The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has clarified the reservation policy for NEET UG admissions in 2026. This policy applies to 15% of All India Quota (AIQ) seats in government medical colleges. It also covers 100% of seats in AIIMS, JIPMER, Central Universities, and ESIC colleges.
Reservation Breakdown for AIQ Seats
For the 2026 admission cycle, specific quotas are allocated. These include 15% for Scheduled Castes (SC) and 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes (ST). Other Backward Classes (OBC) in the Central List receive 27%. Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) get a 10% reservation.
A 5% horizontal reservation is designated for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). This PwBD quota applies across all reservation categories. Candidates must provide valid, government-issued certificates to claim these benefits.
Category Details and Requirements
Compliance with central government criteria is mandatory. Category certificates issued at the state level are not valid for central counseling.
| Category | Abbreviation | Reserved Quota | Key Conditions & Certificate Rules |
| Scheduled Caste | SC | 15% | Valid permanent SC certificate issued by a competent authority. |
| Scheduled Tribe | ST | 7.5% | Valid permanent ST certificate issued by a competent authority. |
| Other Backward Classes (Non-Creamy Layer) | OBC-NCL | 27% | Must be on the Central List of NCBC. Family income below ₹8 Lakh. |
| General – Economically Weaker Section | GEN-EWS | 10% | Family income below ₹8 Lakh and compliance with central asset limits. |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities | PwBD | 5% (Horizontal) | Applies across all categories. Requires a disability certificate from an MCC-designated board. |
Institutions and State Quota
Deemed Universities do not follow the reservation policy. All seats in these institutions are filled through open merit or management quotas. The reservation rules for the 85% state quota seats in government and private colleges vary by individual state or Union Territory.
Candidates applying through the AIQ must adhere to the central government's prescribed format for OBC-NCL and EWS certificates. These must align with the Central Government List.
