The Round 1 registration process began on October 12, 2026, while the choice-filling process opened on October 13. Candidates must complete registration, pay the applicable fee and security deposit, and submit their preferred colleges and courses within the prescribed deadlines.

The counselling process is important for medical graduates seeking admission to MD, MS, PG Diploma and other eligible postgraduate medical programmes. It covers 50% of All India Quota (AIQ) postgraduate medical seats, along with seats in deemed universities, central universities, ESIC institutions and other participating institutions covered by MCC counselling.

Candidates are advised to review the schedule carefully, verify their eligibility and prepare their documents before making college and course choices. A mistake in registration, choice filling or locking can affect their participation and allotment outcome.

NEET PG Counselling 2026: Key Highlights

Candidates should consult the latest official schedule for the exact closing time for registration, fee payment, choice submission and locking. Different activities may have different deadlines.

NEET PG Counselling 2026: Important Round 1 Dates

The first round includes registration, fee payment, choice filling, choice locking, seat allotment and reporting. Candidates must complete each stage within the relevant window.

Important: Candidates should not wait until the final day to register or submit choices. Portal traffic, payment issues or incomplete information can create avoidable difficulties near the deadline.

Before submitting the application, candidates should verify the official schedule at the MCC PG Medical Counselling portal.

Who Can Apply for NEET PG Counselling 2026?

Candidates who qualified for NEET PG 2026 and meet the applicable eligibility requirements may participate in counselling for the seats covered by MCC.

Eligibility generally includes the following requirements:

• The candidate must have qualified for NEET PG 2026 according to the applicable eligibility criteria.

• The candidate must possess an MBBS degree or a recognised provisional qualification accepted under the prevailing rules.

• The candidate must meet the prescribed internship-completion requirements.

• The candidate must hold valid provisional or permanent registration with the National Medical Commission or the relevant State Medical Council, as applicable.

• The candidate must satisfy any additional eligibility conditions for the specific institution, course or seat category.

Eligibility for certain seats may involve additional requirements. For example, candidates applying under NRI, PwBD or other special categories may need to provide supporting documentation.

Candidates should read the current information bulletin and relevant MCC notices before beginning registration.

How to Register for NEET PG Counselling 2026 Round 1

Eligible candidates can complete the online registration process by following these steps.

1.    Visit the official website at https://mcc.nic.in/.

2.    Open the PG Medical Counselling section.

3.    Locate the NEET PG Counselling 2026 registration link.

4.    Select the new-registration option, where applicable.

5.    Enter the required NEET PG examination and personal details.

6.    Create or access the required login credentials.

7.    Complete the registration form and check all entries carefully.

8.    Pay the applicable counselling registration fee and security deposit.

9.    Submit the form and save the confirmation page or registration details.

10.                   Log in again when the choice-filling facility is available and proceed to select preferred colleges and courses.

Candidates should enter accurate details and keep their registered contact information accessible for counselling-related communications.

If a candidate has already registered, they should follow the portal instructions for accessing the existing account rather than creating duplicate registrations.

NEET PG Counselling Registration Fee and Security Deposit

Candidates must pay the prescribed registration fee and security deposit to complete the applicable counselling registration process. The amount may vary according to the candidate's category and the type of institution or seat for which counselling is being undertaken.

Candidates should check the current fee table in the official MCC information bulletin before making payment.

The following points are important:

• Registration is not complete until the required payment has been processed successfully.

• The registration fee and security deposit may be separate components.

• Candidates should verify the payment status after completing the transaction.

• They should retain the payment receipt or confirmation for future reference.

• Refund and forfeiture conditions depend on the official counselling rules and the candidate's subsequent actions.

Candidates should not rely on outdated fee figures or payment instructions from previous counselling sessions.

NEET PG Choice Filling 2026: How to Select Colleges and Courses

Choice filling is one of the most important stages of postgraduate medical counselling. During this process, candidates select their preferred colleges, courses and eligible seat options in order of priority.

The allotment process considers the submitted preferences alongside merit, seat availability, reservation rules and other applicable conditions.

Candidates can follow these steps:

1.    Log in to the MCC counselling portal using the registered credentials.

2.    Open the NEET PG 2026 choice-filling facility.

3.    Review the available colleges, courses and seat options.

4.    Select the institutions and specialties that match their eligibility and preferences.

5.    Arrange the choices in the desired order of priority.

6.    Review the complete preference list before submission.

7.    Save and submit the choices according to the portal instructions.

8.    Complete choice locking, where required, within the prescribed period.

9.    Download or retain a copy of the final submitted choices for reference.

Candidates should carefully verify the institute, specialty, course type, seat category and fee obligations before adding a preference.

How to Prepare an Effective NEET PG Preference List

A well-prepared preference list can help candidates make informed decisions during counselling. Candidates should not select colleges solely because they are familiar names or because a particular specialty appears popular.

1. Consider the preferred specialty

Candidates should decide which postgraduate specialties align with their professional interests, career goals and training preferences.

