New Delhi, October 13, 2026: Round 1 choice filling for NEET PG Counselling 2026 begins today, as per the tentative schedule released by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC). If you are applying for MD/MS/PG Diploma seats under the 50% All India Quota (AIQ), or for seats in Deemed/Central Universities and other covered institutions, it is time to move from registration to filling your preferences carefully. Keep all the deadlines in mind.
Please note: MCC has called this calendar tentative. Keep checking for new notices and live portal updates on the official website: mcc.nic.in.
What Starts Today and Why It Matters
Choice filling is the stage where you arrange colleges and courses in the order you prefer. Your choices, along with merit, eligibility, reservation rules and seat availability, decide your Round 1 allotment.
Choice locking is a separate step with its own time limit, so do not leave it for the last minute.
MCC Round 1 Schedule (Tentative)
All timings follow the MCC server clock.
|
Event |
Date and time |
|
Registration and fee payment |
October 12 to October 21, 2026 |
|
Registration closes |
October 21, 12:00 noon |
|
Fee payment closes |
October 21, 3:00 pm |
|
Choice filling |
October 13 to October 22, 2026 |
|
Choice filling ends |
October 22, 10:00 am |
|
Choice locking |
October 21, 4:00 pm to October 22, 10:00 am |
|
Seat allotment processing |
October 22–23, 2026 |
|
Round 1 result |
October 24, 2026 |
|
Reporting/joining |
October 26 to November 2, 2026 |
MCC Counselling vs State Counselling: Do Not Mix Them Up
MCC counselling usually covers:
- 50% AIQ PG seats
- Deemed University PG seats
- Central Universities / selected central institutes
- Other seats as notified under the MCC framework
State quota seats, on the other hand, are filled by the respective state counselling authorities. Each state has its own portal, rules and timeline.
Fees and Security Deposit: Know the Difference
MCC usually asks for two kinds of payment:
- A non-refundable registration fee
- A refundable security deposit (returned as per the rules)
These are the indicative amounts mentioned in the MCC bulletin:
|
Category |
Registration fee |
Security deposit |
|
AIQ (UR/EWS) |
₹1,000 |
₹25,000 |
|
AIQ (SC/ST/OBC/PwD) |
₹500 |
₹10,000 |
|
Deemed Universities (all categories) |
₹5,000 |
₹2,00,000 |
Checklist: What You Should Do Today
- Complete registration well before October 21 (12 noon) and pay the fee before 3 pm
- Fill a balanced preference list with dream, realistic and safe options
- Check the fee structure, stipend, bond and service conditions with the institute
- Make sure you lock your choices within the locking window