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NEET Counselling Guidance (2025)

What is NEET Counselling?

NEET Counselling is the centralized admission process for students who have qualified in NEET (UG) 2025, enabling them to secure seats in MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BSMS, BUMS, BHMS, and B.Sc. Nursing courses in India. This process involves allocation of seats based on:

• NEET All India Rank (AIR)
• Category of the candidate (UR, SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PwBD)
• Seat availability under different quotas
• Preference of colleges and courses filled during counselling registration

Counselling ensures that admissions are merit-based, transparent, and conducted uniformly across states and institutions.

Types of NEET Counselling

There are two major levels of counselling:

1. All India Quota (AIQ) Counselling

   Conducted by: Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS)

   Includes:

   • 15% of seats in all Government Medical and Dental Colleges across India (excluding J&K unless they opt in)
   • 100% seats in Central Institutions, including:
     • AIIMS (All campuses)
     • JIPMER (Puducherry & Karaikal)
     • Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
     • Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)
     • Deemed Universities
     • ESIC Medical Colleges
     • AFMC (Armed Forces Medical College), Pune
     • VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital
     • ABVIMS & RML Hospital

   Counselling Rounds:

   • Round 1
   • Round 2
   • Mop-Up Round
   • Stray Vacancy Round (for Deemed Universities)
2. State Quota Counselling

   Conducted by: Respective State/UT Counselling Authorities

   Includes:

   • 85% of seats in Government Medical/Dental Colleges in each state/UT
   • 100% of seats in Private Medical and Dental Colleges, including:
     • State Quota
     • Management Quota
     • NRI Quota

   Each state publishes its own counselling notification, eligibility rules (domicile/reservation), and application schedule.

   State-level merit lists are prepared from NEET AIR by state authorities.

3. AYUSH Counselling (BAMS, BSMS, BUMS, BHMS)
   Conducted by:
   • AACCC (All India AYUSH Counselling Committee) – For 15% AIQ seats (https://aaccc.gov.in)
   • State AYUSH Counselling Authorities – For 85% State Quota and Private AYUSH colleges

Courses Covered in NEET Counselling

• MBBS – Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
• BDS – Bachelor of Dental Surgery
• BAMS – Ayurveda
• BSMS – Siddha
• BUMS – Unani
• BHMS – Homeopathy
• B.Sc. Nursing – Armed Forces Nursing Colleges only

Notes:

• AFMC, Pune: NEET score is used for shortlisting, but admission also includes a second-stage screening conducted by AFMC. Candidates must register on MCC and also apply separately at: https://afmc.nic.in
• B.Sc. Nursing (Armed Forces): NEET score is mandatory for admission in AFMS institutions offering nursing programs.
• NTA’s Role: NTA conducts the NEET (UG) examination, declares the result and All India Rank, and provides the data to MCC and States. It does NOT conduct counselling.
• J&K & Ladakh: Candidates from J&K and Ladakh are eligible for AIQ from 2025 onwards (unless opted out by state).
• Counselling Eligibility: During counselling, uploaded documents, eligibility, and category claims will be verified by the respective counselling authorities.

Final Admission Depends On:

• Your NEET AIR
• Your category
• Your choice-filling
• Seat availability in respective colleges
• Reservation and eligibility rules of the respective counselling body (MCC or State)

NEET 2025 Counselling Authorities Explained

NEET UG 2025 counselling is conducted by two types of authorities based on the nature of the seat and institution.

1. MCC Counselling (Medical Counselling Committee)

   Conducted by: DGHS (Directorate General of Health Services) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

   Official website: https://mcc.nic.in

   Seats Handled by MCC:

   • 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats in Government Medical/Dental Colleges (excluding Jammu & Kashmir unless opted in)
   • 100% seats in Central Institutions/Universities:
     • Delhi University (DU)
     • Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
     • Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)
   • 100% seats in AIIMS and JIPMER (All campuses)
   • 100% seats in Deemed Universities
   • ESIC Medical Colleges (Insured Persons Quota)
   • AFMC Pune (Only registration done by MCC; admission managed separately by AFMC)

   Important:

   • Candidates must register separately on the MCC portal.
   • AFMC selection includes a second screening test conducted by AFMC itself.
2. State Counselling Authorities

   Managed by: Respective State Government/UT Directorate of Medical Education

   Seats Managed:

   • 85% State Quota seats in Government Medical and Dental Colleges
   • 100% seats in Private Medical and Dental Colleges in the state (except deemed universities)
   • Management and NRI quota seats within that state

   Key Points:

   • Each state/UT releases its own merit list, counselling schedule, and eligibility criteria.
   • Domicile rules, category reservations, and fee structures are as per state government norms.
   • Admission to state and private colleges depends on the NEET AIR, but eligibility is decided by state authorities.

