Tamil Nadu will continue its existing NEET UG counselling policy. The Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) confirmed this on August 4, 2026. This decision comes as the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) implements changes to its national counselling process.
State Maintains Current NEET UG Counselling Procedures
The DMER stated that Tamil Nadu's current system is robust. It effectively handles document verification and seat resignations. These processes will remain unchanged for NEET UG 2026 admissions. The state already uses digital workflows for these procedures.
MCC Reforms and Tamil Nadu's Stance
The MCC, which manages the 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats, introduced new rules. Under these reforms, candidates can verify documents online if they choose the "float" option. The "freeze" option means accepting a seat and exiting counselling. The "float" option allows candidates to keep their seat and seek upgrades in later rounds.
Tamil Nadu's existing system already includes online seat resignation. This prevents offline submissions. The DMER operates the state's online portal, tnmedicalselection.org , for these actions.
Seat Upgradation Process
The state allows seat upgradation. This process occurs between counselling rounds. Candidates can aim for a better college choice in subsequent rounds. This applies from Round 1 to Round 2 and from Round 2 to Round 3.
NEET UG Counselling Schedule
The MCC's NEET UG 2026 counselling for AIQ seats begins on August 5, 2026 . Registration opens between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. It closes on August 12, 2026 , at 3 p.m.
Key Dates for AIQ Counselling
| Activity | Date |
| Registration Starts | August 5, 2026 |
| Registration Ends | August 12, 2026 |
| Round 1 Result Declaration | August 17, 2026 |
Tamil Nadu's state counselling for Round 1 will take place from August 13 to August 22, 2026 .
