MCC Opens NEET UG Counselling Round 1 Choice Filling: Locking Window Starts August 12

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has opened the Round 1 choice filling window for NEET UG Counselling 2026 at mcc.nic.in from Thursday, August 6, 2026. Registered candidates can now select and arrange their preferred colleges and courses for admission to MBBS, BDS and B.Sc. Nursing seats under the 15% All India Quota and other participating institutions.

As per the official AIQ counselling schedule issued by MCC on August 1, 2026, the choice filling facility will remain available until 11:00 A.M. on August 13, 2026, as per server time. The choice locking facility opens separately from 4:00 P.M. on August 12 and closes at 11:00 A.M. on August 13.

Only candidates who have completed registration and paid the full counselling fee can access the choice filling module.

Key Highlights

• Round 1 choice filling opened on August 6, 2026 at mcc.nic.in.
• Choice filling closes at 11:00 A.M. on August 13, 2026 (server time).
• Choice locking runs from 4:00 P.M. on August 12 to 11:00 A.M. on August 13.
• Registration and payment close on August 12 — registration till 3:00 P.M., payment till 6:00 P.M.
• Seat allotment processing will be carried out from August 13 to August 16.
• Round 1 seat allotment result will be declared on August 17, 2026.
• Allotted candidates must report or complete online formalities between August 18 and August 22.
• Unlocked choices will be locked automatically by the system once the window closes.

Choice Filling and Locking: What Candidates Must Know

Choice filling allows candidates to pick institutes and courses from the seat matrix published on the MCC portal and arrange them in order of preference. Saved choices can be edited, reordered or deleted at any point before locking.

MCC has placed no cap on the number of choices. Candidates may submit as many eligible preferences as they wish, though the order must reflect genuine preference, since allotment runs strictly on merit and the sequence submitted.

Locking is the final step. Once choices are locked, they cannot be modified, unlocked or restored — not even by MCC. Candidates who do not lock their choices within the window will have them locked automatically by the system as per the schedule.

MCC has advised candidates to verify fee structure, bond conditions, course duration and stipend details directly with the colleges before filling preferences, particularly for deemed universities and high-fee All India Quota institutions. The committee has stated it will not entertain any request to alter locked choices.

Candidates are also advised to use a laptop or desktop with an updated browser during registration and choice filling, and to download the Sandes app on the registered mobile number for OTP delivery.

Registration Fee and Security Deposit

MCC New Rules Applicable This Year

MCC has revised the reporting and upgradation process for the 2026 session. After the Round 1 result, allotted candidates must choose between two categories.

Freeze candidates are those satisfied with their allotted seat and not seeking upgradation. They must report physically at the allotted institute with original documents.

Float candidates are those willing to upgrade in the next round. They submit their willingness online and undergo document verification online, without visiting the allotted college.

Note: Round 1 continues to carry a free exit option. Candidates who do not join a Round 1 seat can exit without forfeiting the security deposit. From Round 2 onwards, non-joining leads to forfeiture.

NEET UG Counselling 2026: Important Dates

Official Links and Helpline

• MCC UG Counselling portal: https://mcc.nic.in/ug-medical-counselling/
• UG Information Bulletin 2026, AIQ Counselling Schedule and AIQ–State Schedule: available under the eservices/Schedule section
• Latest notices: News & Events UG section
• MCC toll-free helpline: 1800 102 7637 (9:00 A.M. to 8:30 P.M.)
• Email for counselling queries: mcc2026@gov.in