MCC has released the complete counselling schedule for 15% All India Quota seats, Central Universities, Deemed Universities, AIIMS institutions, JIPMER Puducherry and Karaikal, ESIC seats and other participating institutions. The counselling process will be conducted through four stages: Round 1, Round 2, Round 3 and the Online Stray Vacancy Round.

Candidates must note that AIQ counselling and state counselling are separate processes. While MCC Round 1 registration begins on August 5, the coordinated schedule released by MCC places the first state counselling round between August 13 and August 22, 2026. Each state counselling authority may release its own detailed registration, choice-filling and allotment timetable within the prescribed window.

NEET UG Counselling 2026 Round 1 Important Dates

According to the official MCC schedule, Round 1 registration and fee payment will remain open from August 5 to August 12, 2026. Registration will close at 3:00 PM on August 12, while candidates can complete fee payment until 6:00 PM on the same day.

Who Can Participate in MCC NEET UG Counselling?

Candidates who have qualified for NEET UG 2026 and fulfil the applicable admission criteria can register for MCC counselling. Through the centralised process, MCC conducts seat allotment for:

• 15% AIQ seats in participating government medical and dental colleges
• 100% seats in Deemed Universities
• Central Universities such as Delhi University, BHU and AMU
• All participating AIIMS institutions
• JIPMER Puducherry and JIPMER Karaikal
• ESIC and specified institutional-quota seats
• Central-institute B.Sc. Nursing seats
• AFMC registration, with further admission procedures handled by the institution

Seat allotment is based on the candidate’s NEET UG rank, category, eligibility conditions, available seats and the order of choices submitted during counselling. Registration alone does not guarantee admission.

How to Register for NEET UG Counselling 2026

Candidates can complete the Round 1 application by following these steps:

1. Visit the official Medical Counselling Committee website.
2. Open the UG Medical Counselling section.
3. Select the new registration link for UG Counselling 2026.
4. Enter the required NEET UG details, including the roll number and personal information.
5. Verify the registered mobile number and email address.
6. Complete the counselling application form carefully.
7. Select the applicable counselling category and institution type.
8. Pay the non-refundable registration fee and refundable security deposit.
9. Download the payment receipt and registration confirmation.
10. Log in again during the choice-filling period and arrange colleges in the preferred order.
11. Lock the choices before the official deadline and retain a copy for reference.

MCC advises candidates to submit only one counselling application. Multiple applications may lead to cancellation of candidature. Candidates should also complete the process themselves rather than sharing passwords or one-time passwords with agents or third parties.

MCC Counselling Registration Fee

For 15% AIQ seats, Central Universities, AIIMS, JIPMER, AFMC, ESIC and participating B.Sc. Nursing institutions, the fee structure is:

Candidates applying for both government and Deemed University seats are required to pay the higher applicable amount rather than separate fees for both categories. The security deposit is refundable to eligible candidates after completion of the counselling process, subject to MCC’s refund and forfeiture rules.

Choice Filling and Locking: Why Preference Order Matters

Choice filling is one of the most important stages of NEET UG counselling. Candidates should review the seat matrix, college fees, location, service-bond conditions, hostel availability and institutional eligibility rules before submitting preferences.

Colleges must be arranged in the genuine order of preference. The allotment software evaluates the choices from the first preference downward and allocates the highest available option according to the candidate’s rank and category.

Candidates can modify their preferences while choice filling remains open. However, once choices have been locked, they generally cannot be edited. Applicants should save or print their locked-choice list for future reference.

Documents Required During Reporting

Candidates allotted a seat must produce original documents along with attested photocopies during admission. The standard list includes:

• MCC seat-allotment letter
• NEET UG 2026 admit card
• NEET UG result or rank letter
• Class 10 certificate
• Date-of-birth certificate, where required
• Class 12 certificate and marksheet
• Valid photo identity proof
• Eight passport-size photographs matching the NEET application
• SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS or PwD certificate, where applicable
• NRI, OCI or foreign-national documents, where applicable
• Additional documents required by the allotted institution

Candidates without original documents may not be permitted to complete admission. They should contact the allotted college immediately after the declaration of results to confirm institutional fees, medical examination requirements, bonds and additional certificates.

Complete MCC NEET UG Counselling 2026 Timeline

After Round 1, MCC Round 2 registration will be conducted from August 25 to August 29, with the result scheduled for September 2. Round 3 registration will take place from September 11 to September 15, followed by the result on September 18. Registration for the Online Stray Vacancy Round is scheduled from September 28 to September 30, and its result will be released on October 3, 2026.

The common academic session for undergraduate medical courses is scheduled to begin on September 8, 2026. All participating institutions have been instructed to treat Saturdays, Sundays and gazetted holidays as working days to complete counselling within the announced timeline.

