NEET 2026 Counselling for MBBS and BDS - The Complete Information

NEET stands as the essential entrance for Indian students who want to study MBBS or BDS in 2026, while the counselling procedure represents their ultimate pathway to admission. NEET 2026 counselling for MBBS and BDS can feel overwhelming, but this comprehensive guide will help simplify it for you. This platform serves as your comprehensive resource for understanding all relevant information, including dates, documentation, state-based counselling, and AIQ procedures.

Importance of NEET for MBBS and BDS Admissions

NEET functions as the unified national exam which grants access to medical and dental undergraduate programs throughout all of India. The National Testing Agency (NTA) organises this mandatory examination for students who want to enter MBBS and BDS undergraduate programs in all private and government institutions.

A massive number of applicants compete in an intense rivalry because only a few students manage to win admission. NEET success marks only the start of your admission process, which will lead you to your desired medical education. The process of counselling converts your achieved test score into a college admission. The selection process decides both your academic location and subject of study, which becomes vital for your medical career success.

Overview of the Counselling Process

The NEET 2026 counselling process is handled by two primary authorities:

• Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) – Responsible for the All India Quota (AIQ), Central Universities, Deemed Universities, AIIMS, and JIPMER.
• State Counselling Authorities – Each state has its own body to manage state quota counselling for 85% of the seats.

The management of state quota counselling for 85% of the seats belongs to individual bodies that each state maintains.

After the NEET results are released, candidates need to sign up for counselling through the correct platform, which can be either MCC or their state authority. Candidates must register first, then select their preferred colleges and courses for the authorities to make seat assignments. The seat allocation system consists of four distinct rounds, which include Round 1, Round 2, the Mop-Up Round and the Stray Vacancy Round.

NEET 2026 Counselling Dates and Timeline

The NEET counselling date will likely be announced a few weeks after the declaration of NEET results, expected around June or early July. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and state authorities usually release detailed NEET 2026 counselling for MBBS and BDS schedule on their respective portals.

Typical sequence includes:

• NEET Result Declaration: June 2026 (Tentative)
• Counselling Registration Opens: July 2025
• Round 1 Seat Allotment: Mid-July to August 2026
• Round 2 & Mop-Up: August to September 2026
• Stray Vacancy Round: September/October 2026

It's crucial to mark your calendars, as missing any deadline can mean missing out on your desired college.

NEET Counselling 2026 Last Date to Apply

The NEET Counselling 2026 schedule will mention the last date to apply for each round of counselling—be it conducted by MCC or individual states. Candidates must keep a close eye on the official portals, as the registration windows typically remain open for only 4 to 6 days after each round is announced. Missing even a single window can be costly, as it may force you to wait until the next round—by which time many top-choice medical seats could already be allotted.

It's important to note that the NEET Counselling 2026 Last Date to Apply will vary based on whether you are applying through the All India Quota (AIQ) or state quota. Therefore, make sure to check the specific deadlines relevant to your category and region.

To stay ahead, keep checking the NEET 2026 counselling latest news on trusted websites, including the official MCC website and respective state counselling authorities. You can also subscribe to SMS or email alerts provided by some portals, ensuring you don’t miss any important update about form submission dates, document verification, or seat allotment.

Planning ahead by tracking the NEET Counselling 2026 schedule not only helps you meet the deadlines but also increases your chances of securing a seat in your preferred college and course.

Eligibility Criteria for NEET 2026 Counselling

To be eligible for counselling, candidates must have:

• Appeared for NEET 2026
• Scored equal to or above the NEET cutoff percentile:
  • General: 50th percentile
  • SC/ST/OBC: 40th percentile
  • Pwd: 45th percentile

Keep in mind, mere qualification does not ensure a seat—higher scores mean better chances in top colleges.

Age and Nationality Requirements

• Minimum age: 17 years (born on or before 31.12.2008)
• Maximum age: No upper limit as per current guidelines
• Candidates must be Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, or foreign nationals (some colleges allow foreign nationals under special quotas)

Additional Eligibility Criteria for AIQ and State Quota

• For AIQ (15%), all NEET-qualified candidates can apply, except J&K students (unless they sign a declaration).
• For the state quota (85%), you need to satisfy domicile requirements and be a resident of that state.

