The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2025 is the gateway to pursuing undergraduate medical, dental, and allied health courses like MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BUMS, BHMS, and BSc Nursing across India. With the NEET 2025 results announced on June 14, 2025, aspirants are now gearing up for the highly anticipated counselling process, a crucial step toward securing a seat in top medical colleges. Conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for All India Quota (AIQ) seats and by state authorities for state quota seats, the NEET UG Counselling 2025 is a structured, multi-round process that allocates seats based on merit, preferences, and eligibility.
This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth look at the counselling schedule, eligibility, process, and essential tips to help candidates navigate this critical phase successfully, ensuring they make informed decisions to kickstart their medical careers.
Overview of NEET UG Counselling 2025
The NEET UG Counselling 2025 facilitates admissions to over 1.18 lakh MBBS seats, 27,868 BDS seats, and thousands of AYUSH and BSc Nursing seats across government, private, deemed, and central institutes. The Medical Counselling Committee oversees the allocation of 15% AIQ seats, 100% seats in Deemed Universities, Central Universities, AIIMS, JIPMER, ESIC, and AFMC, while state authorities manage 85% state quota seats. For AYUSH courses, the Ayush Admissions Central Counseling Committee (AACCC) handles the process. With approximately 22.09 lakh candidates appearing for NEET 2025 and 12.36 lakh qualifying, the competition for seats is intense, making it vital for aspirants to understand the counselling process thoroughly.
The counselling is conducted online, except for the final reporting stage, and involves multiple rounds, including Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up Round, and Stray Vacancy Round. A Special Stray Vacancy Round may be held if seats remain unfilled. The process is merit-based, relying on the All India Rank (AIR) from NEET 2025, with candidates needing to meet specific academic and eligibility criteria to participate. The academic session for UG courses is set to commence on September 1, 2025, making timely participation in counselling essential.
NEET UG Counselling 2025 Schedule
The MCC released the official counselling schedule on July 13, 2025, outlining the timeline for each round. The process spans from July to October 2025, with state quota counselling running parallel to the AIQ process. Below is the detailed schedule for AIQ counselling:
| Counselling Round | Registration & Choice Filling | Choice Locking | Seat Allotment Processing | Result Announcement | Reporting to Allotted Institute | Document Verification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | July 21–28, 2025 | July 27–28, 2025 | July 29–30, 2025 | July 31, 2025 | August 1–6, 2025 | August 7–8, 2025 |
| Round 2 | August 9–14, 2025 | August 13–14, 2025 | August 15–16, 2025 | August 17, 2025 | August 18–24, 2025 | August 25–26, 2025 |
| Mop-Up Round | August 25–30, 2025 | August 29–30, 2025 | August 31–September 1, 2025 | September 2, 2025 | September 3–8, 2025 | September 9–10, 2025 |
| Stray Vacancy Round | September 9–11, 2025 | September 10–11, 2025 | September 12–13, 2025 | September 14, 2025 | September 15–20, 2025 | Not Applicable |
A Special Stray Vacancy Round may be announced if seats remain vacant after the Stray Vacancy Round. State-specific counselling schedules, such as Gujarat (July 5–18, 2025) and Maharashtra (August 2025), vary, and candidates must check respective state portals for updates.
Eligibility Criteria for NEET UG Counselling 2025
To participate in the counselling process, candidates must meet stringent eligibility requirements. They must have qualified NEET 2025 by securing the minimum cutoff percentile, which varies by category. The cutoff percentiles are 50th for General, 40th for SC/ST/OBC, 45th for General-PwD, and 40th for SC/ST/OBC-PwD, translating to approximate score ranges of 715–120, 120–100, 119–105, and 104–90 marks out of 720, respectively. Additionally, candidates need to have completed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English, securing at least 50% marks in PCB (40% for SC/ST/OBC, 45% for General-PwD). For state quota seats, domicile criteria apply, while NRI/OCI candidates for Deemed Universities must submit sponsorship and relationship affidavits. PwD candidates require a disability certificate from designated centers to avail the 5% reservation.
Step-by-Step Counselling Process
The NEET UG Counselling 2025 is a systematic, online process designed to ensure transparency and fairness. Candidates begin by registering on the MCC website (mcc.nic.in) for AIQ/Deemed/Central University seats or state-specific portals for state quota seats. Registration involves entering NEET roll number, application number, and personal details, followed by uploading a photograph and signature. A non-refundable registration fee and a refundable security deposit are required, with amounts varying by category and institute type. For example, General candidates pay ₹1,000 (non-refundable) and ₹10,000 (refundable) for AIQ/government colleges, while Deemed University fees are ₹5,000 and ₹2,00,000, respectively.
