NEET PG Counselling 2026 will start with Round 1 registration on October 12, 2026. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has made several changes to the counselling process this year.
The new rules include Freeze and Float options, online document upload and verification, an online NRI quota process and more PwD medical assessment boards.
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The counselling will cover 50% All India Quota seats, central universities, deemed universities and other seats under MCC. Candidates who qualified in the NEET PG exam conducted by NBEMS can take part in the counselling process through the MCC portal.
NEET PG Counselling 2026: What Has Changed?
MCC has changed some important parts of the counselling process this year.
The biggest change is the introduction of Freeze and Float options after seat allotment. You can choose Freeze if you are happy with your allotted seat and do not want an upgrade.
You can choose Float if you want to keep your current seat but also want to take part in the next round for a possible upgrade.
MCC has also moved some document verification work online. Float candidates can upload their documents on the MCC portal. This means they do not have to physically visit the allotted college at this stage.
The NRI document process has also moved online. The number of PwD medical assessment boards has increased. The internship completion deadline has also been extended.
| NEET PG Counselling Change | 2025 Process | 2026 Process |
|---|---|---|
| Seat upgradation | Physical process | Online Float option |
| Document verification | Earlier physical process | Online upload and verification for Float |
| NRI documents | Email submission | Online MCC portal |
| PwD assessment | 16 centres | 65 listed boards |
| Internship cut-off | July 31 | September 30 |
These changes are meant to make NEET PG Counselling 2026 more digital. They also give candidates more options after seat allotment.
NEET PG 2026 Freeze and Float Options
Freeze and Float are two new choices for candidates after seat allotment.
If you are happy with your allotted seat and do not want an upgrade, you can choose Freeze.
If you want to keep your allotted seat but also want to try for a better seat in the next round, you can choose Float.
What is Freeze in NEET PG Counselling 2026?
Under the Freeze option, you accept the seat given to you and do not take part in further upgradation.
You will have to physically join the allotted institute. Your original documents will be checked at the institute.
You will also have to pay the admission fees at the institute.
The seat will be finalised after the documents are checked. If your documents are valid, your admission will continue. If a problem is found, the seat may be cancelled.
What is Float in NEET PG Counselling 2026?
The Float option is for candidates who want to try for an upgraded seat in the next round.
If you choose Float, you will submit your willingness for upgradation online.
You will upload your documents on the MCC portal. The nodal officer of the allotted institute will check the documents online.
At this stage, you do not have to physically report to the allotted college.
If any document is unclear or incorrect, you may be asked to upload it again.
If you get an upgraded seat, the relieving letter will also be generated online.
NEET PG 2026 Online Resignation for Float Candidates
MCC has also introduced an online resignation or surrender option for Float candidates.
If you want to give up your allotted seat, you can submit the request online through the MCC portal.
You need to log in through Candidate Login. Then select the Resignation or Surrender option and submit the request.
The seat will be surrendered only if you submit the request within the time limit fixed by MCC.
NEET PG 2026 NRI Quota Process Goes Online
The NRI quota process has also changed this year.
In 2025, candidates who wanted NRI eligibility had to email their supporting documents to MCC before each round.
In NEET PG Counselling 2026, this process will be completed through the MCC portal.
You will have to select the NRI quota and the relevant sub-category, from I to IV, during MCC registration.
You will then upload the required documents on the MCC portal.
The MCC NRI Document Verification Committee will check the documents online.
If there is a problem with any document, you will receive an SMS or email alert. You will get an opportunity to correct the documents.
Once you are converted to the NRI category, NRI seats will become available for choice filling.
The online conversion is provisional. Your original documents will still be checked during admission.
If you do not complete the NRI process in Round 1, you can try again in Round 2.
PwD Medical Assessment Boards Increased
MCC has also changed the PwD medical assessment process.
The 2026 counselling process includes a separate PwD chapter with the full NMC 2026 guidelines.
The number of listed medical assessment boards has increased from 16 centres to 65 listed boards.
Appellate boards have also been included.
This gives PwD candidates a more structured process for medical assessment during counselling.
NEET PG Internship Cut-off Date Extended
The internship completion deadline has also changed.
Earlier, the cut-off date was July 31. For the 2026 academic year, the deadline has been extended to September 30, 2026.
You should check the internship eligibility rules before taking part in NEET PG Counselling 2026.
MCC NEET PG Counselling 2026 Help Desk
MCC has also changed its counselling support system.
The MCC call centre is now listed as a 24×7 help desk.
Earlier, the call centre worked from 9 AM to 8:30 PM and remained closed on Sundays.
MCC has also provided a new email ID for the 2026 counselling process: [email protected].
NEET PG 2026 Counselling Schedule
The Round 1 registration process will begin on October 12, 2026.
Candidates should carefully check each deadline because registration, fee payment, choice filling and choice locking have separate dates.
The main schedule is given below.
| Counselling Event | Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3 | Stray Vacancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registration/Payment | Oct 12-21 | Nov 6-11 | Nov 26-Dec 1 | Dec 16-21 |
| Choice Filling | Oct 13-22 | Nov 7-12 | Nov 27-Dec 2 | Dec 16-21 |
| Seat Allotment | Oct 24 | Nov 14 | Dec 4 | Dec 24 |
| Reporting/Joining | Oct 26-Nov 2 | Nov 16-23 | Dec 5-12 | Dec 24-31 |
The schedule covers three regular counselling rounds and an online stray vacancy round.