NEET Counselling Process Explained

The NEET counselling process generally involves these steps:

1. Online Registration – Visit MCC or the state portal and sign up using your NEET roll number, email, etc.
2. Document Verification Process: The NEET document verification process is a crucial step in counselling where candidates must validate their academic and identity records to secure their medical admission
3. Choice Filling and Locking – Choose your preferred colleges/courses in order of priority.
4. Seat Allotment – Based on rank, category, and preference, a seat is allocated.
5. Result Declaration – Check seat allotment results online.
6. Reporting to College – If allotted a seat, report to the college within the deadline.
7. Upgradation or Exit – If unsatisfied, you may participate in the next round.

Registration and Choice Filling

This is the most crucial stage of the process. You must:

• Enter accurate details (NEET score, category, domicile)
• Fill as many choices as possible to maximise chances
• Lock your choices before the deadline; unlocked choices are auto-submitted

Seat Allotment and Reporting

After each round, results are posted online. If allotted a seat:

• Download the allotment letter
• Visit the allotted college with the required documents
• Pay the admission fee to confirm your seat

Failing to report on time will lead to cancellation of your allotment, and the seat will go to the next eligible candidate.

NEET 2026 Counselling Documents Required

List of Essential Documents

Here’s what you’ll need to carry:

• NEET 2026 Admit Card
• NEET 2026 Rank Card/Scorecard
• Class 10 & 12 Mark Sheets and Certificates
• Birth Certificate
• Category Certificate (if applicable)
• Provisional Allotment Letter
• Identity Proof (Aadhar/PAN/Passport)
• Domicile Certificate (for state quota)
• Passport-size Photos
• PwD Certificate (if applicable)
• Medical certificate (proforma)
• Income Certificate, if required

NEET 2026 Counseling Process and Document Verification Process

This happens either online (upload and verify) or physically at the college. Always bring originals plus 2–3 photocopies of each document. Any mismatch in information can lead to disqualification.

Types of NEET 2026 Counselling – AIQ vs State Quota

All India Quota (AIQ) Counselling

The All India Quota (AIQ) counselling covers 15% of all government medical and dental college seats across India, excluding Jammu & Kashmir, unless they opt in. This counselling is conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) through its official website. Here's how it works:

• AIQ allows students from any state to apply to government medical colleges across India.
• Central universities like BHU, AMU, Delhi University, and Deemed Universities fall under this umbrella.
• Two main rounds are conducted by MCC, followed by a mop-up round and a stray vacancy round (excluding Deemed Universities in the final round). Special stray vacancy records may be conducted if any seats are vacant.

AIQ counselling is incredibly competitive, as it opens the doors to top colleges across the country for all NEET-qualified students. The benefit? You’re not restricted to your home state’s options.

State Quota Counselling Overview

85% of the seats in state government medical and dental colleges are reserved under the state quota. This process is carried out by individual state counselling authorities such as:

• Maharashtra CET Cell
• Karnataka KEA
• Tamil Nadu Selection Committee
• West Bengal Medical Counselling Committee, and more

Each state releases its own detailed notification regarding:

• Eligibility (usually includes domicile requirement)
• Reservation policies (OBC, SC, ST, EWS, etc.)
• Document verification procedures
• Counselling rounds and seat matrix

If you’re a domiciled candidate in your state, this is where your primary focus should be—you stand a better chance of securing a seat.

Who Conducts AIQ and State Counselling?

• AIQ Counselling: Conducted by MCC on www.mcc.nic.in
• State Counselling: Conducted by the respective State Directorate of Medical Education or equivalent body via their official portals.

Regular checks on both MCC and your state medical education board websites should be performed to obtain timely information.

