NEET UG 2026 Counselling: The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has extended the deadline for Round 1 choice filling and choice locking under the NEET UG 2026 counselling process. Candidates participating in the counselling can now submit and lock their preferred colleges and courses until 11:59 PM on August 18, 2026.
The extension gives NEET UG candidates additional time to carefully review their college preferences before the Round 1 seat-allotment process. Candidates seeking admission to MBBS and BDS programmes through MCC counselling should make sure that their choices are properly submitted and locked before the revised deadline.
NEET UG 2026 Round 1 Choice Filling: New Deadline
According to the revised counselling schedule, candidates now have until August 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM to complete their choice filling and locking for Round 1.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination | NEET UG 2026 |
| Counselling Authority | Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) |
| Counselling Round | Round 1 |
| Choice Filling & Locking Deadline | August 18, 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Seat Allotment Result | August 19, 2026 |
| Courses | MBBS, BDS and other applicable UG medical courses |
Why Has MCC Extended the Deadline?
The Medical Counselling Committee has revised the Round 1 schedule, giving candidates additional time to complete the choice-filling process. The extension is particularly important for students who are still comparing medical colleges, courses, fees, locations and available seats before finalising their preferences.
Candidates should use the additional time carefully instead of waiting until the final few minutes. Once the choice-filling window closes, candidates may not be able to modify their Round 1 preferences.
What Is Choice Filling in NEET Counselling?
Choice filling is one of the most important stages of the NEET UG counselling process. During this stage, eligible candidates select the medical and dental colleges and courses in which they wish to take admission.
Candidates can arrange their preferences according to their priorities. The order of choices can be important because the seat-allotment system considers the candidate's rank, category, available seats and submitted preferences.
How to Fill NEET UG 2026 Counselling Choices
Eligible candidates can generally complete their choices through the MCC counselling portal by following these steps:
- Visit the official MCC website.
- Open the NEET UG 2026 counselling section.
- Log in using your registered credentials.
- Open the choice-filling option.
- Select your preferred colleges and courses.
- Arrange the choices according to your preference.
- Review the complete list carefully.
- Lock your choices before the deadline.
- Save or download the confirmation page for future reference.
What Happens After Choice Locking?
After the choice-filling and locking window closes, MCC will process the choices submitted by eligible candidates along with their NEET UG rank, category and seat availability.
The Round 1 seat-allotment result is scheduled to be announced on August 19, 2026. Candidates who receive a seat will then need to follow the instructions provided by MCC regarding reporting, document verification and admission.
MBBS and BDS Candidates Should Be Careful
Students competing for MBBS and BDS seats should carefully arrange their preferences instead of selecting colleges randomly. Factors such as college reputation, course availability, location, tuition fees, hostel facilities, infrastructure and future academic opportunities can be considered while preparing the preference list.
Candidates should also check the official seat matrix and counselling information before making their final choices.
Documents Candidates Should Keep Ready
NEET UG counselling candidates should keep important documents ready for the next stage of admission. These may include:
- NEET UG 2026 admit card
- NEET UG 2026 scorecard or result
- Class 10 certificate
- Class 12 certificate and marksheet
- Valid government-issued identity document
- Category certificate, if applicable
- PwD certificate, if applicable
- Passport-size photographs
- MCC counselling registration and choice-filling details
Candidates should check the specific document requirements mentioned by MCC and their allotted institution because requirements can vary.
Official MCC Website
Candidates should rely on the official MCC website for counselling notices, seat matrices, choice filling, allotment results and reporting instructions.
Visit the official MCC website
Important Advice for NEET UG 2026 Candidates
- Do not wait until the last minute to lock your choices.
- Review the preference order carefully before final submission.
- Check the latest seat matrix before selecting colleges.
- Keep screenshots or a copy of your submitted choices.
- Check your allotment result after the Round 1 result is released.
- Follow only official MCC notifications for important deadlines.
- Be cautious of individuals or websites promising guaranteed medical seats.
NEET UG 2026 Counselling: What's Next?
The extension of the Round 1 choice-filling deadline gives candidates a final opportunity to review their preferences before seat allotment. After the Round 1 result, candidates who receive seats will have to follow the applicable reporting and admission process.
The broader NEET UG 2026 counselling schedule includes subsequent rounds, giving eligible candidates additional opportunities depending on seat availability and the applicable counselling rules.
Conclusion
The MCC has extended the NEET UG 2026 Round 1 choice filling and locking deadline to August 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM. The extension provides candidates with additional time to finalise their preferred medical and dental colleges.
Students should use this opportunity to carefully review their choices, check the available seats and lock their preferences before the deadline. The Round 1 seat-allotment result is scheduled for August 19, 2026.
Disclaimer: Counselling dates and procedures may be revised by MCC. Candidates should always verify the latest schedule, seat matrix, allotment and admission instructions through the official MCC website before taking any action.
Last updated: August 18, 2026
Comments
Post a Comment