Thousands of students who are still waiting for a medical or dental seat have another chance to secure admission as the second round of NEET UG counselling begins today.
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has opened Round 2 registration for NEET UG 2026 from September 3. The process covers MBBS, BDS and BSc Nursing seats under the 15% All India Quota, along with seats in participating deemed and central universities, AIIMS institutions, JIPMER and AFMC.
Candidates who want to take part in the second round need to complete their registration and fee payment within the prescribed window. According to the MCC schedule, registration will remain open until 3 pm on September 8, while the fee payment facility will continue until 6 pm the same day, based on server time.
Choice filling has also started today. Students can submit their preferred colleges and courses until 10 am on September 9. Choice locking will be available from 4 pm on September 8 until 10 am on September 9.
For students who were unhappy with their Round 1 allotment, this is an important stage. They can use the second round to try for a seat or college that better matches their preferences, subject to the counselling rules and available seats.
Students who did not get a seat in the first round can also take part if they meet the eligibility requirements. Those who have already registered should carefully follow the instructions on the MCC portal before making their choices.
The seat allotment process for Round 2 is scheduled for September 9 and 10, with the result due on September 11. Candidates allotted seats will then have to report to their respective institutions between September 12 and September 18.
MCC has also published a revised combined schedule for the second round. The committee has said participating institutions should treat Saturdays, Sundays and gazetted holidays as working days during the counselling period because of the limited time available.
The key dates are:
Registration and fee payment: September 3–8
Last date for registration: September 8, 3 pm
Last date for fee payment: September 8, 6 pm
Choice filling: September 3–9
Choice locking: September 8–9
Seat allotment processing: September 9–10
Round 2 result: September 11
Reporting at allotted college: September 12–18
Candidates should check the official MCC portal before submitting their choices and make sure all details are entered correctly.
For many NEET aspirants, the next few days could decide where they begin the next chapter of their medical education. A carefully chosen preference list may make all the difference when the Round 2 allotment is announced on September 11.
