MCC Extends NEET UG 2026 Round 1 Choice-Filling Deadline, Offers Crucial Window for Aspirants
New Delhi, [Date of Publication] – The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has announced a significant extension for the Round 1 choice-filling deadline in the NEET UG 2026 counselling process, providing a crucial opportunity for aspiring medical and dental students. Candidates can now submit and lock their preferences for colleges and courses until 11:59 pm on August 18th.
This extension, officially announced by the MCC on August 17th, comes as a welcome relief for thousands of candidates navigating the complex counselling procedure. The choice-locking facility for Round 1 had opened at 5:30 pm on August 17th, underscoring the urgency for candidates to finalize their selections within the newly allocated timeframe.
The counselling process is a pivotal step for NEET UG qualifiers, determining their admission to undergraduate medical and dental programs across India. The meticulous selection and ordering of preferred institutions and courses are paramount, as these choices directly influence seat allocation.
Why the Extension Matters
The extension is particularly beneficial for candidates who may have encountered technical glitches, needed more time to research institutions, or wished to re-evaluate their choices. It ensures that every registered candidate has an adequate opportunity to make informed decisions that will shape their academic and professional future.
The MCC has emphasized the importance of completing the process diligently. "Candidates who have already registered for the NEET UG counselling process must ensure that their choices are submitted and locked within the extended deadline," stated an MCC official. "Once the choice-locking window closes, candidates may not get another opportunity to modify their preferences for the round." This highlights the irreversible nature of choice locking and the need for careful consideration.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Choices
To assist candidates in successfully completing this crucial step, the MCC has outlined a clear procedure for filling and locking choices. Aspirants are advised to follow these steps meticulously:
- Visit the Official MCC Website: Navigate to the official MCC website (mcc.nic.in) and log in using your registered credentials.
- Access Counselling Section: Locate and click on the "NEET UG 2026 Counselling" section, then select the "Choice Filling" link.
- Enter Login Details: Provide your login details to access the choice-filling dashboard.
- Review Available Options: Carefully review the list of available medical and dental colleges and courses displayed on the portal.
- Select Preferences: Choose the colleges and courses you wish to apply for and add them to your preference list.
- Arrange Order of Preference: Crucially, arrange the selected choices in your preferred order. The order of preference is a critical factor during the seat allocation process, with higher-ranked choices being considered first.
- Thorough Review: Before finalizing, meticulously review the entire list of choices to ensure accuracy and make any necessary adjustments.
- Save/Lock Choices: Click on the "Save/Lock Choices" option and follow the on-screen instructions to finalize your selections.
- Confirmation and Record-Keeping: Once your choices are locked, it is highly recommended to download or save a copy of the choice-filling confirmation for future reference.
- Adhere to Deadline: Ensure all steps are completed well before the revised deadline of 11:59 pm on August 18, 2026.
Candidates can directly access the choice-filling portal via this link: https://mcc.admissions.nic.in/Applicant/Root/Home.aspx?enc=b3y6S6rqn323+Rrps4aJmWq6uDzwcVyR2D994Iqx3miWKIwOHdAUl7I6zs1LI/bNHBuognKMJMYf4wgTJSa4VQ==
For official verification and detailed information regarding the extension, candidates can download the official notice here: https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s3e0f7a4d0ef9b84b83b693bbf3feb8e6e/uploads/2026/08/202608172008623120.pdf
This extension underscores the MCC’s commitment to facilitating a fair and accessible counselling process for all eligible candidates. Aspirants are urged to utilize this additional time judiciously to secure their desired seats in medical and dental colleges across the country.
