NEET PG 2026: Round 1 registration 12–21 Oct · choice locking closes 22 Oct, 10 AM (MCC tentative schedule). See dates →
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Counselling basics · 6 min read

NEET PG Counselling 2026: How MCC Counselling Works, Step by Step

MCC counselling has several rounds and strict deadlines. This guide explains the steps so you can plan, using MCC's tentative 2026 schedule.

Dr. Rahul Chawla
By Dr. Rahul ChawlaConsultant Neurologist · DM Neurology, AIIMS New Delhi · Founder, HealthPil Doctors Academy · Updated 14 Oct 2026
Key takeaways
  • MCC runs Round 1, Round 2, Round 3 and an online stray vacancy round.
  • Each round has registration, choice filling and locking, a result and reporting.
  • Rules on upgrades, exits and deposits change; read the current information bulletin.
  • Fill choices by preference, and use past closing ranks only as a guide.

What MCC counselling covers

MCC (Medical Counselling Committee) conducts counselling for 50% All India Quota seats in government colleges, deemed and central university seats, and DNB seats. State quota seats are filled by each state's own counselling.

The steps in each round

  1. Registration and payment of the fee and security deposit.
  2. Choice filling: add colleges and courses in your order of preference.
  3. Choice locking: lock your list before the deadline.
  4. Seat allotment result.
  5. Reporting to the allotted college with documents, within the given dates.

NEET PG counselling 2026 dates (tentative)

MCC's tentative schedule lists Round 1 registration from 12 to 21 October 2026, choice locking until 10 AM on 22 October, and the Round 1 result on 24 October. Later rounds follow in November and December. See the full table on our NEET PG Counselling 2026 page and always confirm on mcc.nic.in.

Still unsure? Talk it through with Dr. Rahul in a private 20-minute Clarity Call. Book a call →

How to fill your choices

  • List choices in your true order of preference, not by guessing what you will get.
  • Use past closing ranks from the College Predictor to make your list realistic, with a mix of reach, moderate and safe options.
  • Read each seat's fee, stipend and bond details as reported by the college.

Upgrades, exits and deposits

Rules on upgrading to a better seat, free exit and forfeiting the security deposit differ by round and can change each year. Read the current MCC information bulletin carefully before every round.

Frequently asked questions

How many rounds are there in NEET PG counselling?

MCC conducts three regular rounds and an online stray vacancy round.

When does NEET PG counselling 2026 start?

MCC's tentative schedule lists Round 1 registration from 12 October 2026. Confirm dates on mcc.nic.in.

Who conducts NEET PG counselling for state quota?

Each state's counselling authority conducts counselling for its state quota seats.

Can I change my choices after locking?

No. Once choices are locked for a round, they cannot be changed for that round.

Read nextNEET PG Counselling 2026: dates →College Predictor →NEET PG closing ranks →
Sources

Opinions are Dr. Rahul Chawla's, based on his experience mentoring NEET PG aspirants. Rules and dates change every year; always follow official notices on mcc.nic.in and natboard.edu.in.

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