NEET UG 2026 counselling: Check new MCC rules on seat upgrades, resignation and NRI quota

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has introduced several changes to the online counselling process for NEET UG and postgraduate medical admissions from the current academic session. The revised system aims to simplify procedures, minimise paperwork and improve transparency for medical aspirants.

The updates were communicated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to state counselling authorities ahead of the NEET UG 2026 counselling process. The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) also informed candidates about the upcoming counselling process and highlighted the key modifications introduced by MCC.

Candidates opting for upgrades need not physically report to colleges

Under the updated counselling process, candidates who receive seat allotments and choose the “Upgrade” or “Willing to Upgrade” option in subsequent rounds will not be required to physically report to the allotted college only for completing admission formalities.


Their allotted seats will remain secured in the counselling system while they participate in further rounds, subject to existing MCC rules. The move is expected to reduce travel requirements and paperwork for candidates seeking better options.

Seat resignation facility shifted to online portal

MCC has introduced an online resignation facility for candidates who wish to surrender their allotted seats, wherever permitted under counselling guidelines.

Eligible candidates will be able to submit resignation requests through the MCC counselling portal within the prescribed timelines. They will no longer need to visit medical colleges physically for completing resignation procedures.

The facility will operate according to the rules and deadlines applicable to each counselling phase.

NRI quota applicants get online document submission option

Candidates applying for NRI quota benefits in deemed universities can now upload required documents directly through the MCC counselling portal.

The online facility is aimed at making the document verification process more streamlined and accessible for applicants.

MCC conducts training sessions for stakeholders

To ensure the implementation of the revised counselling system, MCC has started orientation and training programmes for authorities and medical institutions involved in admissions.

Training sessions were conducted for State Directorate of Medical Education officials in May and June 2026. A separate session for medical institutions was held on July 27, 2026, with further programmes planned for government and private medical colleges.

Authorities asked to provide seat and fee details

MCC has stressed the need for candidates to have access to clear information about available seats and fee structures while making choices during counselling.

MCC conducts counselling for 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats and 100% seats in deemed and central universities under NEET UG. Since a majority of medical seats are managed by states and Union Territories, authorities have been asked to ensure seat availability and fee details are easily accessible to students.

Key changes in MCC counselling process

New update	Details
No physical reporting for upgrades	Candidates opting for seat upgradation need not visit colleges only for admission formalities
Online seat resignation	Eligible candidates can submit resignation requests through the MCC portal
NRI document upload	NRI quota applicants for deemed universities can upload documents online
Stakeholder training	MCC conducting sessions for state authorities and medical institutions
Seat and fee information	Authorities asked to provide details to help candidates make informed choices

Candidates preparing for NEET UG 2026 counselling have been advised to follow official MCC notifications and keep necessary documents ready before registration and choice-filling stages begin.