NEET 2026 Counselling for MBBS

MBBS stands as the most desired course during NEET counselling but the admission procedure varies between AIQ, state quota and private college applications. The general steps include:

• Registration on the MCC/state portal
• Choice filling of MBBS colleges (government, private, AIIMS, JIPMER)
• The allocation of seats for admission uses NEET 2026 scores together with candidate-selected preferences.
• Students must present their documents and fees at the college to which they received admission.
• Future rounds allow you to seek admission at a higher-ranking college through upgradation.

Be strategic during choice filling. Each prospective choice needs prior research analysis for last year's cutoff results combined with college reputations and tuition fees before making your decision.

MBBS Seat Allotment and Admission Rounds

Here’s how the rounds typically go:

• Round 1: Initial seat allocation based on NEET rank and category registration.
• Round 2: Fresh registration for unfilled seats
• Mop-Up Round: For those who didn’t get admission in earlier rounds
• Stray Vacancy Round: College-level vacant seat filling (especially for private and deemed universities)

Each round offers a chance to upgrade, but failing to report or declining a seat might push you out of future rounds.

Reservation Policies in MBBS Counselling

Reservation is strictly followed as per Indian government guidelines:

• SC: 15%
• ST: 7.5%
• OBC-NCL: 27%
• EWS: 10%
• PwD: 5% horizontal across all categories

In addition, some states have their own quotas like NT/VJ/SEBC in Maharashtra or in-service quotas for government-employed doctors.

NEET 2026 Counselling for BDS

What is the Process of BDS Counselling?

The process for NEET counselling for BDS is almost identical to that of MBBS. Candidates who perform lower on the NEET can secure admission to dental colleges because the cutoff requirements tend to be less strict. Here's how it goes:

• Students must create their accounts on MCC or their state portal for admission procedures.
• Select "BDS" as your choice during the choice filling process if you want to enrol in dental colleges.
• The seat assignment process relies on candidate ranking, together with their selected colleges.
• Students must present their documents to their assigned dental college and complete the fee payment.
• Students should join mop-up or stray rounds of admissions unless they received a seat assignment in previous selection phases.

To increase your opportunities for admission, it is best to create a preference list including both government and private BDS colleges.

How Many Rounds Are There in BDS Counselling?

The number of rounds for BDS counselling typically includes:

• Round 1
• Round 2
• Mop-Up Round
• Stray Vacancy Round

These rounds are applicable under both AIQ and state counselling. Some states might also have an Extended Mop-Up Round if seats remain vacant even after the stray round.

BDS Admission through AIQ and State Quota

• AIQ BDS seats include Central Institutes like Maulana Azad Dental College, AIIMS Dental, and other government colleges.
• State quota seats usually offer a good number of opportunities in dental colleges located in your state, especially if you hold domicile status.
• BDS seats in Deemed Universities and private dental colleges are filled via AIQ counselling, with higher NEET 2026 counselling for MBBS and BDS fees compared to government colleges.

Remember, the counselling for BDS is conducted in parallel with MBBS, so plan and apply wisely to both.

NEET 2026 Counselling Fees and Payment

Fee Structure for AIQ Counselling

NEET counselling under MCC involves a non-refundable registration fee and a refundable security deposit (Rs.10k), depending on your category and the type of institution you're applying for:

Refund Policies and Security Deposits

Candidates are required to pay both a non-refundable registration fee and a refundable tuition fee as part of the admission process. Payment can be made online through Credit Card, Debit Card, or Net Banking.

Non-Refundable Fees

How Much Money is Required for NEET Counselling?

Apart from the above registration and security fee, be prepared for:

• Travel and documentation costs
• Initial tuition fees at the college may range from ₹50,000 to ₹ 5 lakhs or more for private institutions.
• Hostel and miscellaneous fees

Plan your finances wisely, especially if you’re applying to Deemed or private colleges, where the fees can be significantly higher.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Counselling

Incorrect Choice Filling

One of the most common and costly errors is filling out college preferences without proper research. Many candidates simply list popular colleges without considering their NEET rank, category, or past year cut-offs. Others mistakenly list colleges they’re not eligible for due to domicile or fee constraints.

