The Veterinary Council of India (VCI) has released the official counselling schedule for admission to the Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc. & A.H) degree course for the academic year 2026-27. This counselling applies to seats available under the 15% All India Quota across recognized veterinary colleges in India. Prospective candidates can begin the registration process starting August 18, 2026, at 11 am, with the deadline for registration and choice locking set for August 23, 2026, at 11:55 pm.
Understanding VCI Counselling and Its Importance
The Veterinary Council of India is the statutory body responsible for regulating veterinary education and practice in the country. Each year, it conducts counselling for admissions to veterinary degree courses, ensuring a transparent and merit-based seat allocation process. The 15% All India Quota allows candidates from across the country to compete for seats in veterinary colleges outside their home states, promoting diversity and wider access to quality education.
Admission to the B.V.Sc. & A.H course is based on the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) scores. After the results are declared, candidates participate in the VCI counselling to secure seats in their preferred colleges. The process involves registration, fee payment, choice filling, seat locking, and finally, seat allotment.
Key Dates and Process Details for 2026 Counselling
- Registration and Fee Payment: August 18, 2026, 11 am to August 23, 2026, 11:55 pm
- Choice Filling and Seat Locking: August 18 to August 23, 2026
- Seat Allotment Process: Begins August 24, 2026
- Seat Allotment Result Announcement: August 25, 2026
- Reporting at Allotted Colleges: August 25 to August 31, 2026, until 5 pm
Following the first round, there will be a second round of counselling and a stray round to fill any remaining vacant seats. The second round registration opens on September 1, 2026, and closes on September 2, 2026, with seat allotment results announced on September 4. The stray round registration is scheduled for September 9 to September 10, with results on September 12.
Registration fees vary by category: General, OBC, and EWS candidates must pay Rs 50,000 for the stray round, while SC, ST, and PH candidates are required to pay Rs 25,000.
How to Register and What Candidates Should Know
Candidates interested in participating in the VCI counselling must visit the official counselling portal. The registration process requires NEET UG credentials and contact details. After registering, candidates must pay the counselling fee and select their preferred colleges from the seat matrix provided. It is crucial to lock choices before the deadline to ensure consideration during seat allotment.
The VCI also publishes an information bulletin that includes the list of recognized veterinary colleges, seat availability, and other important instructions. Candidates should review this document carefully to understand the counselling process and eligibility criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can candidates register for the VCI counselling 2026?
A: Registration is done through the official VCI counselling portal at vci.admissions.nic.in.
Q: What is the last date to register for the first round of counselling?
A: The registration and choice locking for the first round close on August 23, 2026, at 11:55 pm.
Q: What fees are required for the stray round counselling?
A: General, OBC, and EWS candidates must pay Rs 50,000, while SC, ST, and PH candidates pay Rs 25,000 for the stray round.
