The National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) is a critical exam for students wishing to pursue medical and dentistry studies in India. After the NEET 2025 examination, the next step is the counselling procedure, which is critical in selecting admissions. This detailed guide delves into the NEET 2025 counselling schedule, methods, and key information to help applicants navigate this vital step efficiently.
Overview of NEET 2025 Counselling
NEET 2025 counselling is a centralised process designed to allocate seats to qualified candidates across various medical and dental colleges in India. The counselling is bifurcated into two primary categories:
- All India Quota (AIQ) Counselling: Conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), this encompasses:
- 15% of seats in government medical and dental colleges nationwide.
- 100% of seats in Deemed and Central Universities.
- Seats in AIIMS, JIPMER, and ESIC institutions.
- State Quota Counselling: Managed by respective state authorities, this covers the remaining 85% of seats in state government colleges and seats in private institutions.
Important Dates for NEET 2025 Counselling
While official dates are subject to confirmation, the tentative schedule for NEET 2025 counselling is as follows:
All India Quota (AIQ) Counselling
| Event | Tentative Dates (2025) |
| Round 1 | |
| Registration and Payment | July 20 – July 25 |
| Choice Filling and Locking | July 22 – July 26 |
| Seat Allotment Process | July 27 – July 28 |
| Result Announcement | July 29 |
| Reporting to Allotted Colleges | July 30 – August 1 |
| Round 2 | |
| Registration and Payment | August 9 – August 14 |
| Choice Filling and Locking | August 10 – August 15 |
| Seat Allotment Process | August 16 – August 17 |
| Result Announcement | August 18 |
| Reporting to Allotted Colleges | August 20 – August 28 |
| Mop-Up Round | |
| Registration and Payment | August 31 – September 4 |
| Choice Filling and Locking | September 1 – September 5 |
| Seat Allotment Process | September 6 – September 7 |
| Result Announcement | September 8 |
| Reporting to Allotted Colleges | September 10 – September 18 |
| Stray Vacancy Round | |
| Processing of Seat Allotment | September 25 |
| Result Announcement | September 26 |
| Reporting to Allotted Colleges | September 27 – September 30 |
Note: These are tentative dates that may change. Candidates should check the official MCC website regularly for updates.
State Quota Counselling
State counselling schedules vary. Candidates should refer to the respective state counselling authorities’ official websites for detailed timelines.
NEET 2025 Counselling Process
The counselling process involves several key steps:
- Registration: Candidates must register on the official MCC website for AIQ counselling or the respective state counselling portals for state quota seats.
- Payment of Fees: After registration, candidates are required to pay the counselling fee online. The fee structure varies based on the category and type of institution.
- Choice Filling and Locking: Candidates can select their preferred colleges and courses. It’s crucial to lock in choices before the deadline; otherwise, the last saved choices will be automatically locked.
- Seat Allotment: Based on NEET rank, choices filled, reservation criteria, and seat availability, the seat allotment process is conducted. Results are published on the official counselling websites.
- Reporting to Allotted Colleges: Candidates allotted a seat must report to the respective institution within the specified timeframe with all necessary documents to confirm admission.
- Document Verification: At the time of reporting, candidates must undergo document verification. Failure to produce the required documents can lead to cancellation of the allotted seat.
Documents Required for NEET 2025 Counselling
Candidates should have both original and multiple attested copies of the following documents:
- NEET 2025 Admit Card
- NEET 2025 Scorecard
- Mark sheets and passing certificates for classes 10th & 12th
- Birth Certificate
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- PwD Certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile Certificate
- Passport-sized Photographs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When does NEET 2025 counselling start?
The tentative schedule indicates that All India Quota (AIQ) counselling will commence with registration and payment between July 20 and July 25, 2025. However, these dates are subject to confirmation. Candidates should regularly check the official MCC website for the most current information.
Q2: How can I register for NEET 2025 counselling?
To register for AIQ counselling, visit the official MCC website and follow the registration process. For state quota counselling, access the respective state counselling authority’s portal. Ensure you complete the registration within the specified timeframe to be eligible for seat allotment.
Q3: What documents are required during NEET 2025 counselling?
Essential documents include:
- NEET 2025 Admit Card
- NEET 2025 Scorecard
- Birth Certificate
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- PwD Certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile Certificate
- Passport-sized Photographs
Ensure you have both original and multiple attested copies of these documents for verification purposes.
Q4: Is there an age limit for appearing in NEET 2025?
Candidates must have attained the age of 17 years as of December 31, 2025. There is no upper age limit for NEET 2025, allowing candidates older than 25 years to appear for the examination.
Q5: How many rounds of counselling are conducted for NEET 2025 AIQ seats?
The MCC conducts four rounds of counselling for 15% AIQ seats: Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up Round, and Stray Vacancy Round.
Q6: Can I participate in state counselling if I have already joined a college through AIQ counselling?
If you have joined a college allotted during AIQ counselling, you are not eligible to participate in state counselling. However, if you did not join the allotted college, you may participate in state counselling provided.