NEET UG Counselling 2026 to Begin from August 4; MCC Releases Complete Schedule
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, has released the official schedule for NEET UG Counselling 2026 for admission to MBBS, BDS, BSc Nursing and other undergraduate medical courses under the All India Quota (AIQ).
As per the official schedule, the first round of counselling will commence on August 4, 2026, while the 2026–27 academic session will officially begin on September 8, 2026. The counselling process will continue through multiple rounds to fill vacant seats across participating medical institutions.
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Overview
The NEET UG Counselling 2026 schedule provides complete timelines for All India Quota (AIQ), Deemed Universities, Central Universities and State Quota counselling.
The notification is important for all candidates who qualified NEET UG 2026 and are seeking admission to MBBS, BDS and other undergraduate medical programmes across India.
Who is affected?
- NEET UG 2026 qualified candidates
- MBBS aspirants
- BDS aspirants
- AYUSH course aspirants
- BSc Nursing and other UG medical course candidates
- Candidates participating in AIQ and State Counselling
Why this matters
The counselling schedule determines admission timelines, reporting dates, seat allotments and commencement of the new academic session. Missing any deadline may result in cancellation of the allotted seat.
Important Dates
All India Quota (AIQ), Central & Deemed Universities
- Round 1 Registration & Counselling: August 4 – August 17, 2026
- Last Date to Join: August 22, 2026
- Round 2 Counselling: August 24 – September 2, 2026
- Round 3 Counselling: September 10 – September 18, 2026
- Stray Vacancy Round: September 28 – October 3, 2026
- Last Date to Join After Stray Vacancy Round: October 10, 2026
State Quota Counselling
- Round 1: August 13 – August 22, 2026
- Last Date to Join: August 28, 2026
- Round 2: August 31 – September 8, 2026
- Round 3: September 16 – September 26, 2026
- Stray Vacancy Round: October 3 – October 5, 2026
Academic Session
- Classes Begin: September 8, 2026
Key Details from the Official Schedule
- Counselling will be conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC).
- Admissions will be made for MBBS, BDS and other undergraduate medical courses under the All India Quota.
- Multiple counselling rounds will be conducted to fill available seats.
- Verification of admitted candidates will take place after each counselling round.
- Participating institutions and counselling authorities have been instructed to strictly follow the notified schedule.
Major Changes Introduced in NEET UG Counselling 2026
The MCC has introduced several student-friendly reforms this year to simplify the counselling process.
No Mandatory Physical Reporting for Seat Upgrade
Candidates who have already joined an allotted college and have opted for a higher preference in subsequent rounds will not be required to physically report again merely to remain eligible for seat upgradation.
Their admission will continue in the counselling system according to MCC rules.
Online Resignation Facility
Candidates can now submit resignation online through the MCC counselling portal, wherever permitted under the counselling guidelines and within the prescribed timelines.
This removes the need to visit the allotted institution physically for resignation in eligible cases.
Online Upload of NRI Documents
Candidates applying under the NRI quota in Deemed Universities can upload their required documents directly through the MCC counselling portal.
Important Instructions
- Keep your NEET UG 2026 scorecard ready.
- Complete registration within the notified schedule.
- Carefully fill and lock your college choices before the deadline.
- Regularly check the MCC counselling portal for seat allotment results.
- Report to the allotted institution within the prescribed joining period.
- Read all counselling instructions carefully before accepting or upgrading a seat.
- Keep original documents ready for verification.
- Institutions have been instructed to remain operational even on weekends and gazetted holidays to ensure timely admissions.
Download Official Schedule / Important Links
Official MCC Counselling Portal: https://mcc.nic.in
Check NEET UG Counselling Schedule: Available on the official MCC website.
What Happens Next?
After the commencement of Round 1 counselling on August 4, candidates will receive seat allotments based on their NEET UG 2026 rank, reservation category and preferences filled during counselling.
Candidates who are allotted seats must complete admission formalities within the specified timeline. Subsequent counselling rounds will be conducted to fill remaining vacancies, while the academic session will begin on September 8, 2026.
Student Advice
- Register as early as possible and avoid waiting until the last day.
- Research colleges before locking your preferences.
- Keep all educational and identity documents ready.
- Monitor the MCC portal regularly for updates and allotment results.
- Follow every reporting and document verification deadline carefully to avoid cancellation of your allotted seat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When will NEET UG Counselling 2026 begin?
Answer: The first round of NEET UG Counselling 2026 will begin on August 4, 2026.
Q2. When will the academic session start?
Answer: The 2026–27 academic session will commence on September 8, 2026.
Q3. What is the last date to join after Round 1?
Answer: Candidates allotted seats in Round 1 must join by August 22, 2026.
Q4. Is physical reporting required for seat upgradation?
Answer: No. Candidates opting for seat upgradation are no longer required to physically report only to retain eligibility for upgrades, subject to MCC rules.
Q5. Where can candidates register for counselling?
Answer: Candidates can register through the official MCC counselling portal (mcc.nic.in) once the registration window opens.
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