NEET UG 2026 State Counselling Schedule

State counselling authorities will manage admissions to most of the remaining 85% State Quota seats, private-college seats and other state-controlled categories. The coordinated MCC schedule provides a State Round 1 window from August 13 to August 22, with the last date of joining fixed as August 28, 2026.

However, candidates must separately register on their respective state counselling portals. Registering with MCC does not automatically register a candidate for state counselling. Domicile conditions, reservation policies, application fees and document requirements can also vary by state.

Final Advice for Candidates

Candidates should complete MCC registration early, prepare a realistic college-preference list and keep all original certificates ready. They must regularly check official MCC and state counselling portals because seat matrices, notices and reporting instructions may be updated during the process.

Any mistake in category information, personal details or choice order can affect seat allotment. Careful planning and timely action will therefore be essential throughout NEET UG Counselling 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When did NEET UG Counselling 2026 Round 1 registration begin?

MCC Round 1 registration began on August 5, 2026. The registration window will close at 3:00 PM on August 12, while payment can be completed until 6:00 PM.

2. When will the NEET UG 2026 Round 1 result be declared?

The MCC Round 1 seat-allotment result is scheduled to be announced on August 17, 2026. Allotted candidates can complete reporting or joining between August 18 and August 22.

3. Is MCC registration required for 85% State Quota seats?

No. MCC registration is primarily for AIQ, Central Universities, Deemed Universities, AIIMS, JIPMER and other MCC-administered seats. Candidates seeking State Quota admission must register separately with the relevant state counselling authority.

4. What is the registration fee for MCC NEET UG counselling?

For AIQ and central institutions, the non-refundable fee is ₹1,000 for UR/EWS candidates and ₹500 for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates. A refundable security deposit of ₹10,000 or ₹5,000 is also applicable. Deemed University applicants must pay ₹5,000 as registration fee and ₹2 lakh as security deposit.

5. Can candidates participate in both AIQ and State Quota counselling?

Yes. Eligible candidates can register for both MCC AIQ counselling and their respective state counselling processes. However, they must follow the joining, resignation, upgradation and seat-forfeiture rules applicable to each counselling round.

Under Phase 2, every selected athlete will receive a monthly scholarship of ₹40,000 for one year. The programme aims to create a stable and professionally supported training environment for athletes preparing for national and international competitions, including major events such as the Asian Games and the Los Angeles Paralympic Games.

Applications for the second phase of the scholarship programme are open until 9 August 2026 through the official application portal.

Supporting 80 Para-Athletes Across Eight Sports

The IIT Madras-SBI Foundation Para-Athlete Sports Scholarship Programme will support athletes participating in eight Paralympic disciplines:

This gender-balanced approach can help improve access to professional training and financial resources for female para-athletes, who may otherwise face additional barriers while pursuing competitive sport.

₹40,000 Monthly Scholarship for One Year

Each selected athlete will receive ₹40,000 per month for a period of one year. The financial assistance is intended to help athletes meet expenses related to training, equipment, travel, recovery, nutrition and participation in competitions.

For athletes competing at the national and international levels, maintaining a consistent training schedule can be financially challenging. Many athletes must manage the cost of specialised equipment, coaching, physiotherapy, travel and accommodation while preparing for competitions.

A regular monthly scholarship can reduce this financial pressure and allow athletes to dedicate more time and attention to improving their performance.

However, the programme is not limited to financial assistance. Its integrated structure combines funding with sports science, nutrition and individualised guidance, creating a more comprehensive athlete-development model.

Who Can Apply for the Scholarship?

The scholarship is open to eligible Indian para-athletes who meet the programme’s selection requirements.

Applicants must:

• Be Indian citizens
• Be no more than 35 years of age
• Participate in one of the eight eligible Paralympic disciplines
• Have represented their state and/or India
• Have competed in recognised national or international events
• Fulfil the programme’s performance and documentation requirements

Candidates must submit the required supporting documents while completing the application process. Final selection will be based on the evaluation criteria established by IIT Madras and SBI Foundation.

Eligible athletes should carefully review the official guidelines before applying and ensure that their applications are submitted before the 9 August 2026 deadline.

Phase 1 Scholars Won 70 Medals

The expansion follows the strong performance of athletes selected during the programme’s first phase.

Phase 1 was launched in 2025 with 26 para-athletes. During national and international competitions, these athletes collectively won 70 medals, including:

• 32 gold medals
• 22 silver medals
• 16 bronze medals

The medal tally demonstrated that structured financial and scientific support can positively influence athlete preparation and performance.

The results also helped establish the scholarship as more than a financial support scheme. It developed into a structured performance platform through which para-athletes could access resources, expert assessments and long-term guidance.

With the number of beneficiaries increasing from 26 to 80, Phase 2 will give many more athletes an opportunity to train with greater stability and professional support.

