With NEET PG 2026 scheduled for August 30, 2026, in a single shift. Registration is expected to open around early July 2026, though the official information bulletin will confirm exact dates. Following the result declaration (anticipated end of September), you'll navigate two parallel streams:
- NEET PG AIQ counselling via MCC (Medical Counselling Committee)
- State quota counselling for NEET PG is managed by the respective state authorities
This comprehensive guide breaks down every step of the MCC NEET PG process, how to manage NEET PG choice filling, follow counselling schedules, and optimize both AIQ and state quota opportunities.
Understanding the Quotas & Authorities
- AIQ (All India Quota) 50%: Central counselling by MCC Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) & Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) for MD/MS/DNB/PG diploma in government, deemed, central university, and Deemed/AFMS/ESIC institutions
- State Quota 50%: Managed independently by each state's counselling authority—eg. Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, etc .
Both require separate registrations: AIQ via MCC, state quota via state portals.
MCC NEET PG 2026 Counselling Schedule
Although official AIQ dates for 2026 will be confirmed post-result, based on past dates, expect this timeline:
| Round | Registration (Expected) | Choice Filling (Expected) |
| Round 1 | Mid November 2026 | Late November 2026 |
| Round 2 | Late December 2026 | Early January 2027 |
| Round 3/Mop-up | January - February 2027 | January - February 2027 |
| Stray Vacancy Round | February - March 2027 | February - March 2027 |
These are estimates only. Once MCC publishes the official bulletin, it will be confirmed.
MCC NEET PG Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Registration
- Visit MCC’s PG Medical Counselling portal
- Fill NEET PG details, personal/academic info, and upload documents.
- Pay non-refundable fees:
- ₹1,000 for UR/EWS AIQ or central institutes, ₹500 for SC/ST/OBC/PwD
- ₹5,000 for deemed universities
Step 2: Security Deposit
- Refundable deposit (forfeit on withdrawal or non-joining): ₹10,000 UR/EWS; ₹5,000 SC/ST/OBC/PwD; Deemed: ₹2 lakh
Step3: Choice Filling & Locking
- After registration, fill NEET PG choice filling via online dashboard.
- Select preferred college-course combos in order of merit.
- Lock choices before deadline—final and binding.
Step 4: Seat Allotment
- Seat allotment hinges on your NEET PG rank, available seats & filled choices
- MCC releases allotment results online—download allotment letter and reporting timeline.
Step 5: Reporting & Document Verification
- Report to allotted institute within deadline with original + photocopies of:
NEET PG Admit Card & Rank Letter, MBBS degree and mark sheets, internship certificate, registration certificate, ID, category/domicile certificates, NRI documents (if applicable)
Step 6: Upgradation or Exit
- To attempt higher preferences in next round: opt-in “upgrade”.
- To exit AIQ & retain state quota seat, resign carefully (before cut-offs) to avoid forfeiture.
Step 7: Subsequent Rounds
- Eligible candidates for next rounds must re-register, re-pay deposit (if forfeited), fill choices again, lock before deadlines.
Step 8: Stray Vacancy Round
- Final chance to secure vacant seats post state quota and institute rounds
- Fresh registrations open; choices locked; allotment & reporting done online.
Also Read: What is NEET PG Rank Predictor
State Quota Counselling NEET PG
Each state has its own portal and schedule. Here are the steps you can follow:
- Check state moot dates on respective state medical board sites.
- Register, upload NEET PG rank/documentation.
- Pay fees, often lower than MCC.
- Fill choices, lock before deadline.
- Attend counselling/admission in-person or online.
Note: In case you do not comply by the norms of MCC, you can talk to our experts to get personalized advice to begin a successful medical career abroad.
NEET PG Choice Filling Tips
- Prioritize high-demand institutes early in preference list.
- Keep “safe” backup options.
- Study NEET PG seat matrix for each institute and round
- Don’t exceed the choice limit per round to maintain flexibility.
Key Documents Required for NEET PG 2026
Prepare high-quality photocopies & originals of:
- NEET PG Admit Card, Rank Card
- MBBS Degree & marks; Internship Certificate
- Permanent/provisional registration
- Photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport)
- Category & NCL certificates
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
- State domicile certificate
- NRI-sponsored documents (if applicable)
- Passport-size photos
Fees & Refund Structure
| Quota | Reg. Fee | Security Deposit |
| AIQ UR/EWS | ₹1,000 | ₹10,000 |
| AIQ SC/ST/OBC/PwD | ₹500 | ₹5,000 |
| Deemed University | ₹5,000 | ₹2,00,000 |
- Counselling fees are non-refundable.
- Deposit may be forfeited if seat is surrendered late or non-joined post-allotment
MCC NEET PG Counselling Schedule Highlights
- Watch MCC portal for official PG counselling schedule and notifications.
- Round-wise timelines published post-result.
- State quota timelines often follow, but check each state's official site.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
- Missing choice filling lock dates = disqualification.
- Not reporting to the allotted college = forfeiture.
- Exiting after second round forfeits security deposit.
- Joining AIQ precludes joining the same state quota seat; choose wisely.
Also Read: NEET PG Marks vs Rank
Strategic Approach
- Download rank immediately once declared.
- Track MCC updates; register ASAP for Round 1.
- Shortlist 20–30 choices, include safe and dream picks.
- Be realistic: weigh rank vs seat chances.
- Consider state quota in parallel; it may offer better institutes.
- Plan finances: counselling + deposit + fee reporting.
- Document readiness: keep certified copies and originals ready.
- Be agile: respond ASAP to allotment and reporting windows.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
- Missing choice filling lock dates = disqualification.
- Not reporting to the allotted college = forfeiture.
- Exiting after second round forfeits security deposit.
- Joining AIQ precludes joining the same state quota seat; choose wisely.
Academically will help you guide in the counselling,to help you choose the best college.
To conclude
NEET PG counselling can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can get the best seat in AIQ or state quota. We at Academically will help you beat the competition by applying ahead of the competition, starting with your registration, strategic choice filling, and getting your documents ready on time.
