NEET UG: A major update is in store for NEET-UG 2026 candidates aspiring to pursue medical studies. The All India Quota announced that the first round of counseling for admission to MBBS and other undergraduate medical courses will begin on August 4, while the 2026-27 academic session will begin on September 8. This information was provided in the counseling schedule released by the Medical Counseling Committee (MCC).
According to the MCC, the first round of counselling for deemed and central universities will run from August 4 to August 17. Candidates selected in this round will have to take admission in the respective institute by August 22.
The second round of counseling will begin on August 24th,
followed by the second round from August 24th to September 2nd, and the third round from September 10th to September 18th. The stray vacancy round will run from September 28th to October 3rd, and the last date for admission after this round is October 10th.
The first phase of counselling for state quota seats will be held from August 13
to August 22, with selected candidates required to take admission by August 28. The second phase will be held from August 31 to September 8, the third phase from September 16 to September 26, and the stray vacancy round from October 3 to October 5.
New academic session in medical colleges from September 8
The MCC has clarified that the new academic session in medical colleges will begin from September 8, while subsequent counselling rounds to fill vacant seats will continue. All participating institutions, state counselling authorities and concerned agencies have been directed to strictly adhere to the set deadlines. Saturdays, Sundays and gazetted holidays will also be considered working days to ensure timely completion of the process.
Major changes to the counseling process
This year, the Medical Counseling Committee (MCC) has made several significant changes to make the counseling process more transparent and student-friendly.
Candidates who have been allotted a seat and have opted for an upgrade will no longer have to physically report to the college to complete formalities. Their seat will remain secure in the counseling system.
Candidates will now be able to submit their resignation online through the MCC portal, within the prescribed rules and deadlines. This eliminates the need to visit the college to submit an application.
Candidates applying under the NRI quota at deemed universities will now be able to upload their required documents online.
The MCC states that these changes are aimed at making the admission process more simple, transparent, and convenient for students.