The advisory is significant because thousands of NEET-qualified students from Puducherry apply every year through both MCC counselling and the state counselling process. The latest notice aims to eliminate confusion regarding domicile eligibility, government quota admissions and participation in different counselling authorities.

Why Has MCC Released This Notice?

Every year, several candidates are uncertain about whether they are eligible for Puducherry Government Quota seats, All India Quota (AIQ) seats or Deemed University admissions.

To avoid confusion during the counselling process, MCC has clarified the eligibility conditions applicable to candidates claiming Puducherry domicile benefits. The notice reminds applicants to carefully verify their eligibility before exercising their choices during counselling.

Who Can Claim Puducherry Domicile Benefits?

According to the latest clarification, only candidates fulfilling the domicile requirements prescribed by the Government of Puducherry and the concerned admission authority can claim reservation under the Puducherry Government Quota.

Candidates should possess the required domicile certificate and other supporting documents issued by the competent authorities. During document verification, failure to produce valid certificates may lead to cancellation of the claimed domicile benefit.

Counselling Categories Available for Puducherry Candidates

Puducherry candidates may participate under different counselling categories depending upon their eligibility.

These generally include:

• 15% All India Quota (AIQ) counselling conducted by MCC.

• Government Quota seats in Puducherry for eligible domicile candidates.

• Management Quota seats.

• Deemed University seats located in Puducherry and across India.

• Other categories notified by the respective counselling authorities.

Each counselling category has separate eligibility conditions and candidates should read the official information bulletin carefully before registration.

MCC Counselling Covers These Institutions

The Medical Counselling Committee conducts centralized online counselling for admissions to:

• 15% All India Quota MBBS seats

• BDS seats

• AIIMS institutions

• JIPMER campuses

• Central Universities

• ESIC Medical Colleges

• AFMS institutions

• Deemed Universities

• Other participating institutes

Candidates belonging to Puducherry may also apply for these seats if they satisfy the prescribed eligibility requirements.

Important Advice for Puducherry Domicile Candidates

Candidates claiming Puducherry domicile should carefully verify:

• Valid domicile certificate.

• NEET UG 2026 qualification.

• Category certificates, if applicable.

• Identity documents.

• Educational certificates.

• Eligibility under Government Quota rules.

• Counselling registration details.

• Choice filling before the deadline.

Incorrect information or unsupported claims during registration may result in rejection during document verification.

Difference Between AIQ and Puducherry Government Quota

Many students assume that qualifying NEET automatically makes them eligible for every counselling category. However, eligibility varies.

All India Quota (AIQ) admissions are conducted by MCC and are open to eligible candidates across India.

Puducherry Government Quota seats are reserved for candidates satisfying the domicile and eligibility rules notified by the Puducherry Government and the designated admission authority. Therefore, candidates should verify the applicable rules before submitting their preferences.

Round 1 Registration Underway

MCC has already begun the NEET UG Counselling 2026 Round 1 registration. Eligible candidates can complete:

• Online registration

• Fee payment

• Choice filling

• Choice locking

• Seat allotment process

Candidates are advised not to wait until the last date, as technical issues during the final hours may affect successful registration.

Documents Candidates Should Keep Ready

Before registering, candidates should keep the following documents ready:

• NEET UG 2026 Score Card

• NEET Admit Card

• Class 10 Certificate

• Class 12 Mark Sheet

• Identity Proof

• Passport-size photographs

• Category Certificate (if applicable)

• Domicile Certificate (for eligible candidates)

• PwD Certificate (if applicable)

• Other documents specified in the information bulletin.

Important Points to Remember

• Read the official information bulletin carefully before registration.

• Ensure all uploaded documents are valid.

• Verify domicile eligibility before claiming reservation.

• Fill choices in order of genuine preference.

• Lock choices before the deadline.

• Keep checking the MCC portal for updated notices and schedules.

• Report to the allotted institute within the prescribed reporting period after seat allotment.

Official Website

Candidates should regularly visit the official MCC counselling portal for the latest notices, counselling schedules, seat matrices, information bulletins and updates regarding Puducherry domicile eligibility and admissions. Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) Official Website

Conclusion

The latest clarification issued by the Medical Counselling Committee provides much-needed guidance for Puducherry domicile candidates seeking admission through NEET UG Counselling 2026. Students are advised to understand the distinction between All India Quota, Government Quota, Management Quota, and Deemed University admissions before participating in the counselling process. Ensuring eligibility, maintaining proper documentation, and following official instructions will help candidates avoid unnecessary complications during seat allotment and admission.