NEET 2026 AIQ Counselling Overview
NEET 2026 AIQ Counselling Schedule - Important Dates for Students must be closely monitored, as the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) will conduct the counselling for 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats. Approximately 85% of seats are managed by state authorities, while the MCC oversees admissions for MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses in central universities and deemed institutions.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Counselling Authority | Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) |
| Courses Offered | MBBS, BDS, Dental, BAMS, BSMS, BUMS, BHMS |
| AIQ Seats | 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats across central universities and deemed institutions |
| State Counselling | Conducted separately by respective State Counselling authorities for 85% state quota seats |
| Eligibility Criteria | Candidates must qualify NEET 2026 by obtaining cutoff marks and register on the MCC website |
| Registration Fee (General Category) | INR 1,000 (non-refundable) for AIQ seats and Central Universities |
| Registration Fee (Reserved Categories) | INR 500 (non-refundable) for SC, ST, OBC, and PwD candidates applying under AIQ seats and Central Universities |
The NEET 2026 AIQ Counselling Schedule - Important Dates for Students highlights that the MCC will manage admissions for multiple medical courses based on NEET scores. Reserved category students benefit from reduced registration fees compared to general category applicants.
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official websites and may vary.
NEET AIQ Counselling 2026: Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for NEET 2026 AIQ Counselling Schedule - Important Dates for Students is determined by factors like NEET qualification, age, and citizenship. To participate in the counselling, candidates must meet specific criteria set by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), including qualifying the NEET exam and fulfilling age and registration requirements.
| Category | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Qualifying Exam | Candidates must qualify the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) by obtaining the cutoff marks. |
| Registration | Candidates must be registered on the official website of MCC. |
| Domicile | All candidates, including candidates from the UT of J&K, can participate in the counselling for AIQ seats and deemed universities. |
| Age Requirement | The candidate must turn 17 during the year 2026 by 31st December. There is no upper age constraint. |
| Citizenship | Eligible candidates must be Indian citizens, including NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and other foreign nationals. |
Meeting these eligibility criteria is essential to participate in NEET AIQ counselling rounds. Candidates failing to meet any of these conditions may be disqualified from the process.
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official websites and may vary.
NEET 2026 AIQ Counselling: Important Dates
NEET 2026 AIQ Counselling Schedule - Important Dates for Students is crucial for candidates seeking admission to 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats in MBBS, BDS, and other UG medical courses. Based on the past trends and official announcements, the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) is expected to start the NEET 2026 AIQ counselling in July 2026. The process typically spans four months and includes multiple rounds of seat allotment.
| Event | Date/Tentative Date | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| NEET 2026 Result Announcement | May 30, 2026 | Declared by NTA on the official website |
| MCC NEET AIQ Counselling Registration Starts | July 5, 2026 | Candidates must register on mcc.nic.in with NEET score and personal details |
| Last Date for Registration & Fee Payment | July 15, 2026 | General category: ₹1,000; SC/ST/OBC/PwD: ₹500 (non-refundable) |
| Choice Filling & Locking Begins | July 8, 2026 | Candidates can select preferred colleges and courses online |
| Last Date to Submit Choices (Round 1) | July 18, 2026 | All choices must be locked before this date to be considered for allotment |
| Round 1 Seat Allotment Result Declaration | July 30, 2026 | Published on MCC website; candidates can check their allotted college online |
| Last Date for Document Verification & Reporting (Round 1) | August 7, 2026 | Candidates must report to allotted institutions with original documents |
| Round 2 Choice Filling Begins (Fresh & Left Out Candidates) | August 15, 2026 | Includes fresh registrations and those who did not get a seat in Round 1 |
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NEET AIQ Counselling Rounds: A Breakdown
In 2026, the NEET AIQ counselling process will consist of four distinct rounds, including a stray vacancy round. These rounds are designed to ensure smooth seat allocation based on NEET 2026 All India ranks and availability across medical colleges in India.