Avoid this by:

• Using last year’s cut-off data to shortlist realistic choices
• Sorting preferences based on your budget, location, and academic interests
• Filling a mix of dream, realistic, and safe options
• Locking your choices before the deadline (or they’ll be auto-locked)

Remember: this stage directly decides your future. A careless error here can cost you a year.

Missing Deadlines

The counselling process is time-sensitive. There are strict deadlines for registration, choice filling, seat allotment, reporting, and document verification.

Common deadline-related mistakes include:

• Not registering within the stipulated time
• Missing the window for uploading documents
• Failing to report to the college after seat allotment

Solution? Keep a digital calendar and turn on notifications for all MCC/state counselling events.

Document Errors and Inconsistencies

Mismatches in name, date of birth, marks, or missing documents during verification can cause your candidature to be rejected, even if you’ve got a top rank. Ensure all your documents are:

• Clear, legible, and in the required format
• Consistent across different records (spelling, date of birth, parents’ names)
• Verified and attested if needed

Always double-check the document checklist and carry extra photocopies and passport-size photographs to avoid last-minute hassles.

Mop-Up and Stray Vacancy Rounds in NEET 2026

What is the Mop-Up Round in NEET Counselling?

The Mop-Up Round is a golden opportunity for candidates who:

• Did not get a seat in Round 1 or 2
• Did not accept their allotted seat earlier
• Were not allotted any seat due to choice preferences
   

As part of the NEET 2026 Counseling process, the Mop-Up Round takes place after Round 2 and includes all the vacant seats from the All India Quota (AIQ), Deemed Universities, and private medical colleges (excluding AIIMS and JIPMER). Candidates must register again and fill in their choices afresh for this round, even if they participated in earlier rounds.

This stage is especially crucial for BDS aspirants and those aiming for seats in private medical colleges, as it provides one last major chance before the stray vacancy round.

When and Who is Eligible for Stray Vacancy Rounds?

The Stray Vacancy Round is the final counselling phase. It covers leftover seats from previous rounds that were not taken. It’s typically conducted by the colleges themselves under MCC supervision.

To be eligible:

• You must have registered for NEET counselling
• You must not have been allotted or joined any seat in earlier rounds
• No fresh registration is allowed here; only previously registered candidates are considered

If you're still without a seat by this stage, be ready to act fast—these seats fill within hours.

Process of Seat Allotment in Later Rounds

• Fresh registration (in Mop-Up only)
• Fresh choice filling
• Allotment based on merit and availability
• Direct reporting to the allotted institution
• Spot admissions are handled by the institute in some cases

Keep all documents and finances ready for immediate action if a seat is allotted in these rounds.

Counselling Portals and Online Registration Process

Official Websites for AIQ and State Counselling

For NEET 2026 counselling, here are your go-to portals:

• AIQ Counselling (MCC): www.mcc.nic.in
• State Counselling Portals (Examples):
  • Maharashtra: cetcell.mahacet.org
  • Tamil Nadu: tnmedicalselection.net
  • Karnataka: kea.kar.nic.in
  • West Bengal: wbmcc.nic.in
  • Uttar Pradesh: upneet.gov.in

Bookmark your relevant sites and check them daily during the counselling season.

How to Register for NEET 2026 Counselling Online

Here’s a simplified registration guide:

1. Visit MCC/state portal
2. Click on “New Registration”
3. Enter your NEET 2026 Roll Number, DOB, and other details
4. Pay the registration + security fees
5. Fill and lock your choices
6. Download and print confirmation pages for records

Use only your personal and active email ID and mobile number, as all alerts and OTPs are sent here.

Note: Some states, like eg WB, have an additional offline/online document verification round after registration.

Important Login Details and Security Measures

• Never share your NEET Roll Number and password
• Always log out after filling in details
• Enable 2-step verification where applicable
• Change your password if logging in from a cyber café

Losing access to your counselling portal can block your participation entirely.

