The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has announced the NEET-UG 2026 counselling schedule. All India Quota (AIQ) counselling starts on August 4, with the new academic session set to begin on September 8.
Key Takeaways
- AIQ counselling for deemed and central universities starts on August 4.
- The academic session for the 2026-27 batch commences on September 8.
- Major reforms include online resignation and no physical reporting for seat upgrades.
- State quota counselling will begin on August 13.
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has officially released the counselling schedule for admission to MBBS and other undergraduate medical courses under the All India Quota (AIQ) for the 2026-27 session. The first round of counselling is slated to begin on August 4.
Detailed Counselling Timeline
According to the official notification, the AIQ counselling rounds are structured as follows:
- Round 1: August 4 to August 17 (Joining deadline: August 22)
- Round 2: August 24 to September 2
- Round 3: September 10 to September 18
- Stray Vacancy Round: September 28 to October 3
For State Quota seats, the first round of counselling will commence on August 13 and run through August 22.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the MCC is prioritizing a 'student-friendly' ecosystem. By integrating digital solutions, the committee is reducing the logistical burden on aspirants, especially those navigating multiple rounds of seat upgrades.
The shift toward online resignation and virtual reporting marks a significant milestone in de-cluttering the medical admission landscape.
To ensure a seamless transition, the MCC has mandated that all participating institutions treat weekends and gazetted holidays as working days to prevent any delays in seat allotment and verification.
Comparison: AIQ vs. State Quota Timeline
| Feature | AIQ Counselling | State Quota Counselling |
|---|---|---|
| Start Date | August 4 | August 13 |
| Round 1 End Date | August 17 | August 22 |
| Academic Session Start | September 8 | September 8 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question 1: When does the academic session for medical students begin?
Answer: The academic session for the 2026-27 batch is scheduled to start on September 8, 2026.
Question 2: Can students resign from an allotted seat online?
Answer: Yes, the MCC has introduced an online resignation facility through the official portal.