Important Highlights:

• NTA’s role ends with conducting NEET UG and providing results. Counselling is handled entirely by MCC and State Counselling Authorities.
• Counselling will be online, and students must register separately with MCC and/or their state authority depending on their preferences.

NEET UG 2025 Counselling Process

Once a candidate qualifies the NEET UG 2025 examination, the next critical phase is the counselling process, which facilitates the allocation of MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BSMS, BUMS, and B.Sc. Nursing seats across medical institutions in India. This process is conducted in a centralized, merit-based, and online manner.

• Step 1: Registration

  The counselling process begins with online registration on the respective portal—either national or state, depending on the type of seat. During registration, the candidate must:

  • Use the NEET 2025 Roll Number and Application Number.
  • Provide personal, academic, and contact information (as submitted during NEET application).
  • Create a login ID and password for further access.

This step is mandatory. Candidates failing to register will not be eligible for any further counselling activities.

• Step 2: Payment of Fees

  After registration, candidates must pay two types of counselling fees:

  • Non-refundable registration fee – applicable for processing and system access
  • Refundable security deposit – returned if the candidate either joins the allotted college or does not receive a seat

  Institution Type	Category	Registration Fee	Refundable Security Deposit
  AIQ / Central Universities / AIIMS / JIPMER	General	₹1,000	₹10,000
  AIQ / Central Universities / AIIMS / JIPMER	SC/ST/OBC/PwBD	₹500	₹5,000
  Deemed Universities (All categories)	All	₹5,000	₹2,00,000

  Candidates applying for both AIQ and Deemed University seats must pay the higher fee (₹2,05,000 in total). Payment must be made online via debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI.

• Step 3: Choice Filling and Locking

  Upon successful payment, candidates may proceed to the choice filling phase.

  • Select colleges and courses (e.g., MBBS/BDS) from the available list.
  • Arrange these choices in order of personal preference.
  • Review and finalize the list before the locking deadline.

  The number of choices is not limited, and candidates are advised to fill in a wide range to maximize their chances. Choices should be based on informed research, historical cut-offs, and personal preferences. Once finalized, candidates must lock their choices. If choices are not locked manually, the last saved preferences will be auto-locked after the deadline.

  This step is critical, as the order of choices directly influences seat allotment.

• Step 4: Seat Allotment

  Seat allotment is conducted by a central software system using the following criteria:

  • Candidate’s NEET All India Rank
  • Category (UR, SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PwBD)
  • Quota eligibility
  • Preferences submitted during choice filling
  • Seat availability in the participating institutions

  The software matches these variables to allocate a seat in the best possible institution as per merit and availability.

  After each round, allotment results are made available on the counselling portal. Candidates can download their Seat Allotment Letter, which includes the allotted college, course, category, and reporting schedule.

• Step 5: Reporting to the Allotted College

  Candidates who are allotted a seat must report physically to the assigned college within the stipulated time. At the time of reporting, they must complete the document verification process and confirm admission by paying the college fee.

  • Documents required (Original + Photocopy):
    • NEET 2025 Admit Card and Scorecard
    • Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates
    • Valid photo identification (Aadhaar, PAN card, etc.)
    • Passport-size photographs (as used in NEET application)
    • Caste, EWS, or PwBD certificate (if applicable)
    • Seat Allotment Letter
    • NRI/OCI documentation (if applicable for NRI quota)

  Failure to report within the designated timeframe or to produce the required documents will result in cancellation of the seat and forfeiture of the security deposit.

