The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) is set to commence applications for NEET UG 2026 counselling on August 5. This crucial process facilitates admissions to MBBS, BDS, and BSc Nursing seats across various institutions, including those under the All India Quota (AIQ), AIIMS, JIPMER, Central Universities, and Deemed Universities.
A significant change this year is the introduction of the 'Freeze and Float' system, detailed in the NEET UG 2026 counselling information bulletin. This new mechanism aims to simplify the upgrade process for candidates, reducing the need for repeated in-person reporting after each round of counselling.
Understanding the 'Freeze and Float' System
After a seat is allotted, candidates now have two distinct options:
- Freeze: If a candidate is satisfied with their allotted seat, they must physically report to the designated institute, complete all necessary document verification, and confirm their admission.
- Float: Candidates who wish to seek an upgrade to a better seat in subsequent rounds can opt for online document verification. This involves uploading all required documents to the MCC portal without the immediate need to visit the allotted college. This option is designed to minimize travel and streamline the upgrade process.
This system change is expected to enhance efficiency and convenience for thousands of applicants nationwide.
NEET UG 2026 Counselling Process Overview
The entire NEET UG 2026 counselling process will be conducted online over four rounds: Round 1, Round 2, Round 3, and a Stray Vacancy Round. Candidates must adhere to the following sequence:
- Online registration on the MCC portal.
- Payment of the counselling fee and security deposit.
- Choice filling and locking of preferred institutes and courses.
- Seat allotment based on NEET rank, reservation status, and preferences.
- Document upload and either physical reporting (Freeze option) or online verification (Float option).
- Participation in subsequent rounds, if eligible for upgradation.
Failure to follow revised reporting rules or errors in documentation can lead to seat cancellation or forfeiture of the security deposit.
Eligibility and Covered Seats
Only candidates who have qualified NEET UG 2026 and meet the National Medical Commission (NMC) eligibility criteria are permitted to participate in MCC counselling. Multiple registrations are strictly prohibited and can result in cancellation.
The MCC counselling covers a wide array of seats, including:
- 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats in participating government medical and dental colleges.
- 100% of seats in AIIMS and JIPMER institutions.
- 100% of seats in Deemed Universities.
- Seats in Central Universities such as BHU, AMU, and Delhi University.
- ESIC colleges and AFMC (registration only).
- BSc Nursing seats in Central Institutes.
State quota seats continue to be managed by their respective state counselling authorities.
Important Rules and Reservations
Candidates can seek seat upgradation up to Round 3. However, those who join a seat allotted in Round 3 are not permitted to resign or participate in any further counselling rounds. Unlike previous years, seats will not be reverted to states after Round 2 under the current scheme.
Exit or resignation from an allotted seat is allowed for Round 1 and Round 2 participants. If a candidate is allotted a seat in Round 2 or later, and fails to join, or if their admission is cancelled due to incorrect information or missing documents, their security deposit will be forfeited.
The reservation policy for the 15% AIQ seats is as follows:
- SC: 15%
- ST: 7.5%
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 27%
- EWS: 10%
- PwD: 5% (horizontal reservation)
AIQ seats are domicile-free, meaning candidates from any state can compete for them.
Required Documents for Counselling
Candidates must prepare all mandatory counselling certificates and ensure they align with the details submitted during their NEET UG registration. Information entered during NEET registration is pre-filled and cannot be edited via the MCC portal. Clear scanned copies of documents must be uploaded within the stipulated timeframe, as blurred, incomplete, or inconsistent documents may lead to queries from the allotted institute or even seat cancellation if unresolved promptly.