Can You Upgrade Your Alloted Seat After NEET UG Round 1 Counselling?

The NEET UG 2025 counselling process is underway, and many candidates who have been allotted seats in Round 1 are now wondering whether they can upgrade to a better seat in the upcoming rounds. This is a common situation, especially for students who were allotted a course or college but have higher preferences in mind.

In this article, we explain the seat upgrade process, eligibility, important rules and steps you must follow to ensure you don’t lose your current seat while aiming for a better one.

What Does “Seat Upgrade” Mean in NEET UG Counselling?

A seat upgrade simply means moving from your Round 1 allotted seat to a more preferred seat in Round 2 or later rounds, based on your choice, filling and merit.

• This can be within the same course but at a better college.
• Or a different course in the same or a different college, depending on your preference list.

Who is Eligible for Seat Upgrade After Round 1?

You can apply for an upgrade if:

1. You have been allotted a seat in Round 1 and reported/joined the college.
2. You opted for the ‘Upgrade’ option while reporting to your allotted college.
3. You have filled higher preference choices for Round 2 during choice filling.

You cannot apply for an upgrade if you have:

• Not joined the Round 1 allotted seat.
• Chosen to exit the counselling process entirely.
• Not opted for an upgrade during the reporting stage.

Read Also: NMC vs Private Colleges on Fee Guidelines 2025: Rising Medical Education Cost Crisis

How the Seat Upgrade Works

1. Round 1 Allotment: You get allotted a seat based on your NEET UG rank and preferences.
2. Reporting & Document Verification: You report to the allotted college, submit documents, and pay the required fees.
3. Choosing Upgrade Option: While reporting, you must explicitly opt for an upgrade to be considered for Round 2.
4. Round 2 Allotment: If a seat higher in your preference list becomes available and you are eligible based on your rank, you will be upgraded.
5. Automatic Seat Replacement: If upgraded, your Round 1 seat will be automatically cancelled, and you will have to join the new allotment.

NEET UG 2025 Seat Upgrade Guide – After Round 1

Key Rules to Remember

• No Additional Registration Fee: If you have already registered in Round 1, you don’t need to pay again for Round 2.
• Mandatory Reporting After Upgrade: Even if you were already in a college, you must report again to the upgraded college.
• Risk Factor: If you don’t report to the upgraded seat, you may lose both the Round 1 and upgraded seats.
• Choice Filling is Crucial: You can only be upgraded to colleges/courses you had listed in your original preference order.

Advantages of Choosing the Upgrade Option

• Better College or Course: Get a seat closer to your dream option.
• Higher Chances: Vacancies arise when other candidates resign or move to different quotas.
• No Loss of Current Seat Until Upgrade Happens: If you don’t get upgraded, you retain your Round 1 seat.

Possible Risks of Seat Upgrade

• If you get an upgraded seat far from your home or in a less preferred location (but still higher in your preference list), you must accept it.
• Missing the reporting deadline after an upgrade can cause loss of seat.
• Changes in category or quota eligibility may affect upgrade chances.

Tips for a Smooth Upgrade Process

1. Be Strategic in Choice Filling: Arrange your preferences carefully from most desired to least desired.
2. Understand the Reporting Rules: Know the deadlines and requirements for both Round 1 and Round 2.
3. Keep Documents Ready: Carry all original certificates for reporting to the upgraded college.
4. Track Vacancy Trends: Check official counselling portals for last year’s closing ranks to gauge your chances.

Note: Yes, you can upgrade your seat after Round 1 of NEET UG 2025 counselling if you meet the eligibility criteria and follow the proper procedure. For many candidates, the upgrade option is the perfect chance to move closer to their dream college without losing their current seat.

However, the process demands careful planning, timely reporting and accurate choice filling. Always keep an eye on official announcements by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and your respective state counselling authorities to avoid missing important deadlines.

Read Also: NEET UG 2025 Paper Error: Supreme Court Directs Re-evaluation in One Week

Read Also: How to Resign a Seat Without Penalty in NEET UG 2025 Counselling?