• Step 6: Participation in Subsequent Rounds

  If the candidate is not satisfied with the allotted seat, or was not allotted any seat in the initial round, they may participate in subsequent rounds, including:

  • Round 2: Candidates can opt for upgradation or fresh choices (if not allotted earlier).
  • Mop-Up Round: For vacant seats after Round 2 (mainly for central institutions and deemed universities).
  • Stray Vacancy Round: Final opportunity to fill remaining seats (especially in Deemed Universities; fresh registration is not permitted in AIQ).

  It is important to note:

  • If a candidate accepts a seat in Round 2 and does not report, they are ineligible for further rounds.
  • Candidates who resign after joining in Round 1 may still participate in Round 2, but only under specific conditions.

NEET 2025 Counselling Schedule

Below is the officially announced schedule for NEET UG 2025. All candidates are advised to keep track of these dates and complete each step within the specified timelines.

Notes:

• All applicants should regularly visit the official NTA website www.nta.ac.in or https://exams.nta.ac.in/NEET for updates or changes to the schedule.
• Deadlines are strict; late submissions or fee payments will not be accepted under any circumstances.
• The result date is tentative and may vary based on administrative considerations.

MCC Counselling 2025 – Comprehensive Explanation of Rules and Process

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) conducts a centralized counselling process for admission to undergraduate medical and dental programs under the 15% All India Quota (AIQ), as well as for seats in AIIMS, JIPMER, ESIC, Central Universities, and Deemed Universities. The counselling is conducted online and is open to all candidates who qualify NEET UG 2025 and meet the eligibility requirements for these institutions.

The counselling process is organized in structured rounds and operates under strict procedural rules designed to ensure transparency, efficiency, and fairness in seat allocation.

Counselling Structure: Rounds Conducted by MCC

MCC counselling is conducted in four main rounds:

• Round 1
• Round 2
• Mop-Up Round
• Stray Vacancy Round

Each round follows a specific protocol for registration, choice filling, seat allotment, reporting, and final admission. Candidates may participate in one or more rounds depending on their admission status and eligibility at each stage.

Exit Options and Their Implications

1. Free Exit in Round 1

   As per the official counselling rules, if a candidate is allotted a seat in Round 1 but chooses not to join the allotted institution, the candidate is permitted to exit without any penalty. This is referred to as "Free Exit".

   • The candidate will not lose their security deposit.
   • They remain fully eligible to participate in Round 2 and further rounds.
   • No written resignation or application is required to avail this exit.

This provision allows candidates to explore better opportunities in the upcoming rounds without financial or procedural repercussions.

2. Exit with Forfeiture in Round 2

   In contrast to Round 1, the Exit with Forfeiture rule applies in Round 2. If a candidate is allotted a seat in Round 2 but fails to report or chooses not to join the allotted college:

   • The candidate will forfeit their refundable security deposit.
   • The candidate becomes ineligible for further counselling rounds, including the Mop-Up and Stray Vacancy Rounds.
   • This rule is enforced to ensure that seats are not wasted and to encourage commitment once Round 2 seats are allotted.

Candidates are therefore advised to exercise caution while entering Round 2. Participation in this round should only be pursued if the candidate is genuinely willing to accept the allotment.

Security Deposit: Refund and Forfeiture Rules

At the time of registration for counselling, all candidates are required to pay:

• A non-refundable registration fee
• A refundable security deposit

The refundable portion is returned to the candidate only under the following conditions:

• The candidate is not allotted any seat during any of the rounds.
• The candidate is allotted a seat and joins the college by physically reporting and completing admission formalities.

However, if a candidate is allotted a seat and fails to join, or exits after Round 2, the security deposit is forfeited. No exceptions are made once the forfeiture condition is triggered.

The refund process is managed by MCC and is typically processed after the completion of all counselling rounds.

Resignation Policy After Round 2

Once a candidate is allotted a seat in Round 2 and joins the institution by reporting and completing admission, the seat is considered as final and binding. According to MCC rules:

• Once a candidate is allotted a seat in Round 2 and joins the institution by reporting and completing admission, the seat is considered as final and binding.
• No resignation is permitted after joining in Round 2.
• The candidate becomes ineligible to participate in any further rounds, including those conducted at the state level.
• The seat is locked, and no transfer to another institution is allowed.

This rule is implemented to ensure stability in seat occupancy and to prevent last-minute vacancies that cannot be filled during late stages of counselling.