The Round 1 registration process began on October 12, 2026. Candidates must complete the online application, pay the prescribed counselling fee and participate in choice filling within the notified deadlines. The first round of counselling is important because candidates must carefully select their preferred colleges and postgraduate specialities based on their NEET PG rank, eligibility, category and available seats.

MCC conducts counselling for 50% All India Quota (AIQ) postgraduate medical seats, along with seats in participating central universities, deemed universities and other institutions covered by its counselling framework. State authorities separately conduct counselling for state quota seats according to their respective schedules and admission rules.

Candidates are advised to register early, review the counselling guidelines and verify all submitted information before the deadline. An error in registration, incomplete fee payment or failure to save and lock choices within the prescribed window may affect participation in the seat allotment process.

NEET PG Counselling 2026: Key Highlights

Candidates should consult the latest official MCC schedule before submitting their applications, particularly if any revised deadline or additional notice is issued.

NEET PG Counselling 2026: Important Round 1 Dates

The Round 1 counselling schedule contains several stages, including registration, fee payment, choice filling, seat allotment and joining at the allotted institution.

Important: The dates above reflect the schedule reported in the Round 1 counselling updates. MCC may issue revised or more detailed schedules, and the exact dates for choice locking, Round 1 seat processing, allotment results and joining must be checked against the latest official notification. Candidates should not assume that a Round 2 date is also the deadline for completing Round 1 admission formalities.

Who Can Register for NEET PG Counselling 2026?

Candidates must satisfy the prescribed eligibility conditions to participate in the counselling process.

The general eligibility requirements include:

• NEET PG qualification: Candidates must have qualified the NEET PG 2026 examination and met the applicable qualifying percentile or cutoff requirements.

• Recognised medical qualification: Applicants must possess the required MBBS qualification from a recognised institution, subject to the applicable regulations.

• Internship completion: Candidates must meet the prescribed compulsory rotating medical internship completion deadline. The reported cutoff for the 2026 counselling process is September 30, 2026.

• Registration requirements: Candidates must satisfy the applicable medical registration and other eligibility requirements specified by the counselling authority and participating institutions.

• Category-specific conditions: Applicants seeking seats under reserved, NRI, PwD or other special categories must meet the corresponding eligibility and documentation requirements.

Candidates should review the current information bulletin and official counselling guidelines before registering. Qualification in NEET PG alone does not guarantee a seat; allotment depends on merit, choices, seat availability and the applicable admission rules.

NEET PG Counselling 2026: Which Seats Are Covered by MCC?

MCC conducts online counselling for several categories of postgraduate medical seats.

1. All India Quota Seats

MCC conducts counselling for 50% All India Quota postgraduate medical seats in participating government medical colleges, subject to applicable exclusions and rules.

Candidates from eligible categories can compete for these seats through the centralised counselling process.

2. Central Universities and Participating Institutions

The counselling framework includes postgraduate medical seats at participating central universities and other institutions covered by MCC's allocation process.

Eligibility and reservation provisions may differ according to the institution and seat category.

3. Deemed Universities

MCC also conducts counselling for postgraduate medical seats in participating deemed universities. The applicable registration fee and refundable security deposit differ from those for regular AIQ and central-university counselling.

4. State Quota Seats

The remaining state quota seats are generally handled by the respective state counselling authorities, according to their admission rules and schedules.

Candidates interested in state quota seats should separately check the counselling portal of the relevant state. Registration for MCC counselling should not be assumed to constitute registration for every state counselling process.

NEET PG Counselling 2026: Registration Fee and Security Deposit

Candidates must pay the applicable non-refundable registration fee and refundable security deposit to complete the counselling registration. The amount depends on the type of seat or institution for which the candidate is registering.

Non-Refundable Registration Fee

Refundable Security Deposit

The registration fee is non-refundable, while the security deposit is refundable subject to the applicable counselling rules and conditions.

Candidates should verify the fee category applicable to their registration before making payment. The amounts listed above are based on the reported Round 1 counselling information and should be checked against the current official fee instructions.

How to Register for NEET PG Counselling 2026 Round 1

The registration process is conducted online through the official MCC website. Candidates should keep their examination details, personal information and payment arrangements ready before starting the application.

Follow these steps to complete registration:

1.    Visit the official MCC website at mcc.nic.in.

2.    Open the PG Medical Counselling section.

3.    Locate the candidate activity board and select the new registration link for NEET PG Counselling 2026.

4.    Enter the required NEET PG examination credentials, including the roll number and other requested information.

5.    Generate a password if prompted and keep the login credentials secure.

6.    Fill in the counselling registration form with the required personal, academic and category-related details.

7.    Verify all the information entered in the application.

8.    Upload the documents requested by the portal, wherever applicable.

9.    Pay the prescribed non-refundable registration fee and refundable security deposit.

10.                   Submit the registration form and save the confirmation page and payment receipt.

Candidates should use their own valid credentials and ensure that the information submitted matches their official documents.