NEET 2026 Counselling for Reserved Categories

OBC/SC/ST/EWS Quota Details

Reservations for various categories apply both in AIQ and state quotas. The following is a general reservation structure:

• SC: 15%
• ST: 7.5%
• OBC-NCL: 27%
• EWS: 10%

Make sure you have valid, updated certificates as per the latest government norms. Uploading old or invalid certificates will disqualify your claim.

PwD Category Counselling Process

For Persons with Disabilities (PwD), 5% seats are reserved in both MBBS and BDS courses.

• You must have a valid PwD certificate from a designated NEET disability board
• Attend an in-person verification (especially for AIIMS and JIPMER admissions)
• You may also receive relaxation in NEET cut-off scores

PwD counselling runs parallel to general counselling, but only certified candidates can access it.

Minority and Other Special Categories

Some states offer separate quotas for:

• Minority (Muslim/Christian) Institutions
• Defense Quota
• Wards of Ex-Servicemen
• Kashmiri Migrants

These are managed by specific institutions or states and require separate documentation. Read their official notices for eligibility and the seat matrix.

State-Wise NEET 2026 Counselling Overview

Top States with High MBBS/BDS Seats

If you’re looking to maximise your chances of admission, focus on states with a high number of medical colleges, like:

• Tamil Nadu – 70+ medical institutions
• Maharashtra – One of the largest seat matrices
• Uttar Pradesh – Over 30 government colleges
• Karnataka – Good mix of government and private seats
• Rajasthan – A fast-growing number of government colleges

These states also offer robust private and Deemed University options.

State Counselling Schedules and Portals

Each state publishes a separate NEET 2026 counselling schedule, usually one to two weeks after MCC begins AIQ counselling.

Key tip: You can apply for AIQ and your home state quota simultaneously. Many students manage to secure a better backup option.

Differences in Eligibility and Fees State-Wise

• Domicile-based admissions in state quota (must show proof of residence)
• Fee structures vary significantly:
  • Government seats: ₹10,000 – ₹1,00,000/year
  • Private colleges: ₹5 – ₹25 lakhs/year
  • Deemed universities: ₹15 – ₹35 lakhs/year

Understanding state-specific rules helps you prepare documents and finances accordingly.

Conclusion

The majority of students hold the misconception that finishing the exam marks the end of their challenges. The counselling process demands the same level of thorough research, along with precision, as it does attention. Great opportunities remain out of reach for talented candidates because they fail to follow guidelines or meet deadlines. The current situation demands expert guidance along with reliable information, which needs to be presented through a platform that makes everything easier to understand.

PrepMed functions as more than a regular NEET platform because it provides individualised guidance for the entire counselling process. When you choose PrepMed, you gain access to expert guidance that helps you enter counselling feeling confident about your chances to secure the desired seat.

Before entering the final stage, you should avoid making guesses. The combination of proper tools and knowledge alongside PrepMed will guide you to achieve success. Reach your dream college by taking proper steps to secure it.

FAQs

1. When to apply for NEET counselling 2026?

The NEET 2026 counselling session will begin in July 2026, right after the results are announced. Official notification and registration dates can be found through continuous monitoring of the MCC and state portal. Students should regularly visit a website.

2. What is the process of BDS counselling?

BDS counselling operates according to the same sequence as MBBS through registration, followed by choice filling and seat allotment before reporting. The NEET score allows you to register for the AIQ and state quota counselling for admission.

3. How many rounds are there in BDS Counselling?

The BDS counselling process consists of four rounds, including Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up Round and Stray Vacancy Round. The counselling process extends into additional rounds when states have unoccupied seats.

4. How much money is required for NEET counselling?

The registration cost ranges between ₹1,000 and ₹5,00,0, while the refundable security deposit amounts to ₹10,000 to ₹2,00,000. The costs for college fees, along with document expenses, differ from one institution to another.

5. What documents are required for NEET counselling?

The required documents for NEET counselling consist of the NEET admit card, rank card, 10th and 12th marksheets, photo ID, domicile, and category certificates (if applicable), alongside recent passport-size photos, medical certificate, and income certificate if required.