NEET UG 2026 Counselling: MCC 15% AIQ Process, Dates & Documents
NEET UG 2026 counselling is the decisive step that converts your NEET score into an actual MBBS or BDS seat. With the NTA expected to declare the NEET UG 2026 result and qualifying cutoff on or before 20 July 2026, the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) is set to open the 15% All India Quota (AIQ) registration window from around 21 July 2026 (tentative). This guide walks you through the MCC counselling process, the four-round structure, registration fees, and the exact documents you must keep ready — so you do not lose a seat to a paperwork error.
Treat these dates as tentative. MCC confirms the final schedule only after the result is out, so the single source of truth remains the official portal, mcc.nic.in.
What is MCC and the 15% All India Quota?
The Medical Counselling Committee, under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), conducts counselling for the 15% All India Quota seats in government medical and dental colleges, plus 100% seats in AIIMS, JIPMER, ESIC, AFMC, central universities, and deemed universities. The remaining 85% state-quota seats are handled separately by each state’s counselling authority. This means most candidates register in two places — MCC for AIQ and their home-state portal for the 85% quota.
NEET UG 2026 Counselling: Tentative Schedule
- Result & qualifying cutoff: on or before 20 July 2026 (NTA, neet.nta.nic.in)
- Round 1 registration & choice filling: from ~21 July 2026
- Round 1 seat allotment & reporting: late July 2026
- Round 2, Round 3 & Stray Vacancy Round: August–October 2026
MCC is expected to conduct four rounds, concluding by around October 2026. Always cross-check the live notice board on mcc.nic.in before every deadline.
Expected Qualifying Cutoff 2026
With roughly 87% attendance and a moderate-to-difficult June 2026 paper, most experts expect the qualifying percentile cutoff to remain broadly in line with 2025. Remember the crucial distinction: the NTA releases only the qualifying cutoff (the minimum percentile to be eligible), while the admission/closing cutoff for each college is decided later by MCC (AIQ) and state authorities based on demand. Do not confuse the two when planning your choice list. For precise category figures, verify on the official portal once results are live.
Step-by-Step MCC Counselling Process
- Registration: Log in at mcc.nic.in with your NEET roll number, registration number, name, mother’s name, and date of birth.
- Pay fees: A non-refundable registration fee plus a refundable security deposit (amount varies for AIQ vs Deemed/Central universities). The security deposit is returned to the same account after counselling concludes.
- Choice filling & locking: Add your preferred colleges and courses in order of priority. Lock your choices before the deadline — unlocked choices are auto-locked as they stand, which can cost you a better seat.
- Seat allotment: MCC runs the allotment based on your NEET All India Rank, category, and locked preferences.
- Reporting: Download the allotment letter and report physically to the allotted college for document verification and admission within the stipulated window.
Documents Required for NEET Counselling 2026
Carry originals plus at least two sets of self-attested photocopies to reporting:
- NEET UG 2026 admit card and scorecard/result
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets and passing certificates
- Birth certificate (Class 10 certificate is usually accepted as proof of date of birth)
- Photo ID proof (Aadhaar / PAN / Passport)
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS), PwD certificate if applicable
- Provisional allotment letter from MCC
- 6–8 recent passport-size photographs (preferably the same as the NEET application)
Get category and EWS certificates issued in the current format well in advance — an expired or wrong-format certificate is the most common reason seats are cancelled at reporting.
How NEET Gurukul Helps You Convert Your Rank
Scoring well is only half the battle; a smart choice list wins the seat. Our mentors sit with you on your rank, category, and home state to build a realistic preference order. Book a free session on our Free Counselling page, and if you are still preparing for the 2027 attempt, sharpen accuracy with our Siddhi Mock Test Series and Daily MCQ Practice. New here? Try the free NEET online mock test to benchmark yourself, and read our NEET FAQ for common doubts.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does NEET UG 2026 counselling start?
MCC 15% AIQ Round 1 registration is expected to begin around 21 July 2026, shortly after the NTA declares the result (on or before 20 July 2026). Dates are tentative until MCC publishes the official schedule on mcc.nic.in.
Do I need to register separately for state quota?
Yes. MCC handles only the 15% All India Quota (plus AIIMS, JIPMER, deemed and central universities). For the 85% state-quota seats, you must register separately on your home-state counselling portal.
Is the NEET counselling registration fee refundable?
The registration fee is non-refundable. However, the security deposit is refundable and is returned to your account after the counselling process concludes, provided you follow the rules and do not resign a joined seat improperly.
What is the difference between qualifying cutoff and admission cutoff?
The qualifying cutoff, released by the NTA, is the minimum percentile to be NEET-qualified. The admission (closing) cutoff is the last rank at which a seat was filled in a given college — it is decided by MCC and state authorities during counselling and is usually far higher.