The dates for NEET UG Counselling Round 3 have been changed. Students now have more time to choose and lock their preferred medical colleges. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) announced that the last date to fill choices has been extended. This happened because **147 new MBBS seats** were added to the counselling process. These new seats give more opportunities to students hoping to get into medical courses.
New Important Dates for Round 3
It is important for all students taking part in NEET UG Counselling Round 3 to note the updated schedule:
- Choice Filling Last Date: Students can fill their choices for colleges until **Saturday, October 18, 2025, 11:55 PM**.
- Choice Locking Window: The window to lock choices will open on **October 18, 2025**, from **4:00 PM** to **11:55 PM**. Students must lock their choices within this time.
- Seat Allotment Result: The result for Round 3 seat allotment, which was earlier set for October 18, 2025, is now expected to be released on **October 19, 2025**.
Why Were the Dates Changed?
The MCC decided to extend these dates mainly because **147 new seats** were added to the counselling matrix. The MCC is the body responsible for conducting counselling for admission to MBBS and BDS courses. They received information about these new seats on **October 16, 2025**, from several medical institutes. Adding these seats gives students more options to choose from.
Where Are the New MBBS Seats?
The **147 new MBBS seats** have been added across **seven medical institutes** in different states of India. These states are:
- Assam
- Jharkhand
- Jammu & Kashmir
- Karnataka
- Uttar Pradesh
- West Bengal
The MCC has informed students that they can now include these newly added seats in their choice filling. Students can find the detailed list of these new seats on the official MCC website.
What is Choice Filling and Choice Locking?
For students new to the process, understanding choice filling and locking is important:
Choice Filling
This is when you select the medical colleges and courses you want to join, based on your NEET UG score and rank. You list them in order of your preference. For example, your most desired college and course would be listed first, followed by your second choice, and so on. It is important to fill as many choices as you are interested in, keeping in mind the new seats that have been added.
Choice Locking
After you have filled all your choices, you must 'lock' them. This means you are making your list final. Once choices are locked, you cannot make any more changes. If you do not lock your choices, they might be automatically locked after the deadline, or they might not be considered at all. Always remember to lock your choices within the given timeframe.
What Should Students Do Now?
All candidates who are taking part in NEET UG Counselling Round 3 should:
- Check the Official Website: Visit the official MCC website immediately to see the updated schedule and the list of new MBBS seats.
- Review Choices: If you have already filled your choices, review them carefully. Consider adding the new seats if they align with your preferences.
- Fill Choices Carefully: Fill your choices in the correct order of preference. Research the new colleges and courses if you plan to include them.
- Lock Choices on Time: Make sure to lock your choices between **4 PM and 11:55 PM on October 18, 2025**.
- Stay Updated: Keep checking the official MCC website for any further announcements, especially regarding the seat allotment result on **October 19, 2025**.
This extension gives students more time to make informed decisions about their future medical education. It also increases their chances of securing a seat due to the addition of more options.
