The registration window for Round 1 of the NEET UG 2026 counselling process closes today, August 15, at 2 pm. Candidates who have qualified for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) and have not yet registered must complete their registration on the official Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) website before the deadline. Payment for the counselling fee will remain open until 5 pm today.
Following registration, the choice-filling stage will continue until August 17, with candidates required to lock their choices between 10 am and 6 pm on the same day. The MCC will begin processing seat allotments on August 18, and the results for Round 1 will be announced on August 19, 2026.
Understanding NEET UG Counselling and Its Importance
NEET UG counselling is a critical step for medical aspirants in India who seek admission to undergraduate medical courses such as MBBS and BDS. Conducted by the MCC, this process allocates seats in government and private medical colleges based on candidates' NEET scores and preferences. Counselling ensures a transparent and merit-based admission system, allowing students to select colleges and courses that best fit their academic goals and eligibility.
The counselling process typically involves multiple rounds, with Round 1 being the initial opportunity for candidates to secure seats. It includes registration, payment of counselling fees, choice filling and locking, seat allotment, and finally reporting to the allotted institute for admission confirmation.
Key Dates and Steps for NEET UG 2026 Round 1 Counselling
- Registration Deadline: August 15, 2026, by 2 pm (payment until 5 pm)
- Choice Filling: Open until August 17, 2026, 6 pm
- Choice Locking: August 17, 10 am to 6 pm
- Seat Allotment Processing: August 18, 2026
- Round 1 Seat Allotment Result: August 19, 2026
- Reporting to Allotted Institutes: August 20 to August 25, 2026
- Verification of Joined Candidates: August 26, 2026
To participate, candidates must register on the MCC website, provide accurate personal and academic details, pay the counselling fee online, and carefully select their preferred courses and colleges during the choice-filling phase. Locking choices is mandatory to confirm preferences before seat allotment.
Why Completing Counselling Steps on Time Matters
Missing deadlines in the NEET UG counselling process can result in losing the opportunity to secure a seat in the first round, forcing candidates to wait for subsequent rounds with potentially fewer options. Timely registration and choice filling maximize the chances of admission to preferred medical colleges.
Moreover, the counselling process reflects the competitive nature of medical admissions in India, where thousands of candidates vie for limited seats. The MCC’s structured timeline helps maintain fairness and order in seat distribution, ensuring that candidates with higher merit receive priority.
After seat allotment, candidates must report to their allotted institutes within the specified dates to complete admission formalities. Institutes will verify candidates’ documents and data on August 26, finalizing the admission process for Round 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if I miss the registration deadline for Round 1 counselling?
A: If you miss the registration deadline of August 15, 2 pm, you will not be able to participate in Round 1 counselling. You may have to wait for subsequent rounds, which could limit your options.
Q: How do I lock my choices during counselling?
A: After filling your preferred courses and colleges, you must log in to the MCC counselling portal and use the choice locking option available on August 17 between 10 am and 6 pm. Locking confirms your selections for seat allotment.
Q: When do I have to report to the allotted institute after seat allotment?
A: Candidates allotted seats in Round 1 must report to their respective institutes between August 20 and August 25, 2026, to complete admission formalities and document verification.
