NEET UG 2026: Round 2 Counseling Schedule Released, Registration Starts September 3

The Medical Counseling Committee (MCC) has issued a vital update for medical aspirants participating in the NEET UG 2026 counseling process. The committee has officially released the complete schedule for the second round of counseling, providing a clear roadmap for students seeking admission to various medical courses across the country. This round is particularly significant for candidates who weren't allotted a seat in the first round or those who are looking to upgrade their current allotment to a more preferred college or course. According to the official notification, the registration process for Round 2 is set to commence on September 3, 2026, allowing eligible candidates to participate in the next phase of the admission cycle.

Registration and Fee Payment Timeline

As per the schedule detailed by the MCC, the window for registration and the payment of the required counseling fees will open on September 3, 2026. Candidates will have a specific period to complete these formalities, with the deadline for registration and fee submission set for September 8, 2026. It's essential for candidates to ensure that they complete their registration within this timeframe to be eligible for the subsequent stages of the counseling process. The fee payment is a mandatory step, and candidates must verify that their transactions are successful before the closing date to avoid any last-minute technical issues or disqualification from the round.

Choice Filling and Locking Process

Following the start of the registration, the choice filling facility will also be made available to the candidates, while from September 3 to September 9, 2026, applicants can select their preferred colleges and courses from the available options. This period is crucial as it allows students to prioritize their selections based on their NEET UG scores and personal preferences, while the MCC emphasizes that candidates must lock their choices within the stipulated time. If a candidate fails to lock their choices manually, the system will automatically lock the last saved choices once the window closes on September 9, 2026. Once the choices are locked, no further changes or reordering of the list will be permitted under any circumstances.

Seat Allotment and Result Declaration

After the conclusion of the choice filling and locking phase, the MCC will proceed with the seat allotment process. This internal processing of seat allotment is scheduled to take place on September 9 and September 10, 2026. During this stage, the committee will evaluate the choices submitted by the candidates against the available seat matrix and the merit list. The official result of the Round 2 seat allotment will be declared on September 11, 2026. Candidates will be able to check their allotment status on the official MCC website and download their allotment letters if a seat has been assigned to them.

Reporting to Allotted Colleges

Candidates who are successfully allotted a seat in Round 2 must proceed with the next steps of the admission process. The reporting period for these candidates at their respective allotted medical institutions is scheduled from September 12 to September 18, 2026. During this time, students are required to visit the college in person to complete the document verification process and fulfill the admission formalities. It's mandatory to carry all original documents as specified by the MCC guidelines. Following the reporting phase, the verification of joined candidates by the respective institutes will be conducted on September 19, 2026, to finalize the admission records for the second round.

Important Guidelines for Candidates

The MCC has advised all candidates to carefully review the Round 2 seat matrix before they begin the choice filling process. The seat matrix provides detailed information on the number of vacant seats available in different colleges and categories after the completion of Round 1. Candidates should make their selections based on a realistic assessment of their chances and the availability of seats. Plus, the committee reiterates that the seat allotment in Round 2 will be strictly based on the candidate's submitted choices, their rank, and the established counseling rules. Adhering to the deadlines for registration, choice locking, and institutional reporting is vital for a successful admission process.