The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) will launch applications for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) on August 5. This year, significant modifications have been introduced to streamline the admission process for MBBS, BDS, and BSc Nursing seats under the All India Quota (AIQ) and various universities. Among the most notable changes is the implementation of a Freeze and Float system, designed to simplify the procedure for candidates seeking better placements.

The NEET UG 2026 counselling will be entirely conducted online in four rounds: Round 1, Round 2, Round 3, and the Stray Vacancy Round. Candidates must register on the MCC portal, accurately fill and lock their choices, and upload all necessary documents. Adhering to the revised reporting procedures is critical, as errors could result in the cancellation of seats or forfeiture of the security deposit.

Eligibility criteria stipulate that only candidates who qualify in NEET UG 2026 and adhere to guidelines set by the National Medical Commission (NMC) can participate. Applications submitted via any method other than the specified MCC portal will be disregarded. Each candidate is allowed only one registration, with multiple entries resulting in disqualification.

Details of the Freezing and Floating Options

The new Freeze and Float options allow candidates to make informed decisions following seat allotment. Candidates who are content with their assigned seat may choose to “Freeze,” which requires them to report to the institute for document verification and confirm their admission. Conversely, those looking to upgrade their seats can select the “Float” option, permitting online verification without the immediate need to visit the allotted college.

This strategic change aims to minimise unnecessary travel and enhance the overall convenience of the counselling process. The move is expected to facilitate a smoother experience for candidates who wish to explore better opportunities without the constraints of multiple physical visits to institutes.

The registration and counselling process involves several key steps, including registering online on the MCC website, paying the necessary counselling fee and security deposit, entering and locking preferences, and uploading required documents. Depending on whether they choose to Freeze or Float, candidates must follow the appropriate verification route.

Key Aspects of Counselling Rounds and Seat Upgradation

The MCC will conduct four rounds of counselling: Round 1, Round 2, Round 3, and the Stray Vacancy Round. Candidates are permitted to seek upgrades up to Round 3. However, it is important to note that candidates who accept a seat in Round 3 cannot resign from that seat nor will seats revert to state authorities post Round 2. This policy is intended to provide clarity and structure within the counselling process.

Reservation policies under the 15% All India Quota will follow the Central Government mandates. Specific percentages include 15 per cent for Scheduled Castes (SC), 7.5 per cent for Scheduled Tribes (ST), 27 per cent for Other Backward Classes (OBC) (Non-Creamy Layer), 10 per cent for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and 5 per cent for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) on a horizontal basis. Notably, AIQ seats do not require domicile status, allowing candidates from any state to compete.

In situations where candidates either fail to join or wish to resign after selection, policies differ based on the counselling round. Candidates allocated seats in the first two rounds can resign according to MCC rules, whereas those allotted in Round 3 are not permitted to exit. Failure to join a seat or the cancellation of admission due to inaccuracies or missing documents will result in the forfeiture of the security deposit.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share