The newly announced schedule covers the counselling process for eligible candidates participating in admissions through the All India Quota (AIQ), as well as participating Deemed Universities, Central Universities and other institutions covered under the MCC counselling process. The revised timeline also provides important dates related to state-level counselling activities.

Candidates planning to participate in the second round should carefully note the registration, fee payment, choice filling, choice locking, seat allotment, result declaration and reporting deadlines.

NEET UG Counselling 2026 Round 2: Important Dates

The tentative seat matrix for Round 2 is scheduled to be verified before the commencement of candidate registration. Candidates will then be able to register and submit their preferences for available medical and dental seats.

Registration for Round 2 to Begin on September 3

The NEET UG 2026 Round 2 registration process is scheduled to begin on September 3, 2026. Eligible candidates who wish to participate in this phase of counselling will need to complete their registration and payment formalities within the prescribed deadline.

The registration window is expected to remain available until September 8, 2026, up to 3:00 PM, while candidates will be able to complete the required payment process until 6:00 PM on the same day.

Applicants are advised not to wait until the final hours to complete registration and payment, as technical difficulties or delays could affect their participation in the counselling process.

Choice Filling and Choice Locking Schedule

Candidates participating in Round 2 will be able to submit their preferences for colleges and courses from September 3 to September 9, 2026.

The choice filling facility will close at 10:00 AM on September 9. Candidates should carefully review the available institutions, courses and seat vacancies before arranging their preferences.

The choice locking facility will be available from 4:00 PM on September 8 until 10:00 AM on September 9, 2026.

Candidates should ensure that their final choices are properly submitted and locked within the specified period. The order of preferences can play an important role in determining the seat allotted during the counselling process.

Seat Allotment Processing on September 9 and 10

Following the completion of registration and choice submission, the authorities will process the Round 2 seat allotment between September 9 and September 10, 2026.

The allotment process will consider factors such as the candidate's eligibility, merit, category, seat availability and preferences submitted during the choice filling process.

Candidates are therefore advised to make informed decisions while selecting colleges and courses.

Round 2 Seat Allotment Result on September 11

The NEET UG 2026 Round 2 seat allotment result is scheduled to be declared on September 11, 2026.

Candidates who are allotted seats will subsequently be required to complete the admission formalities at their respective institutions within the reporting period.

The allotment result will be a significant stage for students seeking admission to MBBS, BDS and other undergraduate medical programmes covered under the counselling process.

Reporting and Joining from September 12 to 18

Candidates who receive a seat in Round 2 will have to report to their allotted colleges or institutions between September 12 and September 18, 2026.

During the reporting process, candidates will be required to complete the necessary admission and document verification procedures as prescribed by their allotted institution.

Students should ensure that they carry all the required original documents, certificates and other relevant records needed for admission. Failure to complete the reporting or joining process within the stipulated period may affect the allotted seat.

Verification of Joined Candidates' Data

After the completion of the reporting and joining process, the verification of data relating to candidates who have joined their allotted institutions is scheduled for September 19, 2026.

This verification process is an important part of the overall counselling procedure and helps authorities update the admission status and seat availability for subsequent stages.

State Counselling Schedule Also Important

Along with the MCC counselling timeline, candidates should also remain alert regarding the counselling activities conducted by their respective state authorities.

Students participating in state quota counselling must carefully follow the notifications issued by the concerned state counselling authorities, as the registration process, choice filling procedure, seat allotment schedule and admission requirements may differ from the MCC counselling process.

Candidates should therefore avoid assuming that the schedules for All India Quota and state counselling are identical.

Participating Institutions Directed to Follow the Timeline

Participating institutions and colleges have been instructed to follow the notified counselling schedule strictly. With limited time available for completing the admission process, counselling-related activities are expected to proceed according to the announced timeline.

Candidates should remain prepared for important deadlines and complete every stage of the process within the prescribed period.

Important Advice for NEET UG Aspirants

Students planning to participate in Round 2 should carefully check their eligibility before registering for the counselling process. They should also review the available seat matrix and vacancy details before submitting their college and course preferences.

Candidates are advised to:

• Complete registration before the closing deadline.

• Make the required fee payment within the specified time.

• Check the seat matrix before filling choices.

• Arrange college and course preferences carefully.

• Complete choice locking before the deadline.

• Download and preserve important counselling documents.

• Check the seat allotment result carefully.

• Report to the allotted institution within the prescribed joining period.

• Carry all necessary original documents for admission and verification.

• Follow separate announcements issued by their respective state counselling authorities where applicable.

What Candidates Should Do Next

With NEET UG Counselling 2026 Round 2 beginning in September, candidates should now prepare their documents and carefully evaluate their preferred medical and dental colleges.

The period between the release of the seat matrix and the opening of registration can be used by aspirants to compare institutions, understand available vacancies and prepare a suitable preference list.

Candidates should pay close attention to every deadline, particularly the registration closing time, payment deadline, choice filling period and reporting schedule.

The Round 2 counselling process is expected to provide another major opportunity for eligible NEET UG candidates seeking admission to undergraduate medical and dental programmes for the 2026–27 academic session.