NEET UG Counselling Process – Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Cracking NEET UG is only the beginning of your journey toward becoming a doctor. After months of rigorous preparation and clearing the exam, the next major milestone is NEET UG counselling, a critical process that decides your college admission. Each year, thousands of students and parents face challenges navigating this complex procedure involving registrations, quota-specific rules, deadlines, documentation, and decision-making.

To help you make informed choices, Deeksha Vedantu brings you this comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide that explains the entire NEET UG counselling process, from start to finish. Whether you’re applying through AIQ (All India Quota), State Quota, Deemed or Central Universities, or Private Colleges, this blog breaks down everything you need to know. Our goal is to empower aspirants with clarity, confidence, and control during one of the most decisive phases of their medical career.

Explore Deeksha Vedantu Long Term NEET Coaching to boost your NEET Scores today.

Types of NEET UG Counselling

1. All India Quota (AIQ) Counselling – 15% of Seats

• Conducted by: MCC (Medical Counselling Committee)
• Covers: All government medical and dental colleges (except Jammu & Kashmir)
• Eligibility: All NEET qualified candidates (except J&K unless opted for AIQ)
• Rounds: Two main rounds + Mop-up + Stray Vacancy round

2. State Quota Counselling – 85% of Seats

• Conducted by: Respective state authorities
• Covers: Government and private medical colleges within each state
• Eligibility: Domicile requirement for state quota
• Rounds: Usually two rounds + mop-up + stray rounds

3. Counselling for Deemed and Central Universities

• Includes: AIIMS, JIPMER, BHU, AMU, Deemed Universities
• Conducted by: MCC under a separate category
• Rounds: Two rounds + Mop-up + Stray Vacancy round

4. Private Medical Colleges

• Managed by: State counselling authorities
• Open to: NEET-qualified students meeting domicile/eligibility norms
• Important: High tuition fees; check fee structure before applying

5. ESIC, AFMC, and Other Quota-Based Counselling

• ESIC seats are available for children of insured persons
• AFMC Pune has its own selection criteria post-NEET (including an interview)
• NRI/Management quota varies by state and institute

Step-by-Step NEET UG Counselling Process

Step 1: NEET Result Declaration

• Results declared by NTA on the official NEET website
• Download your NEET scorecard, All India Rank (AIR), and category rank
• Verify your personal details and check your qualification status

Step 2: Counselling Registration

For AIQ, Deemed, Central Universities

• Visit https://mcc.nic.in
• Register using NEET roll number, date of birth, and security pin
• Pay:
  • Non-refundable fee (₹1,000 for AIQ, ₹5,000 for Deemed)
  • Refundable security deposit (₹10,000 for AIQ, ₹2,00,000 for Deemed)

For State Quota Counselling

• Visit respective state counselling websites (e.g., KEA for Karnataka)
• Register by uploading documents and filling domicile details
• Pay registration and counselling fees as per state norms

Step 3: Choice Filling and Locking

• Login to the portal and select your preferred colleges and courses
• Arrange choices in descending order of preference
• Use mock allotments (if available) to review options
• Lock your choices before the deadline (auto-lock applies in some states)
• Take a printout of locked choices for future reference

Step 4: Seat Allotment Result

• Seat allotment based on:
  • NEET AIR
  • Reservation category
  • Domicile status (for state quota)
  • Choices submitted
• MCC/State authorities release provisional allotment followed by final list
• Download allotment letter and proceed to the next step

Step 5: Reporting to Allotted College

• Visit the allotted institute physically (mandatory for all quotas)
• Submit allotment letter and original documents for verification
• Pay the first-year admission fee
• Complete biometric verification and medical examination (if required)

Step 6: Round 2 Counselling

• Candidates dissatisfied with Round 1 can participate in Round 2
• If you were allotted a seat in Round 1 and wish to upgrade, you must:
  • Report to the allotted college first (in some states)
  • Choose “willing to upgrade” option
• You will retain the better of the two allotments

Step 7: Mop-Up and Stray Vacancy Rounds

• For vacant seats after Round 2:
  • Mop-up round is held (fresh registration usually required)
  • Stray vacancy round conducted by colleges for leftover seats
• No fresh registration allowed for stray vacancy under MCC

Documents Required for NEET UG Counselling

Mandatory Documents (Original + 4-5 Photocopies)

• NEET 2025 Scorecard
• NEET Admit Card
• Class 10 Mark Sheet & Certificate (DOB proof)
• Class 12 Mark Sheet & Passing Certificate
• Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport)
• Domicile Certificate (for State Quota)
• Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS, if applicable)
• PwD Certificate (if claiming reservation)
• Migration and Transfer Certificates
• Passport-size Photographs (at least 8)

AIQ vs State Quota – Which Should You Choose?

Key Tips to Excel in the Counselling Process

• Start Early: Research and shortlist colleges before results are declared
• Understand Quotas: Use your category benefits wisely (OBC/EWS/SC/ST/PwD)
• Track Notifications: Bookmark official portals and subscribe to alerts
• Document Prep: Arrange originals and keep scanned copies ready
• Use Predictors: Tools like college predictors help gauge realistic options
• Be Strategic with Choices: Don’t fill only top colleges; balance dream, practical, and safe options
• Attend Webinars and Counselling Workshops: Learn from experts and alumni

Role of Deeksha Vedantu in NEET UG Counselling

At Deeksha Vedantu, our commitment goes beyond classroom preparation. We support our students through:

• Personalized counselling guidance for AIQ and State rounds
• College and branch selection support using past data
• Real-time updates and help with registration portals
• Mock counselling simulations to help make informed decisions
• Parent-student guidance calls to resolve confusion

Whether you belong to our Science PU program, Residential PU programs, or Commerce stream, you’ll receive counselling mentorship designed to ensure that no opportunity is missed.

FAQs

1. Can I apply for both AIQ and State Counselling?

Yes, you can and should apply for both to improve your chances of admission. Make sure to follow timelines for each.

2. Can I change my choice after locking?

No. Once you lock your choices, they cannot be altered. Be sure before finalizing.

3. What happens if I miss the counselling deadline?

Missing any round’s deadline—whether registration or reporting—can make you ineligible for that round.

4. Is physical reporting mandatory?

Yes, after seat allotment, reporting in person at the allotted college is compulsory for admission confirmation.

5. Can I participate in the mop-up round without participating in Round 1?

Yes, but in some states, you may need to register afresh. MCC mop-up allows fresh participation.

6. Is fee refunded if I don’t join?

Security deposit is refundable if you don’t join, provided you follow exit procedures. The non-refundable part is not returned.

Check out our NEET Residential Coaching option for focused preparation.

Conclusion

The NEET UG counselling process may appear long and complicated, but with proper planning, timely actions, and expert guidance, it becomes a structured path toward your medical dream. Don’t view it as a formality—counselling is where your future is actually decided.

Deeksha Vedantu stands by you not just as a coaching institute but as a partner through every critical decision—from rank to registration to admission. With our expert counsellors, trusted resources, and tech-enabled updates, we ensure that you don’t just qualify NEET—you join the best possible college that matches your score, aspirations, and long-term goals.

Start preparing for your NEET counselling like you prepared for the exam—smartly, strategically, and with support that delivers results.