NEET UG 2026 Round 1 Choice Locking Delayed: MCC Issues Counselling Update

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has delayed the NEET UG 2026 Round 1 choice-locking process, giving candidates an important update on the ongoing counselling process for MBBS, BDS and other undergraduate medical admissions.

The choice-locking facility was scheduled to begin on August 12, 2026, but candidates were unable to access the facility as scheduled. MCC has now indicated that the revised timing will be communicated through an official update. Candidates who have already completed registration and choice filling should regularly check the official MCC counselling portal for the revised choice-locking schedule. MCC conducts online counselling for eligible candidates seeking admission through the applicable All India Quota and other participating institutions.

NEET UG Counselling 2026 Round 1: Key Highlights

The table provides the key highlights related to NEET UG Counselling 2026 Round 1 as given below:

Why Was NEET UG 2026 Choice Locking Delayed?

The latest delay follows changes and updates related to the counselling process, including provisions concerning Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). MCC had earlier revised the Round 1 choice-filling schedule following an NMC notification concerning PwBD candidate assessment.

The latest update specifically concerns the choice-locking facility, which is an important step because candidates must confirm their final preferences before the seat-allotment process.

NEET UG 2026 Choice Filling and Locking

Choice filling allows registered candidates to select their preferred colleges and courses in the order they want them considered. Candidates should carefully arrange their preferences because seat allotment depends on factors including NEET UG merit, category, reservation rules, choices submitted and seat availability.

The choice-locking facility is separate from choice filling. Once candidates lock their choices, the submitted preferences are considered final for the relevant allotment round. MCC maintains a dedicated choice filling and choice locking facility for candidates participating in its counselling process.

What Should Candidates Do Now?

Candidates should not panic if the choice-locking option is currently unavailable. Instead, they should:

1. Log in to the official MCC counselling portal.
2. Check whether their choice-filling process has been completed.
3. Review their selected colleges and courses carefully.
4. Keep their preferred choices ready for locking.
5. Wait for MCC's revised choice-locking schedule.
6. Lock the choices as soon as the facility becomes available.
7. Save a copy or screenshot of the final submitted choices.

Candidates should avoid relying on unofficial social media updates for the revised timing and should check the MCC website for the latest notification.

NEET UG Counselling 2026: What Happens After Choice Locking?

After the choice-locking process is completed, MCC will process the choices for Round 1 seat allotment. Candidates who are allotted seats will then have to follow the instructions issued by MCC regarding acceptance, reporting and admission.

The allotment process considers candidate preferences along with merit, reservation eligibility and available seats. MCC is responsible for online counselling for 15% All India Quota undergraduate seats, along with specified seats in central universities, deemed universities and other participating institutions.

NEET UG 2026 Counselling: Important Advisory

With the choice-locking schedule currently delayed, candidates should keep checking the MCC NEET UG counselling portal for the revised announcement.

Candidates should also ensure that their registration details, documents and choice preferences are correct before the locking window opens. Any further change in the schedule will be communicated by MCC through its official counselling website.

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