Important: Candidates should not submit multiple registration forms. The published counselling guidance warns that duplicate forms may be rejected and could result in cancellation of candidature. If a correction is necessary, candidates should follow the official procedure rather than creating another application.

NEET PG Counselling 2026 Choice Filling: Dates and Procedure

Choice filling is one of the most important stages of postgraduate medical counselling. During this process, candidates select their preferred colleges, courses and specialities from the options available to them.

The reported Round 1 choice-filling window is October 13 to October 22, 2026.

Candidates should prepare their preference list carefully, considering their NEET PG rank, speciality preference, institutional reputation, fee structure, location, training facilities and career goals.

Steps to Complete Choice Filling

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

2.    Open the choice-filling section for NEET PG Counselling 2026.

3.    Review the available colleges, postgraduate courses and seat categories.

4.    Select the preferred MD, MS or other eligible postgraduate programme options.

5.    Arrange the choices in order of preference.

6.    Review the entire preference list before submitting it.

7.    Save the choices and complete the locking process within the prescribed deadline.

8.    Download or retain a copy of the saved choice list for reference.

Candidates should not select a college or speciality solely because it appears higher in a rank prediction or admission estimate. Preferences should reflect the candidate's actual willingness to accept the seat if allotted.

Why Is Choice Locking Important?

Choice locking confirms the candidate's final preferences for the allotment process. Candidates should ensure that the list is saved and locked as required by the official instructions.

If the choices are not manually locked within the permitted period, the applicable portal rules may determine how the saved choices are treated. Candidates should not assume that an incomplete preference list will automatically be processed as intended.

Changes Introduced in NEET PG Counselling 2026

The reported counselling updates include several procedural changes intended to simplify seat acceptance, document verification and communication with candidates.

1. Online Freeze and Float Options

Candidates can indicate their willingness to freeze or float an allotted seat online, according to the applicable rules.

• Freeze: Indicates acceptance of the allotted seat without seeking an upgrade through the relevant process.

• Float: Indicates willingness to retain the allotted seat while being considered for a higher-preference option, where permitted.

Candidates should read the current rules carefully before selecting either option because the consequences may vary according to the round and admission status.

2. Online Document Upload for Float Candidates

Candidates who select the float option may be required to upload documents for verification online rather than physically visiting the institution at that stage, subject to the applicable instructions.

This change can reduce unnecessary travel during the counselling process. However, candidates must still complete any subsequent reporting or admission requirements specified in the official schedule.

3. Online NRI Quota Documentation

The reported changes include an online process for submission and verification of documents relating to NRI candidature.

Candidates applying under the NRI quota should ensure that they meet the applicable eligibility requirements and have the required sponsorship, relationship and residency documents available.

4. Increased PwD Medical Assessment Capacity

The counselling updates report an increase of 65 in the number of medical assessment boards for candidates applying under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category.

Candidates seeking consideration under the PwBD category should follow the prescribed assessment process and review the applicable medical certification guidelines.

5. Extended Internship Completion Deadline

The reported internship completion cutoff for NEET PG Counselling 2026 is September 30, 2026, extended from the earlier July 31 date.

Candidates should verify their individual eligibility against the official notification and applicable regulations before completing registration.

6. Counselling Helpdesk

The counselling updates also indicate the availability of a 24-hour helpdesk and a dedicated email address for queries.

Candidates should use the contact information displayed on the official MCC portal to confirm current helpline numbers, email addresses and operating instructions.

Documents Required for NEET PG Counselling 2026

Candidates should keep their academic, examination, identity and category documents ready before registration and admission.

The 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 for the required professional examinations.

• Compulsory rotating internship completion certificate.

• Permanent or provisional medical registration certificate, as applicable.

• Date-of-birth proof, where required.

• Valid photo identity proof.

• Recent passport-size photographs.

• Category certificate, where applicable.

• EWS certificate, where applicable.

• PwBD-related certificate and assessment documents, where applicable.

• Counselling registration confirmation and fee-payment receipt.

• Allotment letter, once a seat is allotted.

• Additional documents prescribed by the allotted institution.

Additional Documents for NRI Candidates

Candidates seeking admission under the NRI quota may need to provide additional documents, depending on the official eligibility requirements.

These may include:

• Valid passport and relevant visa, residence permit or work permit of the NRI sponsor.

• Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) or Person of Indian Origin (PIO) documentation, where applicable.

• NRI certificate issued by the competent authority.

