.jpg)
NEET UG 2026 Counselling LIVE: MCC Changes Date for MBBS and BDS Admissions Round 1 Choice Filling
New Delhi: NEET UG 2026 aspirants wanting to select their medical college have to do so for a while longer. Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has formally postponed MBBS and BDS Round 1 choice filling and has altered the schedule just before the activity. As per this update, candidates can now fill their preferences from 8th August 2026.
This change happened after a National Medical Commission (NMC) notification regarding Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) candidates. MCC has also stated that this change only concerns the start of the choice filling, and that the rest of the counselling process will remain as scheduled.
What is the Reason for the MCC Postponement of Round 1 Choice Filling?
In the notice released, the MCC stated that the reason for the postponement was the new executive order of the NMC regarding PwBD candidates of the NEET UG counselling. Hopefully, this provides the necessary time for the counselling process to comply with the new order.
- Updated NEET UG 2026 Choice Filling Date
- As per the updated counselling process:
- Start of Round 1 Choice Filling: 8th August 2026
- MBBS and BDS
- Counselling conducted by: Medical Counselling Committee (MCC)
MCC advises candidates to keep a close eye on the MCC Counselling Portal and also advises against registration and choice filling before the latest update.
What Remains the Same?
MCC has announced that with the postponement of choice filling, the rest of the counseling schedule will remain the same unless stated otherwise. Candidates are advised to continue preparing their documents, researching the medical colleges, and finalizing their preferences to minimize confusion once the portal is activated.
What is the Best use of this time by the Candidates?
This postponement has given the candidates extra time to refine their admission strategy. Candidates are advised to do the following:
- Look at the previous year’s closing ranks.
- Compare the MBBS and BDS colleges in terms of location, fees, infrastructure, and exposure to hospitals.
- Keep all the documents ready for the verification process.
- Prepare a sequence of preferences that is possible and realistic.
This extra time is the best use of preferences for the candidates, as having a well-thought-out preference list can have a major impact on the allocation of seats for the candidates during the counseling.
What was the confusion after the MCC notice?
Candidates were confused after the notice, as a report stated that an official notice of the postponement was briefly removed from the MCC website. Candidates were advised to look at the official latest communications and not to believe the unofficial communications on social media.
What Happens Next for NEET UG Aspirants?
With the new schedule announced, registrants should be prepared for Round 1 choice filling, which will begin on August 8. The NEET UG counselling for the 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats, plus seats at central universities, deemed universities, and other participating universities, will be conducted through the online MCC portal.
Final Thoughts
The NEET UG 2026 Round 1 choice filling delay has only postponed the counselling process by a day. It does allow candidates to have a bit more time to prepare a preferred list of colleges. Because the revision is related to the new policies for PwBD candidates and aims to make the counselling process more inclusive, it is assumed that the counselling process will be smoother. Candidates should frequently check the MCC portal for updates and be prepared to fill in their choices during the counselling process for NEET UG 2026 as soon as the portal is open.
FAQs
1. Did MCC delay the NEET UG 2026 Round 1 choice filling?
Yes. Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) delayed the initiation of NEET UG 2026 Round 1 choice filling for MBBS and BDS programs. According to the new schedule, candidates will be able to fill their choices from August 8, 2026.
2. What is the reason for the NEET UG 2026 Round 1 choice filling delay?
MCC postponed choice filling after the National Medical Commission (NMC) published a notice regarding Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) specific candidates. This change is for the counseling procedure to be in sync with the new instructions.
3. What is the newly updated date for the NEET UG 2026 Round 1 choice filling?
Per the recent MCC update, the Round 1 choice filling will take place on August 8, 2026. Candidates should check the MCC counseling portal frequently for updated information.
4. Was the NEET UG 2026 entire counseling schedule revised?
No. MCC has communicated that only the date for beginning the Round 1 choice filling has been changed. The rest of the counseling schedule will continue to be as communicated unless a new official notice is published.
5. Who is eligible for the MCC NEET UG 2026 counseling?
Any candidate who is a NEET UG 2026 qualified candidate and fulfills the eligibility criteria is eligible to participate in the MCC counseling for 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats, AIIMS, JIPMER, Central universities, deemed universities, ESIC, AFMS, and other participating institutes.
Click Here for More Exams / Admission