New Delhi, 2026: The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has released a comparative schedule outlining the NEET-UG 2026 Counselling timeline for both All India Quota/Deemed & Central Universities and State Counselling, covering Round 2, Round 3, and the Stray Vacancy Round (Round 4).
NEET UG 2026 Counselling Schedule – All India Quota vs State Quota
| S.No. | Schedule for Admission | All India Quota/Deemed & Central Universities | Verification of Joined Candidates Data by MCC | State Counselling | Verification of Joined Candidates Data by State DMEs/State Counselling Authorities |
| 1 | Round 2 of Counselling | 3rd September to 11th September, 2026 | 19th September, 2026 | 7th September to 11th September, 2026 | 20th September, 2026 |
| 2 | Last Date of Joining | 18th September, 2026 | – | 19th September, 2026 | – |
| 3 | Round 3 of Counselling | 22nd September to 30th September, 2026 | 10th October, 2026 | 28th September to 9th October, 2026 | 15th October, 2026 |
| 4 | Last Date of Joining | 9th October, 2026 | – | 14th October, 2026 | – |
| 5 | Round 4 of Counselling (Stray Round) | 12th October to 17th October, 2026 | Data of allotted candidates to be shared by MCC on 17th October, 2026 | 17th October to 21st October, 2026 | – |
| 6 | Last Date of Joining | 26th October, 2026 | 26th October, 2026 | – | – |
Commencement of Academic Session for UG Courses: 15th September, 2026
Important Note
MCC has directed all participating institutes/colleges to treat all Saturdays, Sundays, and Gazetted Holidays as working days, ensuring faithful adherence to the time schedule given the limited time available for conducting the counselling process.
Key Takeaways for Candidates
- Round 2 admissions run parallel for both quotas, with All India Quota counselling starting 3rd September and State Counselling starting slightly later on 7th September, 2026.
- Round 3 counselling for All India Quota begins 22nd September, while State Counselling begins 28th September, 2026.
- The Stray Vacancy Round (Round 4) is the final round, with All India Quota counselling from 12th–17th October and State Counselling from 17th–21st October, 2026.
- The last date of joining after the Stray Round is common for both quotas – 26th October, 2026.
Candidates are advised to closely track both the MCC and their respective State Counselling Authority websites, as State Counselling dates may vary slightly from state to state within the broader timeline announced by MCC.
NEET UG Counselling Guides 2026
State-wise MBBS/BDS Counselling Guide 2026
State-wise counselling & admission guidance
MCC NEET UG Counselling Guide 2026
MCC counselling, choice filling & admission planning
AACCC AYUSH NEET Counselling Guide 2026
AYUSH counselling & admission guidance
