NEET UG MCC Counselling 2026: Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda today reviewed the preparedness for the forthcoming NEET UG Counselling 2026, reaffirming the Government's commitment to ensuring a transparent, merit-based, technology-enabled and student-friendly admission process for undergraduate medical courses across the country. The review assessed the preparedness for counselling of All India Quota (AIQ) and other seats under the purview of the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).


During the review, the Minister assessed the preparedness of MCC, DGHS and other stakeholders involved in the counselling process, reviewing the counselling schedule, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity preparedness, grievance redressal mechanisms, candidate facilitation measures, and coordination with participating institutions.

He directed officials to maintain robust technical support, ensure prompt grievance redressal, and take every proactive measure to address candidates' concerns.

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One-Time Physical Reporting And Freeze/Float Options

One of the key reforms is the introduction of a one-time physical reporting framework, significantly reducing the need for repeated visits by candidates. Following seat allotment, candidates will be able to exercise their willingness online by selecting either the Freeze or Float option. Those opting for Freeze will physically report to their allotted institute to complete admission formalities, including document verification and fee payment. Those opting for Float can complete admission formalities online, without physically reporting, while their provisional admission remains valid for subsequent counselling rounds.

This upgradation facility will remain available up to the third round, after which candidates must report physically for final formalities.

Online Resignation Facility And Transparency Measures

Another important reform is the online resignation facility, allowing candidates wishing to resign from their allotted seat to do so through the MCC Counselling Portal without physically visiting the institute, wherever permitted. The review also highlighted measures like pre-populated candidate data from NTA, online document verification, seat matrix validation by NMC, and verification by participating institutes to strengthen transparency and operational efficiency.

Expanded Accessibility For PwBD Candidates

Special emphasis has been placed on improving accessibility for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), with the number of designated assessment centres expanded from 16 to 61 nationwide.

In accordance with NMC Guidelines dated July 27, 2026, the certificate issued by designated Medical Boards will now be known as the "Eligibility Certificate." The revised guidelines also provide for an Appellate Disability Assessment Board, enabling eligible candidates to appeal against the initial assessment.

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Digitisation Of NRI Category And Candidate Support Systems

Another significant reform is the complete digitisation of the admission process for the NRI category, with registration now conducted entirely through the online counselling portal and documents uploaded online rather than via email. Cybersecurity preparedness has been reviewed with NIC, and training has been conducted for Disability Assessment Boards, college nodal officers, and Document Verification Officers.

A 24x7 toll-free call centre (1800-102-7637) and a dedicated grievance email (mcc2026@gov.in) have also been set up to support candidates throughout the process.