MBBS Counselling Process 2026 – AIQ and State Quota Complete Guide for NEET Aspirants

MBBS Counselling Process 2026 – AIQ and State Quota Complete Guide for NEET Aspirants

MBBS Counselling Process 2026 – AIQ and State Quota Complete Guide for NEET Aspirants

Introduction

After clearing NEET UG, the most critical step for medical aspirants is the counselling process. Many students lose good MBBS seats not because of low marks, but due to lack of clarity about counselling rules, timelines, and choice filling.

The MBBS Counselling Process 2026 for AIQ and State Quota is structured, merit based, and fully online, but it requires careful planning and correct decisions.

This blog explains the MBBS counselling process in a clear and human way, focusing only on what students truly need to know for 2026. MBBS Counselling Process 2026 – AIQ and State Quota Complete Guide for NEET Aspirants

What Is MBBS Counselling

MBBS counselling is the centralized process through which medical seats are allotted to NEET qualified candidates based on rank, category, preferences, and seat availability.

Counselling is conducted at two levels:

AIQ Counselling for All India Quota seats State Counselling for State Quota seats

Both processes run separately and follow different authorities and rules.

Eligibility for MBBS Counselling 2026

To participate in the MBBS Counselling Process 2026 – AIQ and State Quota, a candidate must:

Qualify NEET UG 2026Meet the minimum cutoff percentile set by NTA Fulfill age and academic eligibility as per NMC rules Have required documents ready for verification Only NEET qualified candidates are allowed to register for counselling.

All India Quota AIQ Counselling 2026

What Is AIQ Counselling

All India Quota counselling covers 15 percent of MBBS seats in government medical colleges across India, excluding some state specific institutions.

AIQ counselling is conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee under the Directorate General of Health Services.

Seats Covered Under AIQ

15 percent MBBS seats in government medical colleges100 percent seats in Deemed Universities Central Universities and AIIMS JIPMER institutes

AIQ Counselling Process Step by Step

Registration on MCC official website Choice filling and locking of colleges Seat allotment based on NEET rank Online reporting and document upload Physical reporting at allotted college

AIQ counselling usually has four rounds including a stray vacancy round.

Key Points to Remember for AIQ

No domicile restriction High competition due to nationwide participation Deemed university seats have higher fees Choice filling strategy is very important

State Quota MBBS Counselling 2026

What Is State Quota Counselling

State Quota counselling covers 85 percent MBBS seats in government medical colleges and 100 percent seats in private colleges of a particular state.

Each state conducts its own counselling through a designated authority.

Eligibility for State Counselling

State domicile certificate is usually required NEET qualification is mandatory Category reservation applies as per state rules

Students can participate in multiple state counsellings if eligible.

State Counselling Process Step by Step

Online registration on state counselling portal Document verification Choice filling of colleges within the state Seat allotment result Reporting to the allotted college

Most states conduct three to four rounds including mop up rounds.

Difference Between AIQ and State Quota

Counselling

AIQ counselling is national level with no domicile restriction State counselling is limited to state quota seatsAIQ cutoffs are usually higherState counselling offers better chances for domicile studentsFees structure differs significantly in private colleges

Understanding this difference is crucial in the MBBS Counselling Process 2026 – AIQ and State Quota.

Reservation Policy in MBBS Counselling 2026

Reservation policies apply differently in AIQ and State Quota.

AIQ Reservation

OBC SC ST EWS

State Quota Reservation

Varies by state Includes state specific categories Domicile based benefits

Candidates must upload valid category certificates during counselling.

Documents Required for MBBS Counselling

NEET UG Admit Card NEET UG Score Card Class 10 and 12 Mark Sheets Identity Proof Category Certificate if applicable Domicile Certificate for state counselling

Incorrect or missing documents can lead to seat cancellation.

Common Mistakes Students Make During Counselling

Not registering for both AIQ and state counselling Poor choice filling order Missing deadline sIgnoring mop up and stray rounds Not understanding fee structures

Avoiding these mistakes increases chances of securing a good MBBS seat.

Strategy for MBBS Counselling 2026

Register for both AIQ and state counsellingFill maximum realistic choicesTrack previous year cutoffsKeep backup options readyStay updated with official notifications

A smart counselling strategy is as important as NEET preparation.

Engineering Approach to Counselling Planning

Just like an engineering process, MBBS counselling requires structured planning.

Data analysis of cutoffsLogical ranking of college choicesRisk assessment of roundsBackup planning

Students who treat counselling as a system driven process perform better.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MBBS Counselling Process 2026 – AIQ and State Quota

The MBBS Counselling Process 2026 – AIQ and State Quota is the official seat allotment system through which NEET qualified students get MBBS admissions based on merit, category, and preferences.

Can I participate in both AIQ and State Counselling

Yes, NEET qualified candidates can participate in both AIQ and state quota counselling simultaneously.

Is domicile required for AIQ counselling

No domicile certificate is required for AIQ counselling.

How many rounds are conducted in MBBS counselling

Usually three to four rounds including mop up and stray vacancy rounds.

What happens if I do not report after seat allotment

Failure to report may lead to forfeiture of the seat and security deposit.

Call to Action

Start preparing for MBBS Counselling Process 2026 early to avoid last minute

confusion.

Check NEET official updates athttps://neet.nta.nic.in

Track AIQ counselling notifications athttps://mcc.nic.in

Explore state counselling details athttps://cetcell.mahacet.org

Make informed decisions and secure your MBBS seat with confidence.

Conclusion

The MBBS Counselling Process 2026 – AIQ and State Quota is a structured and transparent system, but success depends on awareness, planning, and timely action.

Clearing NEET is only the first step. Understanding counselling rules, cutoffs, reservation policies, and choice filling strategy plays an equally important role.

Students who approach counselling logically, stay updated with official sources, and avoid common mistakes significantly improve their chances of getting admission into a good medical college.

With early preparation and the right guidance, MBBS admission in 2026 can be achieved smoothly and confidently.