NEET UG counselling 2026 revamped

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) is set to introduce major reforms in the NEET UG Counselling 2026 process, aiming to make medical admissions simpler, more transparent and less burdensome for candidates.

The Health Minister reviewed the preparedness of the MCC, the Directorate General of Health Services and other stakeholders. The review covered the counselling schedule, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, grievance redressal and candidate-support mechanisms.

Under the revised process, candidates allotted a seat will be able to select either the ‘Freeze’ or ‘Float’ option online. Those freezing their seats must physically report to the allotted institution to verify original documents, pay fees and complete admission formalities.

Candidates choosing the ‘Float’ option to seek a better seat in subsequent rounds will not have to visit the allotted college immediately. Their existing seats will remain protected while they participate in the upgradation process. Physical reporting will generally be required only after the final permitted upgrade, with upgradation available until the third round.

MCC will also introduce online seat resignation wherever permitted under counselling rules. Eligible candidates will be able to resign through the counselling portal within the prescribed deadline instead of visiting the college.

The application process for NRI quota seats in deemed universities will become fully digital. Candidates can upload the required documents on the MCC portal for online verification, replacing the earlier email-based submission process.

Other reforms include pre-populated candidate information from the National Testing Agency, online document verification and validation of the seat matrix by the National Medical Commission and participating institutions.

Support for candidates with benchmark disabilities has also been expanded, with assessment centres increasing from 16 to 61. An appellate board will hear challenges against initial disability assessments.

The MCC has additionally established a round-the-clock toll-free helpline, bilingual guidance material, explanatory videos and a dedicated grievance-redressal system.