• Proof of relationship between the candidate and the NRI sponsor.

• Family-tree documentation or other relationship evidence required by the competent authority.

• Notarised sponsorship affidavit, where prescribed.

• Supporting financial documentation, including relevant NRE bank account evidence where required.

The exact documents depend on the applicable rules and the candidate's circumstances. NRI applicants should consult the latest official eligibility notice before submitting their documents.

What Happens After NEET PG Round 1 Registration?

After completing registration and choice filling, candidates proceed through the seat allotment and admission stages.

The process generally follows these steps:

Step 1: Registration and fee payment. Candidates submit their counselling applications and pay the required fees.

Step 2: Choice filling and locking. Candidates select and confirm their preferred colleges and specialities.

Step 3: Seat allotment processing. The counselling authority processes choices according to merit, eligibility, category, seat availability and applicable rules.

Step 4: Allotment result. Candidates check whether a seat has been allotted and download the relevant allotment letter.

Step 5: Seat acceptance and reporting. Candidates follow the instructions for accepting the seat, uploading documents, completing verification and reporting to the institution, as applicable.

Step 6: Admission confirmation. Candidates complete the remaining institutional formalities within the deadline.

Candidates should follow the exact instructions for the applicable round because reporting and seat-acceptance procedures can differ according to the allotment outcome and counselling rules.

What Should Candidates Do If They Face Registration Problems?

Candidates who experience difficulties during registration or choice filling should take prompt action.

• Verify that the roll number and other examination details have been entered correctly.

• Ensure that the internet connection is stable before making payment or submitting the application.

• Check whether the payment has been completed and retain the transaction receipt.

• Avoid repeated payment attempts without checking the status of the first transaction.

• Save screenshots or confirmation messages if a technical problem occurs.

• Contact the official helpdesk using the current details displayed on the MCC website.

• Do not share passwords, one-time passwords or confidential login information with unauthorised individuals.

Candidates should avoid leaving registration and choice locking until the last few hours of the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Has NEET PG Counselling 2026 Round 1 registration started?

Yes. Round 1 registration began on October 12, 2026, through the official MCC counselling portal.

2. What is the last date for Round 1 registration?

The reported registration deadline is October 21, 2026. Candidates should confirm the latest schedule on the official MCC website before applying.

3. When does NEET PG Round 1 choice filling begin?

The reported choice-filling window begins on October 13, 2026, and closes on October 22, 2026.

4. Where can candidates register for NEET PG Counselling 2026?

Candidates can register online through the PG Medical Counselling section of mcc.nic.in.

5. Who is eligible for NEET PG Counselling 2026?

Candidates who have qualified NEET PG 2026 and satisfy the applicable qualifying, internship, registration and other eligibility requirements can participate.

6. What is the internship completion cutoff for NEET PG Counselling 2026?

The reported cutoff is September 30, 2026, subject to the official eligibility rules and any subsequent notification.

7. What is the registration fee for NEET PG counselling?

The reported non-refundable registration fee is ₹1,000 for General candidates and ₹500 for SC/ST/OBC candidates under the 50% AIQ and Central University category. For deemed universities, the reported registration fee is ₹5,000 for all categories.

8. Is the security deposit refundable?

The security deposit is refundable subject to the applicable counselling rules. Candidates should review the refund conditions before registration.

9. Can candidates participate in state quota counselling through MCC registration?

No. MCC registration covers the seats included in its counselling framework. Candidates interested in state quota seats should separately follow the relevant state counselling authority's process.

10. Can candidates submit multiple counselling registration forms?

Candidates should submit only one registration form as instructed. Multiple forms may be rejected and could result in cancellation of candidature.

11. Do candidates need to visit a counselling centre for registration?

Registration and choice filling are conducted online. Physical reporting or institutional verification may be required later, depending on the seat allotment and applicable instructions.

12. What should candidates do after receiving a seat?

Candidates should download the allotment letter, review the applicable freeze or float options, complete the required document verification and follow the reporting instructions within the prescribed deadline.

Conclusion

The commencement of NEET PG Counselling 2026 Round 1 registration marks an important stage in postgraduate medical admissions for the 2026–27 academic session. Eligible candidates should complete the online application, pay the applicable counselling fee, prepare their documents and submit their college and speciality preferences within the notified schedule.

With registration reported from October 12 to October 21 and choice filling from October 13 to October 22, candidates should plan their applications carefully and avoid last-minute errors. They should also familiarise themselves with the updated freeze/float procedures, online document-verification requirements and category-specific eligibility conditions.

For the latest information on registration, seat allotment, revised deadlines and admission procedures, candidates should regularly check the official MCC website. Timely registration and carefully ordered choices can help candidates navigate the counselling process more effectively.