2. Check college recognition and course details

Before adding a college, candidates should verify the availability and recognition of the specific course, as well as the relevant seat information.

3. Review fees and financial commitments

Tuition fees and other charges may vary considerably across government, private, deemed and other institutions. Candidates should review the official fee information before ranking colleges.

4. Check service bonds and other conditions

Some institutions or states may have service-bond requirements, penalties or other post-course obligations. Candidates should read the applicable rules before making their choices.

5. Arrange choices honestly according to preference

Candidates should list their most preferred eligible options first. The preference order should reflect the institutions and courses they would genuinely be willing to accept.

6. Check category and eligibility requirements

Candidates should verify that they meet the requirements for each selected seat category. A choice that does not match the candidate's eligibility may not be considered for allotment.

7. Review the list before locking

Before locking choices, candidates should check for missing preferences, accidental selections and incorrect ordering. They should also save a copy of the final list.

What Is the Difference Between Registration, Choice Filling and Choice Locking?

Although these stages are connected, they serve different purposes.

Candidates should not assume that registration alone is sufficient to receive a seat. They must complete the required subsequent stages within the applicable deadlines.

NEET PG Counselling 2026: Documents Required

Candidates should prepare the documents required for registration, verification and admission. The precise list may vary according to the institution, course and candidate category.

Commonly required documents include:

• NEET PG 2026 admit card.

• NEET PG 2026 scorecard or rank details.

• MBBS degree certificate or provisional degree certificate.

• MBBS marksheets, as applicable.

• Internship-completion certificate.

• Permanent or provisional medical registration certificate.

• Valid photo identity proof.

• Recent passport-size photographs.

• Category certificate, where applicable.

• PwBD/PwD certificate and assessment documentation, where applicable.

• NRI status and supporting documents, where applicable.

• Counselling registration and fee-payment confirmation.

• Allotment letter, once issued.

• Any additional documents required by the allotted institution.

Candidates should check the official information bulletin and the specific college's instructions. They should also ensure that names, dates and other details are consistent across their records.

What Happens After NEET PG Round 1 Seat Allotment?

Once the Round 1 result is announced, candidates should check their allotment status and follow the prescribed next steps.

Candidates who receive a seat

Candidates who are allotted a seat should download the allotment letter and read the reporting instructions carefully. They must report to the allotted institution within the stipulated period and complete the required document verification, fee payment and admission formalities.

Candidates who are not allotted a seat

Candidates who do not receive a seat should check the next counselling schedule and the rules governing subsequent rounds. They should retain their login credentials and continue monitoring official notices.

Candidates who wish to participate in later rounds

Participation in subsequent rounds depends on the applicable counselling rules and the candidate's current admission status. Candidates should read the rules concerning seat retention, resignation, upgradation and eligibility before making any decision.

Candidates who receive an allotment but do not report

Failure to complete the required reporting or joining process can have consequences under the applicable counselling rules, including possible loss of the seat or forfeiture of the security deposit. Candidates should carefully read the official terms before deciding not to join.

Which Seats Are Covered Under MCC NEET PG Counselling?

MCC conducts counselling for 50% of All India Quota postgraduate medical seats, along with other categories of seats that fall within its jurisdiction.

These include eligible seats in:

• All India Quota government medical colleges.

• Central universities.

• Deemed universities.

• ESIC institutions covered by the counselling process.

• Armed Forces Medical Services seats, subject to applicable rules.

• Other participating institutions and seat categories specified in the official counselling bulletin.

State quota seats are generally handled through the respective state counselling authorities, subject to the applicable arrangements and rules.

Candidates should confirm whether their preferred college and seat are included in MCC counselling or require participation in a separate state-level counselling process.

Important Advice for NEET PG 2026 Candidates

Candidates should keep the following points in mind during Round 1:

• Register through the official MCC website.

• Complete registration and payment before the deadline.

• Check eligibility before selecting colleges and specialties.

• Review course fees, service bonds and institutional requirements.

• Arrange choices according to genuine preference.

• Check and lock choices as required by the portal.

• Retain copies of the submitted form, payment receipt and preference list.

• Monitor the official website for changes, notices and clarifications.

• Download the allotment letter if a seat is assigned.

• Complete reporting and joining within the prescribed period.

Conclusion

The commencement of NEET PG Counselling 2026 Round 1 registration and choice filling marks a major step in the postgraduate medical admission process. Registration began on October 12, and choice filling opened on October 13. Candidates must complete registration by October 21 and submit their preferences within the choice-filling window ending October 22, 2026.

The Round 1 seat allotment result is scheduled for October 24, followed by reporting and joining from October 26 to November 2, 2026.

Candidates should carefully verify their eligibility, complete the application and fee-payment process, and prepare a well-researched preference list. They should also review fees, service bonds, course recognition and other institutional conditions before locking choices. For the latest schedule, registration facility and official instructions, candidates should refer to the MCC PG Medical Counselling portal.