Complete NEET UG Seat Allotment Process – Round 1 to Mop-Up Explained

For thousands of aspiring doctors across India, clearing NEET-UG is only the first victory. The real challenge begins after the results — understanding and navigating the NEET UG seat allotment process. Every year, lakhs of students compete for MBBS and BDS seats across government, deemed, central, and private medical colleges. With limited seats and multiple rounds of counselling, every decision counts.

If you are seeking expert guidance from the best consultancy for MBBS admission in India, you’re already a step ahead. The entire counselling and seat allotment journey — from Round 1 to the Mop-Up round — requires precision, documentation, and timely choices. Missteps can cost you a year, or even your dream college.

This comprehensive guide explains every round, key dates, choice-filling, and reporting rules — making it your go-to resource for understanding MBBS Counselling and how to maximize your chances of admission.

Understanding the Structure of NEET UG Seat Allotment in India

Before jumping into the process, it’s important to understand how seats are divided, who conducts the counselling, and what categories exist.

1. NEET-UG 2025 Overview

• Exam Authority: National Testing Agency (NTA)

• Counselling Authority: Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for AIQ; State authorities for State Quota

• Total MBBS Seats (Expected 2025): ~1,10,000+

• Participating Colleges: 700+ medical colleges (Government, Deemed, Central, Private)

• Total BDS Seats: ~27,000

NEET UG serves as a single gateway for medical admissions across India. Once results are declared, the MBBS Counselling process begins, coordinated separately for All India Quota (AIQ) and State Quota seats.

Types of NEET UG Counselling

Complete NEET UG Seat Allotment Process — Round 1 to Mop-Up

Let’s go step by step through the entire process, explaining what happens in each round, what candidates must do, and how to make the right strategic choices.

Step 1: Registration & Payment

Once the NEET UG results are out, qualified candidates must register online for counselling.

• AIQ/Deemed/Central Universities: Registration is done through the official MCC website (www.mcc.nic.in).

• State Quota: Candidates must register on their respective state counselling portals (e.g., bceceboard.bihar.gov.in, kea.kar.nic.in, tnmedicalselection.net, etc.).

Documents required during registration:

• NEET UG Admit Card

• NEET UG Scorecard

• Class 10 & 12 Marksheets

• Domicile certificate (for state quota)

• Category certificate (if applicable)

• Valid ID proof (Aadhaar, Passport, PAN, etc.)

A non-refundable registration fee and a refundable security deposit must be paid online. The deposit varies:

Note: The refundable amount is returned after the counselling cycle if no seat is allotted or after reporting to the allotted college.

Step 2: Choice Filling & Locking

This is the most critical stage where candidates list their preferred colleges and courses.

Key guidelines:

• Choices can be filled only once per round during the given window.

• Candidates can choose multiple colleges across states (for AIQ).

• Always arrange preferences wisely — higher desired options first.

• Review and lock your choices before the deadline (unlocked choices are auto-locked).

Pro tip: The best consultancy for MBBS admission in India can help candidates analyse last year’s cut-offs, closing ranks, and institutional reputation to make optimal choice lists.

Step 3: Seat Allotment Result (Round 1)

After the choice-filling window closes, the MCC or State Authority uses an AI-based algorithm to allot seats based on:

• NEET UG Rank

• Category (UR, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, PwD)

• Preferences submitted

• Seat availability in real time

The Round 1 Seat Allotment Result is published on the MCC or respective state website.

If a seat is allotted:

• Download the Provisional Allotment Letter.

• Report to the allotted college within the prescribed period (usually 7 days).

• Carry original documents for verification.

• Pay the admission fees to confirm the seat.

Step 4: Reporting and Document Verification

Candidates must report physically to the allotted college or verification centre.

Documents verified include:

1. NEET UG Admit Card & Scorecard

2. Allotment Letter

3. Birth Certificate

4. Class 10 & 12 Marksheets

5. Category Certificate (if applicable)

6. Domicile Certificate

7. Passport-sized photographs

Once verified, candidates can either accept and freeze the seat or opt for an upgrade in Round 2.

Round 2 Counselling — Upgradation and Fresh Allotments

Round 2 is designed for:

• Candidates who didn’t get a seat in Round 1.

• Those who want to upgrade their Round 1 seat.

• Candidates who registered afresh.

How Round 2 Works

• Fresh registration is required (for those who didn’t register earlier).

• Choice filling is done again — candidates can modify preferences.

• Seats allotted in Round 1 but not joined are added back to the seat pool.

• The algorithm then re-allocates based on updated seat matrix and choices.

Important Rule:
If you are allotted a seat in Round 2 and accept it, you cannot participate in further AIQ rounds (except Mop-Up for Deemed universities).

