NEET UG Counselling 2026 gets major overhaul with online verification, new reporting rules

The Union Health Ministry has reviewed preparations for NEET UG Counselling 2026, with the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) expected to begin the admission process for MBBS, BDS, and BSc (Hons) Nursing seats under the All India Quota (AIQ) soon.

Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda chaired the review meeting and directed officials to ensure that the counseling process remains transparent, merit-based, technology-enabled, and student-friendly, according to an official statement.

The ministry said the review covered the preparedness of the MCC, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), and other stakeholders involved in the admission process.

Officials assessed the counseling schedule, IT systems, cybersecurity measures, grievance redressal arrangements, candidate support mechanisms, and coordination with participating institutions.

During the meeting, Nadda instructed authorities to maintain uninterrupted functioning of the counseling portal, provide strong technical support, and ensure timely resolution of candidates' grievances.

He also asked officials to take proactive steps to address student concerns throughout the admission process.

The ministry announced several technology-driven changes for this year's counseling, including online document verification and a one-time physical reporting system.

Under the new framework, candidates allotted seats will be able to choose either the Freeze or Float option.

Candidates selecting the Freeze option will have to report physically to the allotted institute for document verification and fee payment.

Those opting for Float can complete document verification online and remain eligible for seat upgradation in subsequent rounds. Physical reporting for such candidates will be required only after the third round if they retain a seat.

The counseling process will also include online resignation, pre-populated candidate data provided by the National Testing Agency (NTA), and seat matrix validation by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and participating institutions.

To improve accessibility for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), the number of designated disability assessment centers has been increased from 16 to 61 across the country.

The ministry has also introduced an Appellate Disability Assessment Board to allow eligible candidates to appeal disability assessments.

Admissions under the NRI category will now be fully digitized. Registration, document submission, and verification will be conducted entirely through the MCC counseling portal, replacing the previous email-based process.

The ministry said cybersecurity arrangements have been reviewed in coordination with the National Informatics Centre (NIC). Training sessions have also been conducted for disability assessment boards, college nodal officers, and document verification officers.

To support candidates, MCC has set up a 24×7 toll-free helpline at 1800-102-7637 along with an email-based grievance redressal system. Bilingual information material, frequently asked questions, and guidance videos will also be made available during counseling.

The NTA declared the NEET UG 2026 results on July 16, and the Health Ministry said the counseling process for AIQ seats is expected to begin shortly.