The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the main way for students in India who want to study medicine to get into courses like MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and more. But passing NEET is just the first step. The next big step is NEET counselling, which helps decide which college and course a student will get into based on their rank, category, choices, and seats available.
In this article, we will go through everything you need to know about NEET counselling, such as the process, who can take part, key dates, how seats are given, and tips to do well in counselling.
What is NEET Counselling?
NEET counselling is the centralised process conducted for admissions into medical and dental colleges across India. It is conducted at two levels:
- All India Quota (AIQ) Counselling: Conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for 15% of seats in government medical colleges and 100% of seats in deemed and central universities, AIIMS, JIPMER, and ESIC institutions.
- State Quota Counselling: Conducted by individual state authorities for the remaining 85% of seats in government colleges and private medical institutions
Who is Eligible for NEET Counselling?
To participate in NEET counselling, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Must have cleared NEET with the minimum required marks.
- Must be registered for the counselling process within the stipulated time.
- Candidates applying for AIQ must meet domicile and other eligibility criteria set by MCC.
- State quota applicants must fulfil domicile requirements as per state regulations.
- For reserved categories, eligibility depends on respective state or central regulations.
Important Dates for NEET Counselling
The counselling schedule varies each year, but generally, it follows this timeline:
| Events | Tentative Timeline |
| NEET Exam Date | May – June |
| NEET Results Declaration | July |
| AIQ Counselling Registration | August |
| State Counselling Registration | August – September |
| Seat Allotment Process | September – October |
| Mop-Up & Stray Vacancy Rounds | October – November |
Candidates are advised to regularly check the official MCC website (MCC.nic.in) and state counselling portals for exact dates and updates.
Step-by-Step NEET Counselling Process
- Registration
Candidates must first register online on the respective counselling portal (MCC for AIQ or state-specific portals) by providing their NEET roll number, rank, and personal details.
- Payment of Counselling Fee
After registration, candidates need to pay a non-refundable registration fee and a refundable security deposit. The fee varies based on the category and type of institution (government or private).
- Choice Filling and Locking
Candidates must select and prioritize colleges and courses based on their preferences. Once choices are filled, they must be locked within the deadline. After locking, no modifications can be made.
- Seat Allotment Process
Seat allotment is conducted in multiple rounds based on:
- NEET Rank
- Category (General/OBC/SC/ST/EWS/PwD)
- Choices filled
- Availability of seats
- Result Declaration and Reporting to Allotted College
After each round, MCC releases the seat allotment result. Candidates allotted a seat must:
- Download the allotment letter
- Report to the assigned institute within the deadline
- Complete the admission formalities
- Further Rounds of Counselling
If a candidate is not satisfied with the allotted seat, they can participate in further rounds or opt for upgradation.
- Mop-Up and Stray Vacancy Rounds
- Conducted for vacant seats after regular rounds.
- Candidates who did not get a seat in previous rounds can participate.
Types of NEET Counselling Seats
NEET counselling is conducted for different categories of seats, including:
- All India Quota (AIQ) Seats: 15% seats in government colleges across states.
- State Quota Seats: 85% of seats in government medical colleges are reserved for state residents.
- Deemed and Central Universities: Includes institutions like AIIMS, JIPMER, BHU, and AMU.
- Private Colleges: Includes medical and dental private institutions.
- ESIC Colleges: Available for children of insured persons.
- AIIMS & JIPMER: NEET is now the entrance test for these premier institutions as well.
Documents Required for NEET Counselling
Candidates must carry the following documents for verification during admission:
- NEET Admit Card
- NEET Scorecard
- Class 10 &12 Mark Sheets and Certificates
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile Certificate (for state quota seats)
- ID Proof (Aadhaar/PAN Card/Passport, etc.)
- Passport-sized Photographs
- Provisional Allotment Letter
State-Wise NEET Counselling Authorities
Each state has its counselling authority responsible for seat allotment under the state quota. Some major state authorities include:
- Maharashtra: State CET Cell (mahacet.org)
- Karnataka: KEA (kea.kar.nic.in)
- Tamil Nadu: DME (tnmedicalselection.net)
- Uttar Pradesh: DGME (update.in)
Candidates should visit respective state websites for detailed guidelines and updates.
Tips for a Successful NEET Counselling Process
- Stay Updated: Regularly check MCC and state portals for notifications.
- Research College Options: Consider faculty, infrastructure, location, and past cutoffs.
- Fill Choices Strategically: Prioritize preferred colleges while ensuring backup options.
- Keep Documents Ready: Ensure all required documents are available in original and photocopy.
- Check Seat Allotment Trends: Analyse previous years’ cutoffs to make informed choices.
- Act Within Deadlines: Missing deadlines can result in disqualification from the process.
- Utilize Multiple Rounds: Participate in further rounds if you are unsatisfied with the allotment.
Conclusion
NEET counselling is an important step to getting a medical seat in India. Knowing the process, who can apply, and the key dates can help students manage it well. By being informed, making smart choices, and acting on time, candidates can increase their chances of getting into their chosen medical school.
For the most recent news, always check official websites like MC.nic.in and state-specific sites. Good luck with your NEET counselling process!