[
NEET UG Counselling 2026: MCC Initiates Choice Filling Amidst Varied State Progress
New Delhi: The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has officially commenced the choice-filling window for Round 1 of NEET UG Counselling 2026. This critical phase marks a significant step towards admissions into undergraduate medical and dental courses under the coveted All India Quota (AIQ).
Candidates who successfully registered for the MCC counselling can now proceed to meticulously select and arrange their preferred college and course choices. While registration for Round 1 began on August 5th, the choice-filling facility opened on August 7th, propelling the counselling process towards the much-anticipated first round of seat allotment.
In a crucial move to assist applicants, MCC has also activated the Reset Registration facility for Round 1. This feature is specifically designed to aid candidates who may have inadvertently entered incorrect information or options during their initial registration. Applicants have until 11 AM on August 12, 2026, to utilize this unlock/reset function to rectify any errors. It is strongly advised that candidates review all their details thoroughly before this deadline, as inaccuracies could potentially complicate future counselling rounds.
AIQ and State Counselling to Follow Separate Schedules
A distinctive aspect of the NEET UG counselling process for 2026 is the independent progression of AIQ and state-level counselling. While the MCC orchestrates the timeline for AIQ admissions, individual states, through their respective counselling authorities, manage admissions for state quota seats.
Consequently, the counselling procedures across various states are currently at different stages. Aspirants seeking admission via state quota seats must closely monitor the schedules provided by their specific state authorities, rather than relying solely on the MCC’s calendar.
State-wise Counselling Status Updates:
Kerala : NEET Details Submission Underway
The Commissioner for Entrance Examination (CEE) in Kerala is actively collecting NEET UG 2026 result information from candidates who applied for medical courses under KEAM 2026. Candidates have until noon on August 10th to submit their NEET details and rectify any application discrepancies. Kerala is yet to commence MBBS & BDS 2026 Round 1 choice filling or seat allotment, which is expected to follow the completion of NEET score submissions and application verification.
Andhra Pradesh: MBBS, BDS Registration Open
Andhra Pradesh has initiated its application process for MBBS and BDS admissions under the Competent Authority Quota for the 2026-27 academic year. Dr NTR University of Health Sciences has set the deadline for online registration at 9 PM on August 12th. Following certificate verification and grievance resolution, a merit list will be compiled based on NEET UG 2026 ranks. The dates for choice filling and Round 1 seat allotment are yet to be announced.
Telangana: Registration Continues Until August 12
In Telangana, Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences (KNRUHS) has opened registration for MBBS and BDS admissions under the Competent Authority Quota. The university has also released the list of qualified candidates for state NEET UG 2026 counselling. Registration will remain open until 6 PM on August 12th. Post-registration, the process is anticipated to move towards state merit list preparation, followed by web options and seat allotment.
Karnataka: Counselling Process Already Underway
Karnataka is notably ahead in its state counselling cycle. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has already begun the UGNEET 2026 counselling process for medical and dental admissions. Candidates participating in Karnataka counselling are urged to adhere strictly to the schedule issued by KEA for document verification, choice entry, and subsequent seat allotment. Close monitoring of the KEA portal for Round 1 updates is crucial.
Tamil Nadu : Eligibility and Grievance Process Underway
Tamil Nadu has completed the application stage for MBBS and BDS admissions and is currently addressing eligibility issues and candidate grievances. The Tamil Nadu Medical Selection Committee has provided a facility for candidates declared ineligible under Government and Management Quota categories to raise grievances. The portal also allows for the upload of PwD certificates and provides other category-specific instructions. The schedule for Round 1 choice filling and seat allotment is still pending.
Punjab: State Counselling Moves Through Application Stage
Punjab has also entered the state counselling process for NEET UG 2026, with Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS) activating its admission portal for MBBS and BDS courses. The state is presently in the application stage. A comprehensive schedule detailing Round 1 choice filling and seat allotment has not yet been confirmed through official notifications. Candidates should monitor the BFUHS portal for announcements regarding the state merit list and subsequent counselling stages.
PwBD Counselling Rules Revised
In another significant development, the MCC issued a notice on August 7th concerning arrangements for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). This follows an addendum from the National Medical Commission (NMC) regarding the constitution and functioning of medical assessment and appellate boards for PwBD candidates. State counselling authorities are also implementing these revised arrangements. For instance, KNRUHS in Telangana has issued directions for physical assessment of PwD candidates, and Tamil Nadu’s portal now allows PwD certificate uploads. These changes are vital for PwBD aspirants, as disability assessment and certification directly impact eligibility under applicable reservation and admission provisions.
What Candidates Should Do Now
For all students participating in NEET UG 2026 counselling, choice filling and registration are far from mere formalities. The order in which colleges and courses are prioritized can significantly influence seat allotment outcomes.
Students participating in MCC counselling need to:
- Fill their choices before the prescribed deadline.
- Utilize the reset/unlock facility promptly if errors were made during registration.
- Organize college and course preferences strategically, avoiding random selections.
- Monitor the MCC website consistently for any updates or changes in counselling dates.
For state-level counselling:
- Students must diligently monitor notifications released by their respective state authorities.
- PwBD candidates must adhere to all new requirements regarding disability assessment and certificates.
As MCC’s Round 1 choice filling progresses and states advance through their individual counselling phases, students are navigating a pivotal period in the NEET UG 2026 admission process. Adhering to deadlines and following the specific schedules of the relevant counselling authority will be paramount for a successful outcome.
