If you are a NEET PG 2026 aspirant seeking admission under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category, this update is crucial for you. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has revised the PwD assessment schedule, and there is a lot of confusion between the two deadlines — 2 November and 5 November.
Let us make it simple and clear: these dates are for two different processes, and one cannot replace the other.
We understand this journey can feel overwhelming. Here is a comprehensive, easy-to-understand guide to help you act on time.
MCC Releases Revised Assessment Schedule
As per the Latest News section on the official MCC PG Medical Counselling website, the updated timeline is:
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Primary Medical Assessment Board (Disability Centres): Till 2 November 2026, 6:00 PM
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Appellate Medical Assessment Board: 29 October to 5 November 2026, 6:00 PM
Important Note: This is a revision of MCC’s earlier Notice dated 28 September 2026, which had mentioned 1-9 October for Primary and 5-12 October for Appellate assessment. Candidates must now follow ONLY the latest schedule displayed on the MCC portal — mcc.nic.in.
Today is the last day for Primary Assessment. Please do not wait till the last hour.
Why is PwD Assessment Mandatory?
Getting a reservation is not just about having a disability certificate. For NEET PG Counselling, reservation under PwBD means 5% Horizontal Reservation in the All India Quota (AIQ) as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, covering 21 benchmark disabilities.
As per the National Medical Commission’s Guidelines on Assessment of Persons with Benchmark Disabilities for Admission to Post Graduate Medical Course, 2026 (dated 16 September 2026), the assessment will check:
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Your disability percentage and functional abilities
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Whether you can fulfil the academic and clinical competencies of the chosen PG course, with reasonable accommodation and assistive technology if needed
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Patient safety standards
This is why a certificate from any other hospital is not considered valid. You must obtain the Eligibility Certificate only from an MCC-designated board.
Who is Eligible Under PwBD Category?
To claim the PwBD benefit, you must fulfil all of the following:
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Have a minimum of 40% Benchmark Disability
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Possess a valid UDID Card (Unique Disability ID) issued by DEPwD
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Undergo Functional Competency evaluation for the specific PG medical course
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Be declared ‘Eligible’ by the Medical Assessment Board on the MCC portal
Please remember: Having 40% or more disability on your UDID card alone does not guarantee eligibility for every medical speciality. The Board takes the final decision based on your functional suitability for that course.
Documents Required for Primary Assessment
Carry both originals and photocopies. As per the NEET PG 2026 Information Bulletin, you will need:
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NEET PG 2026 Scorecard
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Valid UDID Card
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Functional Abilities Affidavit in the prescribed Schedule-I format
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Self-Certification Affidavit in Appendix-A format
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Disability-Specific Affidavit as per Appendix-B to F, based on your disability category
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All available medical reports and disability-related records
A word of caution: If any UDID card or affidavit is found to be forged, your seat will be cancelled and legal action may be initiated. Also, the Eligibility Certificate is valid only for the current academic session.
Where to Appear: List of Designated Centres
MCC has notified Primary Assessment Boards across various states and cities. You must choose a centre that has the relevant medical speciality for your disability.
Some designated centres include:
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Pt. BD Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak (Haryana) - Nodal Officer: Dr. Vivek Mallik (vivekmalik@uhsr.ac.in, 9255169924) for ENT, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, PMR, Psychiatry, Neurology
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ABVIMS & Dr. RML Hospital, New Delhi
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Government Medical College, Chandigarh
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King George’s Medical University, Lucknow
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IGIMS/PMCH/NMCH, Patna and NRSMCH, Kolkata among others
Always confirm the available speciality, reporting time and required documents with the Nodal Officer before visiting.
What is the Appellate Board and Who Can Apply?
The Appellate Board is not an alternative route. It is a second chance for re-evaluation only for those candidates who have been declared ‘Ineligible’ by the Primary Board.
If you wish to challenge the Primary Board’s decision, here is the process:
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Send an appeal via email to disabilityappeal-chair@gov.in and disabilityappeal-convener@gov.in, mentioning your preferred Appellate Board.
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The Nodal Officer of the chosen Appellate Board will inform you about the assessment date, time and venue.
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You will undergo a fresh medical assessment as per DEPwD 2024 Guidelines, where specialists may be consulted.
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The Board will issue a final speaking order on your disability status and eligibility, which will be sent to MCC and DGHS.
The five designated Appellate Boards are:
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VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi (9899981466)
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Grant Govt. Medical College & Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, Mumbai (8355912891)
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Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi (9889655100)
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Madras Medical College, Chennai (9380745533)
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IPGMER, Kolkata (03322041760 - 10 AM to 2 PM)
Primary vs. Appellate: Know the Crucial Difference
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Purpose: Primary is for first-time eligibility check; Appellate is for review of an ‘Ineligible’ decision.
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Who can apply: All PwBD aspirants can apply for Primary; only Primary-rejected candidates can apply for Appellate.
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Centres: Multiple Primary Centres across India vs. only 5 Appellate Centres.
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Deadline: Primary portal closes on 2 Nov, 6 PM; Appellate portal closes on 5 Nov, 6 PM.
If you have not appeared for Primary Assessment at all, you cannot directly go to the Appellate Board.
Important Instructions for Aspirants
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Do not miss the Primary Assessment deadline of 2 November, 6 PM.
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Do not assume UDID card equals MCC eligibility. You must be marked ‘Eligible’ on the MCC portal.
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Choose your assessment centre carefully as per your disability category.
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Keep a safe copy of your Eligibility Certificate and all affidavits.
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Regularly check the MCC portal for your eligibility status and further updates.