NEET PG Counselling 2026 Round 1 registration begins Oct 12, check schedule and key dates

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) is scheduled to begin registration for Round 1 of NEET PG Counselling 2026 on Oct 12, allowing eligible candidates to apply for postgraduate medical seats through the official website, mcc.nic.in.

The registration window will remain open until Oct 21, 2026, with applications closing at noon and the fee payment facility available until 3 pm on the same day.

Candidates seeking admission to postgraduate medical courses should complete both steps within the prescribed deadlines to participate in the first round of counselling.

The counselling process will cover 50% of All India Quota (AIQ) seats, along with all seats in deemed and central universities. Applicants should review the available seat matrix and the counselling schedule before selecting their preferred colleges and courses.

NEET PG 2026 Round 1 counselling: Important dates

MCC has outlined the schedule for registration, choice filling, seat allotment and admission reporting for the first round of NEET PG counselling.

Candidates must enter their preferred colleges and postgraduate courses during the choice-filling period and lock their selections within the specified window. Reviewing the seat matrix before submitting preferences can help applicants make informed choices based on seat availability.

Applicants should also ensure that their registration details are accurate and that the counselling fee is paid before the relevant deadline. Missing the registration or choice-submission deadlines could affect their participation in the first round.

NEET PG 2026 Round 1 result and reporting schedule

The MCC is scheduled to announce the Round 1 seat allotment result on Oct 24, 2026. Candidates who receive seats must report to their allotted institutes between October 26 and November 2 to complete the admission process.

The verification of data for candidates who have joined their allotted institutes is scheduled for Nov 3, 2026. During this stage, institutions will verify the details of admitted candidates and submit the required information to the MCC.

Candidates should prepare their admission documents in advance and follow the reporting instructions issued by their respective institutes. They must complete the required formalities within the prescribed period to secure admission to their allotted seats.

NEET PG 2026 result: Qualifying cut-off falls to six-year low

The NEET PG 2026 results were announced on Sept 24, with the qualifying cut-off falling to its lowest level in six years across categories.

General and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) candidates were required to score 262 marks out of 720, corresponding to the 50th percentile. For General candidates with benchmark disabilities (PwBD), the qualifying threshold was 244 marks.

Candidates from the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC), including PwBD candidates in these categories, had a qualifying cut-off of 226 marks, corresponding to the 40th percentile.

An analysis of results published by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) showed that 2,65,960 candidates appeared for NEET PG 2026. Of these, 258 candidates scored zero or negative marks.

However, a lower qualifying cut-off does not necessarily translate into easier admission to postgraduate medical courses.

The final outcome depends on several factors, including candidates' performance, their scores relative to other applicants, category-specific eligibility requirements and the availability of seats.

The qualifying cut-off determines eligibility to participate in the admission process, while actual seat allotment depends on candidates' merit, preferences, applicable reservation rules and seat availability.

NEET PG counselling 2026: Instructions for candidates

Candidates should use the official MCC website, mcc.nic.in, to access registration facilities, counselling guidelines, fee details and schedule updates.

Before beginning the application process, applicants should keep their required documents and payment details ready. They should verify the information entered during registration and complete each stage of counselling within the specified timeline.

Candidates must also monitor the official website for any changes to the counselling schedule, as the dates may be revised.

Following the latest MCC instructions is essential for completing registration, submitting college preferences, locking choices and reporting to the allotted institute on time.