Comprehensive Overview of NEET UG 2026 AIQ Counselling
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), operating under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has officially released the complete four-round counselling timetable and information bulletin for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate (NEET UG 2026). Candidates who have qualified in NEET UG 2026 by securing the minimum qualifying percentile designated by the National Testing Agency (NTA) are eligible to participate in the centralized online seat allocation process.
The MCC All India Quota (AIQ) online counselling governs undergraduate medical (MBBS), dental (BDS), and allied medical admissions for 15% AIQ seats across all state government medical and dental colleges without any state domicile restrictions. Additionally, it administers 100% seats in premier national institutes including all AIIMS across India, JIPMER (Puducherry & Karaikal), Central Universities (Banaras Hindu University, Aligarh Muslim University, Jamia Millia Islamia), and 100% seats in Deemed Universities nationwide.
Important Dates, Timetable & Official Deadlines for Round 1
Candidates must strictly adhere to the designated timelines notified in the MCC official calendar. Failure to complete registration, choice filling, or physical reporting within the statutory deadlines will lead to forfeiture of the allocated seat and potential disqualification from subsequent rounds.
| Counselling Event | Commencement Date | Conclusion Date | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Registration & Fee Payment | August 20, 2026 (10:00 AM) | August 26, 2026 (12:00 Noon) | Confirmed by MCC |
| Choice Filling & Choice Locking | August 21, 2026 (08:00 PM) | August 26, 2026 (11:55 PM) | Active Portal |
| Processing of Seat Allotment | August 27, 2026 | August 28, 2026 | Internal Verification |
| Declaration of Provisional Round 1 Result | August 29, 2026 | August 29, 2026 | Official Publication |
| Physical Reporting & Document Verification | August 30, 2026 (09:00 AM) | September 05, 2026 (05:00 PM) | Mandatory Physical Presence |
Eligibility Criteria, Reservation Norms & Seat Matrix Pool
To participate in MCC AIQ counselling, candidates must fulfill the statutory eligibility benchmarks stipulated in the NMC and DGHS information guidelines:
- Qualifying Examination: Passed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects from a recognized state or central board with minimum 50% aggregate marks in PCB (40% for SC/ST/OBC and 45% for General-PwD).
- NEET UG 2026 Merit: Obtained the minimum qualifying cutoff percentile: 50th percentile for General/EWS, 40th percentile for SC/ST/OBC, and 45th percentile for General-PwD.
- Reservation Matrix: 15% seats for Scheduled Castes (SC), 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes (ST), 27% for Other Backward Classes Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL as per Central List), 10% for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and 5% horizontal reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD).
Step-by-Step Online Counselling & Choice-Filling Procedure
Candidates should execute the following official procedure through the secured portal at mcc.nic.in:
- Primary Registration: Visit the official portal, click on "UG Medical Counselling", and authenticate using your NEET UG Roll Number, Application Number, and Mother Name. Ensure your mobile number and email ID match your NTA application.
- Fee Payment: Pay the non-refundable registration fee (₹1,000 for UR/EWS, ₹500 for reserved categories) and the refundable security deposit (₹10,000 for Government AIQ seats, ₹2,00,000 for Deemed Universities). Payment must be made online via Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
- Choice Filling & Prioritization: Select medical and dental colleges in order of true preference. Candidates can add, delete, and re-order unlimited choices. It is strongly recommended to fill a large number of choices to maximize allocation probability.
- Choice Locking: Lock choices within the designated locking window. If a candidate fails to lock manually, the server will automatically lock the saved choices at 11:55 PM on the deadline date.
- Seat Allotment & Provisional Letter: Download the Provisional Allotment Letter generated on the student dashboard upon result declaration. Check allotted institute, quota, and reporting instructions.
Mandatory Documents Checklist for Physical Reporting
All shortlisted candidates must carry original certificates along with two sets of self-attested photocopies to the allotted medical college for physical scrutiny:
- NEET UG 2026 Scorecard and NTA All India Rank Card.
- NEET UG 2026 Admit Card (Hall Ticket) with affixed passport photograph and left thumb impression.
- Provisional Allotment Letter generated from the MCC portal.
- Class 10th Certificate & Mark Sheet (for Date of Birth verification).
- Class 12th Certificate & Statement of Marks (PCB passing verification).
- Eight passport-size photographs identical to the one uploaded on the NTA application form.
- Government Photo Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License).
- Category / Caste Certificate (SC, ST, OBC-NCL Central Format, EWS Financial Year 2026-27 certificate issued by competent revenue authority).
- Disability Certificate issued from one of the 16 designated MCC Disability Assessment Centers (for PwD candidates).
- Medical Fitness Certificate from a registered medical practitioner.
Strategic Guidance: How to Prepare Your Choice Preference List
Creating an optimal choice preference list requires analyzing previous year opening and closing ranks (OR-CR), annual tuition fee structures, service bond requirements, and postgraduate internal quota benefits:
- Analyze Institutional Quotas: Institutes like AIIMS, JIPMER, and Central Universities (BHU, AMU, VMMC, Safdarjung) offer institutional PG reservation advantages in INI-CET and NEET PG. Prioritize these colleges ahead of newer state medical colleges.
- Examine Mandatory Rural Service Bonds: Many states impose mandatory rural service bonds ranging from 1 to 5 years with penalty clauses up to ₹50 Lakhs. Candidates should review bond terms before locking choices in other states.
- Check Deemed University Fee Matrix: Annual tuition fees for Deemed Universities range between ₹15 Lakhs and ₹25 Lakhs per year. Only select Deemed options if you have verified the total 5-year financial commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I participate in Round 2 if I do not get a seat in Round 1?
Yes. All registered candidates who do not secure a seat in Round 1 automatically proceed to Round 2 without paying the registration fee again. Fresh choice filling is mandatory in Round 2.
Q2: Is "Free Exit" available in Round 1 of MCC counselling?
Yes. If a candidate is allotted a seat in Round 1 but chooses not to report to the college, they can exercise Free Exit without losing their refundable security deposit.
Q3: What is the security deposit forfeiture rule in Round 2?
In Round 2, if a seat is allotted and the candidate does not join the college, their security deposit will be forfeited, but they remain eligible for Round 3 (Mop-up) upon re-registration and fresh fee payment.
Q4: How are state quota seats administered?
State quota 85% seats are counselled independently by respective State Counselling Authorities (DME / KEA / CET Cells). MCC only administers the 15% All India Quota.
Q5: Can I upgrade my allotted seat from Round 1 to Round 2?
Yes. If you report to the Round 1 allotted college, complete admission formalities, and submit "Willingness for Upgradation", you can participate in Round 2 for higher preference choices while retaining your Round 1 seat as a safety net.