to maximize their chances. Regular updates from MCC and state portals must be followed to avoid missing important deadlines.
In short, success in NEET 2026 not only depends on exam preparation but also on how well you manage the counselling process. A strategic approach during counselling can make the difference between securing a dream medical college and missing out.
