MCC introduces new changes in NEET UG, PG medical counseling processes

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has revamped the NEET UG and postgraduate medical counselling process for the 2026-27 academic session, introducing a series of digital reforms aimed at reducing paperwork, minimizing travel for candidates, and improving transparency during admissions.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has informed state counseling authorities about the revised procedures ahead of NEET UG 2026 counseling.

The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) also notified candidates that MCC counseling will begin soon and outlined the key changes.

Among the biggest changes, candidates who are allotted a seat and choose the "Upgrade" or "Willing to Upgrade" option in later rounds will no longer have to physically report to the allotted college only to complete admission formalities.

Their allotted seat will remain secured in the counseling system while they participate in subsequent rounds, subject to existing MCC guidelines.

MCC has also shifted the seat resignation process online. Candidates who are eligible to surrender their allotted seats can now submit resignation requests through the MCC counseling portal within the prescribed deadline, eliminating the need to visit the allotted medical college in person.

The facility will be available only in accordance with the rules and timelines for each counseling round.

Another change allows candidates applying under the NRI quota in deemed universities to upload supporting documents directly on the MCC counseling portal.

The online submission process is expected to simplify document verification and reduce additional coordination for applicants.

To support implementation of the updated system, MCC has organized orientation and training programs for officials involved in the counseling process.

Training sessions for State Directorates of Medical Education were held in May and June 2026, followed by a session for medical institutions on July 27. Additional training programs for government and private medical colleges are planned.

The committee has also directed authorities to make information on available seats and institutional fee structures easily accessible to help candidates make informed choices during counseling.

MCC conducts counselling for 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats and all seats in deemed and central universities under NEET UG, while the remaining medical seats are filled through state and Union Territory counselling processes.

Key changes introduced by MCC include: