NEET Counselling Process Step by Step (2026 Guide for AIQ & State Quota)

Introduction

The NEET exam may decide your rank, but NEET counselling decides your medical seat. Every year, thousands of students lose MBBS seats not because of low marks, but due to confusion during counselling.

This blog explains the NEET counselling process step by step for 2026, covering:

• AIQ and state quota counselling

• Choice filling and locking

• Seat allotment rounds

• Mop-up and stray vacancy process

If you are appearing for NEET 2026, this guide will help you avoid costly mistakes.

NEET Counselling Process Step by Step

Step 1: NEET Result Declaration

NEET counselling begins only after:

• NEET results are declared by NTA

• All India Rank (AIR) is published

• Category-wise merit list is released

Your AIR and category rank are the foundation of counselling.

Step 2: Register for NEET Counselling

There are two parallel counselling systems:

All India Quota (AIQ)

• Conducted by MCC

• Covers 15% government seats

• Includes AIIMS, JIPMER, central universities, deemed universities

State Quota Counselling

• Conducted by respective state authorities

• Covers 85% government seats + private colleges

• Requires state domicile (in most cases)

Students can apply for both AIQ and state counselling simultaneously.

Step 3: Counselling Registration & Fee Payment

During registration, you must:

• Enter NEET details

• Choose counselling type (AIQ/state)

• Pay counselling registration fee

• Pay refundable security deposit

Registration is mandatory for every counselling authority separately.

Step 4: Choice Filling of Colleges

Choice filling is the most critical part of the NEET counselling process step by step.

You must:

• Select colleges and courses in priority order

• Add maximum realistic options

• Arrange choices carefully (top to bottom preference)

Wrong choice order can lead to seat loss even with a good rank.

Step 5: Choice Locking

After filling choices:

• Review all selected colleges

• Lock choices before the deadline

If you do not lock choices, the system may auto-lock them, which is risky.

Step 6: Seat Allotment Result

Based on:

• NEET rank

• Category

• Choices filled

• Seat availability

A provisional seat allotment result is published.

You will see:

• Allotted college and course

• Category under which seat is allotted

Step 7: Seat Acceptance Decision

After allotment, you can choose one of the following:

• Accept and join the college

• Accept and upgrade (participate in next round)

• Reject and exit counselling

Failing to respond within the deadline may cancel your seat.

Step 8: Reporting to College

If you accept the seat:

• Download allotment letter

• Report to the allotted college

• Submit original documents

• Complete admission formalities

Non-reporting leads to automatic seat cancellation.

Step 9: Round 2 Counselling

Round 2 includes:

• Upgradation for Round 1 candidates

• Fresh allotments for new candidates

• Vacant seats from Round 1

No free exit is allowed after Round 2 in most counselling systems.

Step 10: Mop-Up Round

The mop-up round is conducted for:

• Remaining vacant seats

• Candidates who did not get a seat earlier

It is a golden opportunity for average rankers, especially in private and government quota seats.

Step 11: Stray Vacancy Round

• Conducted by individual colleges

• Only registered candidates are eligible

• No fresh registration allowed

This is the last chance to secure an MBBS seat.

Common Mistakes During NEET Counselling

• Filling limited college choices

• Ignoring state counselling

• Missing deadlines

• Not checking previous year cutoffs

• Skipping mop-up and stray rounds

Most seat losses happen due to poor planning, not low rank.

Conclusion

Understanding the NEET counselling process step by step is as important as NEET preparation itself. Strategic choice filling, applying to multiple counselling authorities, and staying alert during every round can significantly improve your chances of getting an MBBS seat in 2026.

Smart counselling decisions often outperform raw NEET scores.

FAQs

1. What is the NEET counselling process step by step?

It includes registration, choice filling, seat allotment, reporting, Round 2, mop-up, and stray vacancy rounds.

2. Can I apply for AIQ and state counselling together?

Yes, you can and should apply for both.

3. Is mop-up round important for MBBS admission?

Yes, many seats are filled during mop-up, especially for average ranks.

4. What happens if I miss reporting after seat allotment?

Your seat is cancelled and you may lose eligibility for further rounds.

5. Is counselling mandatory even for private colleges?

Yes, NEET counselling is compulsory for all MBBS admissions in India.

CTA

Want to improve your chances during counselling?

Explore our detailed guides to make informed decisions:

• State-Wise Best Medical Colleges for Average NEET Rank (Smart College Selection Guide)

  
  

• NEET Counselling Documents Required 2026

These resources will help you choose realistic colleges and avoid common counselling mistakes.