Candidates should check the official MCC portal before each round because MCC may issue revised notices or additional instructions.
NEET PG Counselling 2026 Round 1 Dates
Round 1 will start with seat matrix verification from October 10 to October 12.
Registration and fee payment will start on October 12 and continue until October 21.
Registration will close at 12 noon on October 21. Fee payment will remain open until 3 PM on the same day.
Choice filling will start on October 13 and continue until 10 AM on October 22.
Choice locking will be available from 4 PM on October 21 to 10 AM on October 22.
MCC will announce the Round 1 seat allotment result on October 24.
Candidates who get a seat will have to report to their allotted institute between October 26 and November 2.
| Round 1 Counselling Event | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Seat Matrix Verification | October 10 to October 12, 2026 |
| Registration and Fee Payment | October 12 to October 21, 2026 |
| Registration Closing | October 21, 2026, at 12 noon |
| Fee Payment Closing | October 21, 2026, at 3 PM |
| Choice Filling | October 13 to October 22, 2026, up to 10 AM |
| Choice Locking | October 21 at 4 PM to October 22 at 10 AM |
| Seat Allotment Result | October 24, 2026 |
| Reporting and Joining | October 26 to November 2, 2026 |
The dates above show the complete Round 1 process. You should not wait until the last day to register or fill your choices. Also check the MCC portal for any change in the schedule.
NEET PG 2026 Counselling Round 2 and Round 3
Candidates who do not get a suitable seat in Round 1 may get further opportunities under the applicable counselling rules.
Round 2 registration is scheduled from November 6 to November 11. The Round 2 result is scheduled for November 14, 2026.
The Round 3 registration and fee payment window is scheduled from November 26 to December 1. Choice filling will run from November 27 to December 2. The Round 3 seat allotment result is scheduled for December 4.
Candidates should check the official MCC notices for the complete instructions before taking part in each round.
NEET PG Counselling 2026: Old and New Process
The main differences between the 2025 and 2026 counselling processes are given below.
| Process | NEET PG Counselling 2025 | NEET PG Counselling 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Upgradation | Physical process after joining | Online Float option |
| Freeze | Physical joining | Physical joining |
| Float Documents | Earlier physical process | Online upload and verification |
| NRI Documents | Email submission | Online MCC portal |
| PwD Assessment Boards | 16 centres | 65 listed boards |
| Internship Cut-off | July 31, 2025 | September 30, 2026 |
| MCC Help Desk | 9 AM to 8:30 PM, closed Sundays | 24×7 |
The main change is that several steps that were earlier handled physically or through email are now being handled online. NEET PG Counselling 2026.
What Should NEET PG 2026 Candidates Do?
You should understand the difference between Freeze and Float before selecting an option.
Keep scanned copies of all required documents ready. If you choose Float, check the MCC portal regularly for document verification updates.
Make sure the documents you upload are clear and valid. If you are applying under the NRI quota, complete the online document verification process carefully.
PwD candidates should check the medical assessment requirements that apply to them.
You should also check the internship completion deadline before counselling.
Keep checking MCC notifications, SMS and email alerts. These can contain important updates about your counselling.
If you want to resign or surrender your seat, make sure you follow the deadline given by MCC. NEET PG Counselling 2026.
NEET PG Counselling 2026: What You Need to Remember
NEET PG Counselling 2026 has several changes compared with the previous process.
You now have Freeze and Float options after seat allotment. Float candidates can complete document upload and verification online.
The NRI quota process is also online. PwD candidates have more listed medical assessment boards. The internship deadline has been extended to September 30, 2026.
Round 1 registration will begin on October 12. You should check the MCC portal regularly and follow every deadline carefully.
Before choosing Freeze or Float, make sure you understand what each option means. Keep your documents ready and check all MCC updates during the counselling process. NEET PG Counselling 2026.
Also Check Out:- Kerala NEET PG Counselling 2026: Prospectus Released for Medical PG Courses
FAQS
1. When will NEET PG Counselling 2026 Round 1 registration start?
NEET PG Counselling 2026 Round 1 registration will start on October 12, 2026. Registration will close on October 21 at 12 noon, while fee payment will close at 3 PM. Choice filling will be available from October 13 to October 22, and the seat allotment result will be released on October 24. Candidates allotted seats must report from October 26 to November 2.
2. What are the Freeze and Float options in NEET PG Counselling 2026?
Under Freeze, you accept the allotted seat and do not ask for an upgrade. You must physically join the institute, submit original documents for verification and pay the admission fee. Under Float, you keep the allotted seat but can ask for an upgrade. Documents are uploaded and verified online through the MCC portal. Physical reporting is not required at this stage.
3. What major changes have been introduced for NRI and PwD candidates?
NRI document verification has moved online through the MCC portal. Candidates must select the NRI quota and the correct sub-category during registration and upload the required documents. For PwD candidates, the number of assessment boards has increased from 16 centres to 65 boards, with appellate boards also included. The internship completion cut-off has also been extended to September 30, 2026.
4. What is the NEET PG Counselling 2026 schedule for later rounds?
Round 2 registration will be held from November 6 to 11, with the result on November 14 and reporting from November 16 to 23. Round 3 registration will be from November 26 to December 1, with the result on December 4 and reporting from December 5 to 12. Stray Vacancy Round registration and choice filling will be from December 16 to 21. The result will be released on December 24, and reporting will continue from December 24 to 31.