| Round | Details |
|---|---|
| Round 1 | A free exit is available in the first round. |
| Round 2 | A forfeiture exit is available in the second round. Candidates may note that no seats are reverted to the participating States after completion of Round 2. |
| Round 3 | This round includes mop-up counselling for remaining seats under the All India Quota. Only candidates who did not get a seat in Round 1 or Round 2 can participate. |
| Stray Vacancy Round | This final round addresses leftover vacancies after the completion of Round 3. IT is conducted separately and only for specific institutions like Deemed Universities and Central Institutions. |
The distribution of rounds ensures that candidates have multiple opportunities to secure a seat under the AIQ category. Each round has specific rules regarding exits and seat reversion, which students must understand before participating.
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official websites and may vary.
Documents Required for NEET AIQ Counselling 2026
To successfully complete the NEET 2026 AIQ Counselling Schedule - Important Dates for Students, candidates must prepare and carry a set of mandatory documents. As per MCC guidelines, failure to submit any of these documents may lead to cancellation of the seat allotment. The counselling process is expected to begin in July 2026, making early preparation critical.
- NEET 2026 Admit Card – Must be carried for verification at the reporting center. This is proof that you appeared for the exam and is mandatory for all rounds of counselling.
- NEET 2026 Result/Rank Card – Downloaded and printed from the official NTA portal. This document determines your eligibility and seat allocation in the AIQ counselling process.
- Class 10th Marksheet and Certificate – Acts as primary proof of date of birth and educational qualification. Ensure that the name on this document matches the one used in all other records.
- Class 12th Marksheet and Certificate – Required to verify eligibility for MBBS/BDS/BAMS courses. Must reflect the qualifying percentage as per category (General/OBC/SC/ST/EWS).
- Caste Certificate (if applicable) – Must be issued as per Government of India guidelines. This is essential for candidates applying under reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC).
- Domicile Certificate (if applicable) – Required only in specific cases, especially when applying under state quota or special reservations. Not mandatory for AIQ seat allocation.
- Category Certificate (if applicable) – Must be issued by a competent authority to claim benefits under reserved seats. Helps in fee concessions and seat allocation preferences.
- PwD Certificate (if applicable) – Issued by authorized medical boards to avail disability-related concessions and reservations under AIQ counselling.
- Aadhaar Card or Enrolment Number – Mandatory for identity verification during registration and seat acceptance. If unavailable, alternative IDs like PAN card or passport are accepted temporarily.
- Passport-size Photographs (6-8 copies) – Same as uploaded during NEET 2026 registration. These are used for identification across all official documents and forms during reporting.
- Counselling Registration Printout – Must be taken after completing online registration on MCC’s official website. This confirms your participation in AIQ seat allocation rounds.
- Fee Receipt / Payment Proof – Required to show payment of registration fee (₹1,000 for General, ₹500 for SC/ST/OBC/PwD). The fee is non-refundable once paid.
Ensure all documents are self-attested and organized before proceeding to the reporting center. Missing even one can delay your admission despite a high NEET rank.
Step-by-Step Guide to NEET AIQ Counselling Registration
Over 20 lakh students are expected to register for NEET 2026, but only those who qualify can proceed with AIQ counselling. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) will begin the registration process in July 2026, requiring candidates to complete a detailed online form and pay a category-specific fee.
- Register on MCC Website: Visit mcc.nic.in and create an account using your NEET 2026 roll number and date of birth. This is mandatory for all AIQ seat aspirants.
- Fill Personal & Educational Details: Enter name, gender, date of birth, address, and academic details including class 10 and 12 marks. Ensure all data matches your NEET application.
- Enter NEET 2026 Result: Input your NEET score, rank, and qualifying status. Only candidates meeting the cutoff (to be updated post-result) will be eligible for registration.
- Upload Documents: Upload a scanned copy of your photograph and signature as per specifications — photograph must match the one submitted in the NEET application.
- Pay Registration Fee: General category candidates must pay ₹1,000 while SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates pay ₹500. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid online via debit card, credit card, or net banking.
- Print Confirmation Page: After successful payment, take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference. This document may be required during institute reporting.
