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Understanding NEET Counselling Process 2026: Complete Guide

Step-by-step guide to NEET counselling covering AIQ, state quota, choice filling, seat allotment, and document verification process.

January 04, 2026 Admin 3 min read

Introduction to NEET Counselling

After NEET results, the counselling process determines which college you get. Understanding this process is crucial for securing your dream medical college.

Types of NEET Counselling

1. All India Quota (AIQ) Counselling

Conducted by: Medical Counselling Committee (MCC)
Seats: 15% seats in government medical colleges
Eligibility: All NEET qualified candidates

2. State Quota Counselling

Conducted by: State authorities
Seats: 85% seats in state government colleges + private colleges
Eligibility: State domicile required

3. Deemed University Counselling

Conducted by: MCC
Seats: All seats in deemed universities
Eligibility: NEET qualified candidates

4. Private College Counselling

Conducted by: Individual institutions
Seats: Management quota seats
Eligibility: NEET qualified candidates

NEET Counselling Timeline

Activity Expected Date
NEET Result Declaration June 2026
AIQ Round 1 Registration July 2026
Choice Filling & Locking July 2026
Seat Allotment Round 1 Late July 2026
Reporting & Document Verification August 2026
Round 2 Registration August 2026
State Counselling Begins August-September 2026

Step-by-Step Counselling Process

Step 1: Registration

  • Visit MCC/State counselling website
  • Register using NEET Roll Number and password
  • Fill personal and academic details
  • Pay registration fee (₹1,000-5,000)
  • Verify email and mobile number

Step 2: Choice Filling

This is the most crucial step. Tips for choice filling:

  • Add all possible colleges (even lower preference ones)
  • Arrange colleges in order of your preference
  • Consider location, fees, infrastructure
  • Don't rely only on cutoffs from previous years
  • Fill at least 100-200 choices
  • Lock choices before deadline

Step 3: Seat Allotment

Based on your rank, choices, and seat availability:

  • System allots best available option
  • You get allotment letter if seat is allocated
  • Check result on counselling portal
  • Download allotment letter

Step 4: Reporting & Document Verification

Required Documents:

  • NEET Admit Card & Scorecard
  • Class 10th & 12th Certificates
  • Category Certificate (if applicable)
  • Domicile Certificate (for state quota)
  • ID Proof (Aadhar/Passport)
  • Passport size photographs
  • Allotment Letter

Process:

  1. Visit allotted college within specified dates
  2. Submit original documents for verification
  3. Pay seat acceptance fee
  4. Complete admission formalities

Step 5: Upgradation (If applicable)

  • If you want better college, opt for upgradation
  • You can participate in next rounds
  • If upgraded, forfeit previous seat
  • If not upgraded, retain current seat

Important Terms Explained

Float

Choose this if you want to participate in next rounds for better options. Your current seat is tentative.

Freeze

Choose this if you're satisfied with current allotment and don't want to participate in further rounds.

Slide

Participate in next round only for higher preference colleges from same institute. Lower preferences not considered.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Not filling enough choices: Fill at least 100-200 choices
  2. Ignoring state counselling: Register for both AIQ and state
  3. Missing deadlines: Set reminders for all important dates
  4. Wrong choice order: Put your actual preferences correctly
  5. Document issues: Keep all documents ready and verified
  6. Not understanding float/freeze: Choose option carefully
  7. Forgetting to lock choices: Always lock before deadline

Category-wise Reservation

  • General: No reservation
  • OBC-NCL: 27% reservation
  • SC: 15% reservation
  • ST: 7.5% reservation
  • EWS: 10% reservation
  • PwD: 5% horizontal reservation

Fee Structure

College Type Annual Fee Range
Government Colleges ₹10,000 - ₹1,00,000
Deemed Universities ₹5,00,000 - ₹25,00,000
Private Colleges ₹3,00,000 - ₹25,00,000

Counselling Tips

  • Analyze previous year cutoffs for all colleges
  • Keep buffer of 1000-2000 ranks below your rank
  • Consider all factors: location, fees, infrastructure, hostel
  • Visit college websites and read reviews
  • Consult with seniors and alumni
  • Keep all documents ready in advance
  • Stay updated on official websites
  • Don't panic if not allotted in first round

Helpline & Resources

  • MCC Helpline: 011-23239437
  • Email: mccresultquery@gmail.com
  • Website: mcc.nic.in
  • State Counselling: Check respective state websites

Conclusion

NEET counselling is a systematic process that requires careful planning and timely action. Stay informed, make wise choices, and follow all guidelines. Your dream medical college is just a few steps away!

Remember: The best college is the one that's best for YOU, not just the one with highest rank.