The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has activated the choice locking facility for NEET UG 2026. Candidates must complete their preferences and lock them by 6 PM today.

  • The deadline for choice filling and locking is today, August 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM.
  • Seat allotment is scheduled for August 18, 2026.
  • Allotment results will be announced on August 19, 2026.
  • Candidates must report to their allotted institutes between August 20 and August 25, 2026.

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has officially opened the choice locking facility for the NEET UG Counselling 2026 on August 17, 2026. This is a critical step for medical aspirants seeking admission through the 15% All India Quota (AIQ), Deemed Universities, and Central Universities.

Prospective students must act quickly as the window for both choice filling and the locking mechanism is set to close strictly at 6:00 PM today, August 17, 2026. It is imperative that candidates visit the official website, mcc.nic.in, to finalize their preferences before the deadline to ensure their choices are registered in the system.

How to Fill and Lock Your Choices

To avoid technical glitches during the final hours, candidates should follow this structured approach: First, visit the official MCC website. Next, log in using your registration credentials. Navigate to the UG counselling link and select the 'Choice Filling' option. Carefully arrange your preferred colleges and courses in order of priority. Once satisfied, click on the 'Lock' button. Finally, submit the form and download the confirmation page for future verification.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the accuracy of the preference list is the single most decisive factor in the seat allotment process. A poorly sequenced list can result in a student being allotted a less-preferred college despite having a high rank. Therefore, strategic planning of choices is as important as the exam score itself.

Precision in choice filling is the bridge between a high NEET score and a dream medical college.

Important Counselling Schedule

The following table outlines the upcoming milestones in the Round 1 counselling process:

EventScheduled Date
Deadline for Choice Filling/LockingAugust 17, 2026 (6 PM)
Seat Allotment ProcessAugust 18, 2026
Announcement of ResultsAugust 19, 2026
Reporting/Joining PeriodAugust 20 - August 25, 2026
Data Verification by InstitutesAugust 26, 2026
Did You Know?: The MCC handles counselling for a wide range of prestigious institutions, including AIIMS, JIPMER, and 100% of Deemed Universities across India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What happens if I forget to lock my choices?
A: While some systems auto-lock choices, it is highly risky to rely on it. Candidates are strongly advised to manually lock their choices to prevent errors.

Q2: Can I change my choices after 6 PM today?
A: No, once the deadline passes, the choice filling portal will be closed for the current round, and no further modifications will be permitted.