Reporting After Round 2

Candidates allotted seats must report to the new college and complete admission formalities.
Seats vacated in Round 1 are added to subsequent rounds.

Mop-Up Round — Last Chance for MBBS Admission

The Mop-Up Round is the final centralized counselling round for Deemed/Central Universities and some state private colleges. It aims to fill any vacant seats after Round 2.

Who Can Participate:

• Candidates not allotted any seat in previous rounds.

• Those who didn’t register earlier.

• Those who exited Round 2 without joining.

Who Cannot Participate:

• Candidates who joined any seat under AIQ or State Quota earlier.

• Those who have already reported to a college.

Process Overview

1. Fresh registration on the MCC portal (Mop-Up section).

2. Payment of refundable deposit again if required.

3. Fresh choice filling and locking.

4. Seat allotment result publication.

5. Reporting and document verification at the allotted college.

The Mop-Up round usually sees the remaining high-fee private or deemed university seats getting filled. For many students, professional help from the best consultancy for MBBS admission in India during this stage becomes invaluable to avoid missing closing deadlines or stray vacancies.

Stray Vacancy Round (College-Level Round)

After the Mop-Up round, any unfilled seats are handed over to respective institutes for final admission at the college level.

Key points:

• Conducted by the college, under supervision of the State/University authorities.

• Candidates must apply directly to the college.

• Merit lists are prepared based on NEET rank.

• Payment and verification are done at the institute itself.

Once this round concludes, all admissions close officially for that academic year.

Detailed Timeline (Typical MCC Schedule)

(Note: State counselling schedules vary slightly but follow similar timelines.)

Reservation Policy (As per MCC and NMC Guidelines)

States follow their own reservation policies for the 85% quota.

Common Mistakes Candidates Make

1. Late registration or payment failure: Always double-check the deadline.

2. Incorrect choice order: Prioritize realistically.

3. Ignoring domicile or category eligibility: Can lead to cancellation.

4. Skipping document verification: Admission will be invalid.

5. Not understanding upgradation rules: Leads to confusion or forfeited seats.

Expert Tips to Secure the Right Seat

• Analyze previous year’s closing ranks before filling choices.

• Keep documents ready — minor errors can delay verification.

• Track official notifications (MCC and State portals only).

• Stay flexible: Prioritize course > college > location, if needed.

• Seek professional help: The best consultancy for MBBS admission in India can interpret complex seat matrices and help you make strategic choices based on your rank, budget, and preferences.

Why Choose a Professional Consultancy

While MCC and State websites offer official procedures, interpreting them strategically can be daunting. A reputed consultancy provides:

• Updated guidance on cut-offs, counselling schedules, and state rules

• Personalized seat prediction based on your rank and category

• Documentation and application support

• College-wise budget counselling (tuition fees, hostel, bond, etc.)

• Post-allotment assistance, including transfer and refund management

This helps maximize the probability of landing an MBBS seat suited to your aspirations and finances.

Conclusion

The NEET UG seat allotment process, from Round 1 through the Mop-Up round, is not just about rank — it’s about timing, precision, and informed decision-making. Understanding the official steps, following verified notifications, and maintaining clear documentation are non-negotiable.

Whether you are competing for a government seat through AIQ or seeking options in private or deemed universities, staying informed ensures your effort in NEET truly pays off.

If you want expert, end-to-end guidance, partnering with the best consultancy for MBBS admission in India can make the journey smoother and more secure — turning your NEET success into an actual MBBS seat.

FAQs — NEET UG Seat Allotment Process

1. What is the difference between All India Quota and State Quota in NEET UG counselling?

The All India Quota (AIQ) includes 15% of seats in all government medical colleges, managed by MCC. The State Quota covers 85% of seats reserved for state residents, managed by respective state counselling authorities.

2. How many rounds are there in NEET UG seat allotment?

There are typically four rounds — Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up Round, and Stray Vacancy Round. MCC conducts three (for AIQ/Deemed), and states may have their own additional rounds.

3. Can I participate in both AIQ and State Counselling simultaneously?

Yes, eligible candidates can participate in both AIQ (via MCC) and their State Counselling processes simultaneously, provided they meet domicile and category criteria.

4. What happens if I do not report after allotment?

If you fail to report within the stipulated period, your seat is forfeited and you may lose eligibility for subsequent AIQ rounds. However, you may still apply for State or Mop-Up rounds.

5. How can the best consultancy for MBBS admission in India help in NEET UG counselling?

A trusted consultancy assists with documentation, choice filling, rank analysis, and post-allotment support — helping candidates avoid costly errors, track real-time vacancies, and secure an MBBS seat effectively.