An important update has emerged for NEET-UG 2026 candidates awaiting admission to medical colleges. The counseling process for admission to undergraduate medical courses, including MBBS, will begin in August. According to the schedule released by the Medical Counseling Committee (MCC), the first round of counseling will begin on August 4th, while the new medical academic session for 2026-27 will begin on September 8th.
Counseling for Deemed and Central Universities to Begin on August 4th
According to the MCC, the first round of counseling for deemed and central universities will run from August 4th to August 17th. Candidates who secure a seat in this round will have to enroll in their respective institutions by August 22nd.
Following this, the next round of counseling will also be conducted as scheduled.
Complete NEET UG 2026 Counseling Schedule
For Deemed and Central Universities:
– Round 1: August 4 to August 17
– Last Date for Admission: August 22
– Round 2: August 24 to September 2
– Round 3: September 10 to September 18
– Stray Vacancy Round: September 28 to October 3
– Last Date for Admission after Stray Vacancy: October 10
State Quota Counseling Will Also Be Held in August
MCC has also released a phased schedule for State Quota seats. The first round will be held from August 13 to August 22. Selected candidates must enroll by August 28.
After this:
– Round 2: August 31 to September 8
– Round 3: September 16 to September 26
– Stray Vacancy Round: October 3 to October 5
New Medical Session to Begin on September 8
According to the MCC schedule, the new academic session for 2026-27 in medical colleges will begin on September 8. However, subsequent rounds of counseling will continue to fill vacant seats.
The MCC has instructed all participating medical institutions, state counseling authorities, and related agencies to adhere to the prescribed deadlines. To ensure timely completion of the counseling process, Saturdays, Sundays, and gazetted holidays will also be considered working days.
MCC Makes These Changes to the Counseling Process
The MCC has also made some important changes to make the medical counseling process for NEET UG 2026 more convenient and transparent.
Those seeking upgrades will not be required to physically report.
Candidates who have been allotted a seat and have opted for an upgrade will not be required to physically report to the college to complete the formal process. Their seat will remain secured in the counseling system.
Online Resignation Facility
Candidates wishing to resign will be able to submit their resignation online through the MCC portal within the prescribed rules and deadlines. There will be no need to visit the college to apply.
NRI Candidates Will Be Able to Submit Documents Online
Candidates applying under the NRI quota at deemed universities will be able to upload the required documents online through the portal.
According to the MCC, these changes are aimed at making the medical admission process more simple, transparent, and student-friendly.
NEET UG 2026 Counseling: Important Dates for Students
Stages/Process (Event) Dates/Deadlines (Dates)
Deemed/Central University Round 1 August 4 – August 17
State Quota Round 1 August 13 – August 22
Round 1 Admission Deadline August 22
Round 2 (AIQ/Deemed) August 24 – September 2
State Quota Round 2 August 31 – September 8
New Medical Academic Session Starts September 8
Round 3 (AIQ/Deemed) September 10 – September 18
State Quota Round 3 September 16 – September 26
AIQ/Deemed/Central University Stray Vacancies September 28 – October 3
State Quota Stray Vacancies October 3 – October 5
Last Date for Admission After AIQ Stray Vacancies October 10