- Verify Eligibility Criteria: Confirm that you meet MCC’s eligibility norms — age must be at least 17 years by December 31, 2026, with no upper age limit. Indian citizenship or NRI/OCI status is required.
The NEET AIQ counselling registration process is straightforward but time-sensitive; ensure all steps are completed before the deadline to avoid disqualification.
What is Choice Filling and Locking in NEET AIQ Counselling?
Choice filling and locking are crucial steps in the NEET 2026 AIQ Counselling Schedule - Important Dates for Students. During this phase, candidates must select and finalize their preferred medical and dental colleges based on their NEET rank, available seats, and previous year cutoff trends. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) allows students to choose up to 100 college-course combinations, but these choices must be locked before the deadline to be considered for seat allotment.
Choice filling typically begins in July 2026 after the counselling registration and fee payment. Candidates can edit their choices multiple times until the locking window closes. Once locked, no further changes are allowed. This phase is critical as IT directly impacts seat allocation in the first round of counselling, which tentatively starts in August 2026.
IT is essential to research college details, including NMC recognition status, location, and fee structure before finalizing choices. For example, AIQ seats under Central Universities have a general category fee of ₹1,000, while reserved categories pay ₹500. Incorrect or incomplete choice filling can lead to missed opportunities or allotment in less preferred colleges.
Key Points to Remember During NEET AIQ Counselling
Many students assume the NEET AIQ counselling process is straightforward, but missing a single step can lead to disqualification. The NEET 2026 AIQ Counselling Schedule — Important Dates for Students shows that the process spans four to five rounds and lasts nearly four months. Candidates must complete registration, document verification, and seat allotment within strict deadlines set by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC).
- Register only on the official MCC portal — fake websites often mimic the real one, leading to data theft or invalid registrations.
- Pay the non-refundable fee of ₹1,000 for General category and ₹500 for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates during registration; payment must be made online via debit/credit card or net banking.
- Candidates must report to their allotted institute within the stipulated time — typically 10–15 days from the date of seat allotment — or risk losing the seat.
- Keep six to eight passport-sized photographs ready (same as uploaded during NEET 2026 application) for submission during document verification and institute reporting.
- Choice filling can be edited until final locking — students should prioritize colleges based on their NEET All India Rank and previous year cutoff trends.
- Do not skip document verification — original documents along with attested photocopies are mandatory for seat confirmation and admission processing.
- Track your email and SMS alerts regularly; MCC sends critical updates about round-wise schedules, extended deadlines, and seat availability through these channels.
Adhering to these guidelines is crucial for securing a seat under the 15% All India Quota in MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses through NEET 2026 AIQ counselling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will NEET 2026 AIQ counselling start?
The NEET 2026 AIQ counselling is expected to start in July 2026. The exact dates will be announced after the NEET result is declared by NTA.
How many rounds are there in NEET 2026 AIQ counselling?
NEET 2026 AIQ counselling will consist of four to five rounds. These rounds include mock allotment, main counselling, and stray vacancy rounds.
What is the registration fee for NEET 2026 AIQ counselling?
The registration fee for NEET 2026 AIQ counselling is ₹1,000 for General category candidates and ₹500 for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates. The fee is non-refundable.
Who conducts the NEET 2026 AIQ counselling?
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) conducts the NEET 2026 AIQ counselling. MCC handles admissions for 15% All India Quota seats in MBBS, BDS, and other courses.
What documents are required during NEET AIQ seat allotment reporting?
Candidates need to carry passport-sized photos (6–8), NEET scorecard, admit card, and ID proof. Original certificates and photocopies are both required.
Can J&K candidates participate in NEET AIQ counselling?
Yes, J&K candidates can participate in NEET AIQ counselling. They must register on the MCC official website and meet eligibility criteria.
Is there an upper age limit for NEET AIQ counselling eligibility?
No, there is no upper age limit for NEET AIQ counselling eligibility. However, the minimum age should be 17 years by December 31, 2026.
