NEET UG Counselling 2026: MCC Extends Round 1 Choice Filling Deadline
NEET UG Counselling 2026: MCC has extended Round 1 choice filling and locking till 11:59 PM on August 18. Check latest dates and seat allotment details.
Medical aspirants have received some extra time to complete an important step in the NEET UG Counselling 2026 process.
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has extended the deadline for Round 1 choice filling and choice locking until 11:59 PM on August 18, 2026. The extension gives eligible candidates more time to select their preferred medical and dental colleges and courses.
The update is especially important for candidates who have registered for MCC counselling but have not yet completed or locked their choices.
What Has MCC Changed?
Under the latest update, candidates participating in MCC NEET UG Counselling 2026 Round 1 can now submit and lock their college and course preferences until 11:59 PM on August 18.
The counselling is being conducted for undergraduate medical and dental admissions under the 15% All India Quota, along with other institutions and categories handled by MCC.
This means candidates who were worried about the earlier deadline now have additional time to complete the choice-filling process.
NEET UG Counselling 2026: Important Dates
The latest schedule has gone through multiple revisions, so candidates should follow the latest MCC notice rather than older counselling dates.
| Counselling Event | Latest Update |
|---|---|
| Round 1 Choice Filling | Extended |
| Choice Locking | August 18, 2026, up to 11:59 PM |
| Round 1 Seat Allotment | August 19, 2026 |
| Reporting at Allotted College | From August 20, 2026 |
The Round 1 seat allotment result is expected on August 19, after the choice-filling window closes.
Who Should Complete Choice Filling?
Candidates who have registered for MCC NEET UG Counselling 2026 and are eligible for the current Round 1 process should complete their college and course preferences before the deadline.
The choice-filling stage is important because the preferences submitted by candidates are considered during seat allotment.
Candidates should carefully arrange their preferred colleges and courses instead of filling choices randomly.
What Is NEET Choice Filling?
NEET counselling choice filling is the process through which candidates tell MCC which colleges and courses they want.
For example, a candidate may select:
- MBBS
- BDS
- AIIMS
- Central universities
- Deemed universities
- Other participating institutions
Candidates can add multiple preferences depending on their eligibility and the seats available under the counselling process.
The final order of preferences can be important during seat allocation.
Why Is Choice Locking Important?
After selecting their preferred colleges and courses, candidates need to complete the choice locking process within the prescribed deadline.
The latest extension means candidates have until 11:59 PM on August 18 to complete this step.
Students should not wait until the final minutes because technical issues, slow internet or login problems could create unnecessary trouble.
What Happens After Choice Filling?
Once the choice-filling window closes, MCC will process the available seats based on factors such as candidates' NEET UG rank, preferences, category and seat availability.
The Round 1 seat allotment result is scheduled for August 19, 2026.
Candidates who receive a seat will then need to follow the reporting and admission instructions issued by MCC and the allotted institution.
Which Admissions Are Covered Under MCC Counselling?
The 2026 NEET information bulletin says MCC conducts counselling for several categories, including 15% All India Quota MBBS/BDS seats, AIIMS, JIPMER, BHU, AMU and participating deemed universities, among other institutions and categories.
This makes MCC counselling one of the most important admission processes for NEET-qualified candidates seeking medical and dental seats across India.
What Should Candidates Do Today?
With the deadline falling today, candidates should complete the process without waiting for the last few minutes.
Before locking choices, check:
- College name
- Course
- Seat category
- Preference order
- Eligibility
- Previous-year admission trends, where relevant
- Your NEET rank and category
- Latest MCC counselling information
Candidates should also save screenshots or download confirmation of their completed choices for their own records.
Beware of Old NEET Counselling Dates
The NEET UG counselling schedule has been revised several times this year.
Some websites and social media posts may still show earlier deadlines, including August 17.
The latest update from MCC extends Round 1 choice filling and locking to August 18, 11:59 PM.
Therefore, candidates should always cross-check important deadlines against the latest official MCC notice.
What Happens on August 19?
After the choice-filling and locking period ends, MCC is expected to release the Round 1 seat allotment result on August 19, 2026.
Candidates will be able to check their allotment through the MCC counselling portal.
The result will show the college and course allotted to the candidate based on the counselling process.
Final Words
The NEET UG Counselling 2026 Round 1 choice-filling deadline has been extended until 11:59 PM on August 18.
This is the most important immediate deadline for candidates participating in the current MCC counselling round. After the choice-filling window closes, the Round 1 seat allotment process will move forward, with the result expected on August 19.
Candidates should complete their choices carefully and rely on the latest MCC information rather than old schedules circulating online.
FAQs
What is the last date for NEET UG 2026 Round 1 choice filling?
MCC has extended the Round 1 choice filling and locking deadline to 11:59 PM on August 18, 2026.
When will the NEET UG Round 1 seat allotment result be released?
The Round 1 seat allotment result is expected on August 19, 2026.
Who conducts NEET UG counselling for All India Quota seats?
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) conducts counselling for the relevant All India Quota and central institution seats.
What is choice filling in NEET counselling?
Choice filling allows candidates to select and arrange their preferred colleges and courses for seat allotment.
Is choice locking compulsory?
Candidates should complete the choice-locking process within the deadline specified by MCC. The current deadline is 11:59 PM on August 18.
Where can candidates check NEET UG counselling updates?
Candidates should check the official MCC counselling portal for the latest notices, schedules, seat allotment and reporting instructions.
What happens after NEET Round 1 seat allotment?
Candidates who receive a seat must follow MCC's instructions regarding reporting, verification and admission at the allotted institution.
