The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has introduced significant changes to the NEET UG 2026 counselling process, aiming for greater transparency and efficiency. These updates reduce the need for repeated college visits and shift more procedures online. The MCC released the official counselling schedule and information bulletin on mcc.nic.in.
Key Changes for NEET UG 2026 Counselling
Registrations for the 15 percent All India Quota (AIQ) and seats in Deemed Universities, Central Universities, AIIMS, JIPMER, and B.Sc Nursing begin on August 4 . Round 1 seat allotment results are expected on August 17 . Counselling for 85 percent state quota seats starts August 13. The academic session is set to begin on September 8, 2026 .
One-Time Physical Reporting and Document Verification
Candidates will now report physically and verify original documents only once. Admission fees will also be paid a single time. This eliminates the need to re-visit previous colleges for upgrades, streamlining the process and reducing candidate travel.
Freeze and Float Options Remain
The established Freeze and Float (Upgrade) options are still available. Candidates can choose to freeze their current seat or opt for an upgrade in subsequent rounds. The new reporting system ensures participants do not need to repeat formalities for each upgrade attempt.
Online Seat Resignation
Seat resignations can now be completed online via the MCC portal. This replaces the previous requirement of physically visiting the allotted institution. The online system is expected to speed up seat vacancy generation and improve overall process transparency.
Expanded PwBD Facilities
Accessibility for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) has increased. The number of designated disability assessment centres has grown from 16 to 61 nationwide. This allows candidates to undergo assessment closer to their homes, reducing travel burdens.
New 'Eligibility Certificate' for PwBD
Following revised National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines, disability assessment documents will be issued as an "Eligibility Certificate." This ensures a standardized, evidence-based assessment across India. An Appellate Disability Assessment Board is also established for appeals.
Training and Cybersecurity Enhancements
The MCC has conducted training programs for assessment boards and college officials to ensure smooth implementation of new procedures. Cybersecurity measures have been reviewed and strengthened with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) to protect candidate data.
Online NRI Document Upload
Candidates applying under the NRI quota can now upload supporting documents online. This new facility simplifies the verification process and expedites admissions for eligible NRI candidates, replacing previous physical document submission requirements.
Seats Covered Under MCC Counselling
MCC handles counselling for the following domicile-free seats:
- 15% AIQ MBBS/BDS seats from participating states.
- 100% MBBS/BDS seats in Banaras Hindu University (BHU).
- 100% MBBS seats in AIIMS institutes.
- 100% MBBS seats in JIPMER (Puducherry and Karaikal).
- 100% seats in Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
- 15% AIQ seats from Delhi University and Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University institutions.
- Open seats in Jamia Millia Islamia's Faculty of Dentistry.
- 15% IP Quota seats in ESIC institutions.
NEET UG 2026 All India Quota Reservation
The Central Government reserves seats under the 15% AIQ as follows:
- Scheduled Castes (SC): 15%
- Scheduled Tribes (ST): 7.5%
- Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL): 27%
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): 10%
- Persons with Disabilities (PwD): 5% (horizontal reservation)
