The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) revised the schedule for Round 1 of NEET UG Counselling 2026. In a relief to undergraduate medical aspirants across the country, the registration window has been reopened and extended. Moreover, choice-locking is now set for August 17, 2026.
Under the updated timeline released on the official portal, the Round 1 seat allotment results will be declared on August 19.
Key Deadlines for NEET UG 2026 Round 1
Candidates participating in the All India Quota (AIQ) 15% seats, Deemed/Central Universities, AIIMS, JIPMER, and ESIC institutes must adhere to the updated timetable:
| Counselling Event | Revised Schedule |
| Registration Window | Open till August 15, 2026 (2:00 PM) |
| Payment Facility | Open till August 15, 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Choice Filling Window | Open till August 17, 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Choice Locking | August 17, 2026 (10:00 AM to 6:00 PM) |
| Seat Allotment Processing | August 18, 2026 |
| Round 1 Seat Allotment Result | August 19, 2026 |
| College Reporting / Joining | August 20 to August 25, 2026 |
| Verification of Joined Candidates | August 26, 2026 |
Why Was the Schedule Revised?
The timeline adjustment follows procedural updates linked to the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) guidelines. In particular, it relates to Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) candidate assessments.
Additionally, brief delays during the initial opening of the choice-locking window prompted the MCC to re-open registration. As a result, aspirants have ample time to arrange their preference list without technical glitches.
MCC directed all participating medical and dental colleges, state authorities, and nodal officers to strictly follow the revised calendar. To meet tight admission deadlines, all Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays during the reporting window will be treated as working days.
Essential Instructions for Aspirants
- Verify Choices Before August 17: Candidates are strongly advised not to leave choice locking until the final hour. This is because portal traffic spikes near the deadline. Unlocked choices will automatically freeze at 6:00 PM on August 17.
- Central Category Certificates: Ensure OBC-NCL and EWS category certificates are strictly in the central government format. Certificates must be valid for the current financial year.
- Keep Documents Ready: Allotted candidates reporting between August 20 and 25 must carry original documents. These include the NEET UG 2026 admit card, rank card, Class 10/12 marksheets, category proof, and government ID.
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