Sports Science Support from Acrophase

A major strength of the scholarship programme is its focus on science-led athlete development.

Acrophase, the Centre of Excellence for Human Performance at IIT Madras, will conduct sports science-based performance assessments for selected athletes. These assessments will help identify each athlete’s strengths, physical requirements and areas that may need improvement.

The findings can be used to support more personalised training and performance strategies. Instead of following a single approach for every athlete, the programme can provide guidance based on individual needs, sporting disciplines and physical conditions.

This level of personalisation is particularly relevant for para-athletes because training requirements may vary depending on an athlete’s classification, mobility, event and competitive goals.

Sports science assessments can also help coaches and athletes make informed decisions regarding training intensity, recovery, movement efficiency and performance planning.

Personalised Sports Nutrition Guidance

Selected athletes will also receive sports nutrition guidance throughout the scholarship period.

Nutrition plays a critical role in athletic performance, recovery and injury prevention. However, nutritional requirements can differ depending on the athlete’s sport, training load, body composition and competition schedule.

Through personalised guidance, athletes can learn how to align their diets with training cycles and competition demands. They may also receive support related to hydration, recovery meals, energy requirements and competition-day nutrition.

Combining performance assessments with nutritional guidance gives athletes access to a more complete support system rather than treating training, diet and recovery as separate areas.

Commitment to Inclusion in Indian Sports

According to Prof. Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam, Head of Acrophase at IIT Madras, the scholarship reflects the institute’s commitment to inclusion and equity in Indian sports.

The initiative represents a long-term investment in the country’s para-sports ecosystem. By making sports science and performance expertise available to para-athletes, the programme seeks to ensure that professional support reaches athletes from different backgrounds and disciplines.

The partnership also demonstrates how academic institutions can contribute to sports development. IIT Madras is bringing its scientific and administrative capabilities to a programme designed to create measurable outcomes for athletes.

SBI Foundation’s Contribution

SBI Foundation is providing financial and institutional support for the scholarship initiative.

Swapan Dhar, Managing Director of SBI Foundation, said the expanded phase aims to strengthen India’s sporting ecosystem and assist athletes preparing for major international competitions.

The success of the first group of scholars encouraged the partners to extend the programme to a larger number of athletes. Phase 2 is expected to identify and support individuals who have demonstrated competitive potential but require consistent resources to advance their sporting careers.

The programme also highlights the role that corporate social responsibility initiatives can play in promoting inclusive sports development.

IIT Madras to Manage End-to-End Implementation

IIT Madras will manage the complete implementation of the scholarship programme. Its responsibilities will include:

• Managing the application platform
• Reviewing applications
• Evaluating candidates
• Coordinating the selection process
• Providing sports science assessments
• Facilitating nutrition guidance
• Supporting athletes throughout the scholarship period

End-to-end implementation can improve transparency and continuity by ensuring that athletes receive coordinated support from the application stage until the completion of the scholarship.

It also enables the programme administrators to monitor progress, address challenges and maintain direct engagement with selected athletes.

Strengthening India’s Para-Sports Talent Pipeline

The expansion of the IIT Madras and SBI Foundation Para-Athlete Sports Scholarship Programme represents an important step towards building a stronger para-sports talent pipeline in India.

Financial support alone cannot guarantee sporting success. Athletes also require expert coaching, scientific assessments, proper nutrition, quality equipment and consistent opportunities to compete. By bringing several of these elements together, the scholarship creates a structured pathway for para-athletes seeking to perform at higher levels.

The programme may also encourage more aspiring athletes to consider para-sports as a sustainable professional career.

With 80 athletes receiving year-long financial and performance support, Phase 2 has the potential to contribute to India’s medal prospects at upcoming national and international competitions. More importantly, it can help create an inclusive sporting environment in which talent is supported through funding, science and personalised guidance.

Eligible para-athletes should complete their applications through the official portal before 9 August 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the IIT Madras-SBI Foundation Para-Athlete Sports Scholarship?

It is a scholarship and athlete-development programme created by IIT Madras and SBI Foundation. It provides selected Indian para-athletes with financial assistance, sports science assessments, nutrition guidance and personalised support.

2. How much financial support will selected athletes receive?

Each selected para-athlete will receive a monthly scholarship of ₹40,000 for one year. This amounts to a total scholarship support of ₹4.8 lakh per athlete during the programme period.

3. How many athletes will be selected in Phase 2?

Phase 2 will support 80 para-athletes. The selected group will include 40 male and 40 female athletes.

4. Which sports are covered under the scholarship programme?

The eight eligible disciplines are archery, athletics, badminton, judo, powerlifting, shooting, swimming and taekwondo.

5. What is the last date to apply?

The application deadline for Phase 2 is 9 August 2026. Eligible athletes must submit their applications and supporting documents through the official portal before the deadline.