After registration, candidates proceed to choice filling, where they select and prioritize their preferred colleges and courses. Tools like NEET College Predictor can guide candidates in making strategic choices. Choices must be locked before the deadline, as modifications are not permitted afterward. The MCC then processes seat allotment based on NEET rank, preferences, reservation policies, and seat availability, releasing a provisional result for candidates to report discrepancies. The final seat allotment is published in PDF format, and candidates must report to the allotted institute for document verification and admission confirmation within the specified period. Failure to report results in seat cancellation and forfeiture of the security deposit.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Registration | Register on mcc.nic.in or state portals with NEET details, pay fees, and upload documents. |
| Choice Filling & Locking | Select and prioritize colleges/courses, lock choices before the deadline. |
| Seat Allotment | MCC allocates seats based on rank, preferences, and reservations; results published online. |
| Reporting & Verification | Report to the allotted institute with documents for verification and admission confirmation. |
Document Requirements
Document verification is a critical step to finalize admission. Candidates must upload documents in specified formats (JPG/JPEG for photos, PDF for certificates) during registration and present originals during reporting. The required documents include:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| NEET 2025 Admit Card & Result | Verify NEET qualification and rank. |
| Class 10 & 12 Mark Sheets/Certificates | Confirm academic eligibility. |
| Date of Birth Certificate | Verify age (if not on Class 10 certificate). |
| 6–8 Passport-Size Photographs | Match NEET application photo for identity. |
| Valid ID Proof (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.) | Establish candidate identity. |
| Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) | Avail reservation benefits, if applicable. |
| PwD Certificate | Claim 5% reservation for PwD candidates. |
| NRI/OCI Sponsorship & Relationship Affidavits | Required for Deemed University seats. |
Seat Matrix and Reservation Policies
The NEET UG 2025 counselling covers a vast seat matrix, with approximately 1,18,190 MBBS seats, 27,868 BDS seats, and 1,000 BSc Nursing seats under MCC, alongside AYUSH seats managed by AACCC. The MCC releases a detailed seat matrix before each round, reflecting vacancies and newly added seats. For instance, in 2024, Round 2 had 1,184 clear vacancies, with additional seats introduced at select institutes. Reservation policies include 27% for OBC (non-creamy layer), 10% for EWS, and 5% for PwD candidates in AIQ seats, with state-specific reservations applying to state quota seats.
Key Rules and Updates
Several rules govern the NEET UG Counselling 2025 to ensure a smooth process. Candidates accepting a seat in Round 2 cannot resign or upgrade in subsequent rounds, emphasizing the importance of strategic choice filling. Fresh registrations are permitted for the Mop-Up and Stray Vacancy rounds, offering opportunities to candidates who missed earlier rounds or were not allotted seats. Seats not filled in Round 2 do not revert to states, increasing the significance of the Stray Vacancy Round. NRI/OCI candidates must adhere to strict documentation requirements, and PwD candidates need certificates from designated centers. The MCC and state portals provide grievance redressal mechanisms for addressing discrepancies in provisional seat allotment results.
State Quota Counselling
State quota counselling, covering 85% of government college seats and 100% of private college seats, is conducted by respective state authorities. Each state has unique eligibility criteria, domicile rules, and schedules. For example, Maharashtra offers around 9,000 MBBS and 3,526 BDS seats, with counselling expected to start in August 2025. Gujarat’s registration period was July 5–18, 2025, via medadmgujarat.org. Candidates must check state-specific portals like upneet.gov.in (Uttar Pradesh) or maharashtra.gov.in (Maharashtra) for updates.
Tips for Successful Counselling
Navigating the NEET UG Counselling 2025 requires careful planning and timely action. Candidates should regularly monitor mcc.nic.in and state portals for schedule updates and notifications. Preparing documents in the correct format and size is crucial to avoid rejection during verification. When filling choices, prioritize reputed, established colleges over newer ones, using tools like NEET College Predictor for data-driven decisions. Adhering to deadlines for registration, choice locking, and reporting is non-negotiable, as delays can lead to seat cancellation. Joining official WhatsApp or Telegram groups and consulting counselling experts can provide real-time updates and guidance.
Conclusion
The NEET UG Counselling 2025 is a pivotal step for medical aspirants aiming to secure seats in India’s top medical, dental, and AYUSH colleges. With a well-defined schedule, transparent process, and clear eligibility criteria, the counselling ensures merit-based admissions. By understanding the process, preparing documents meticulously, and making informed choices, candidates can maximize their chances of securing a seat in their desired institute. For the latest updates, aspirants should rely on official sources like mcc.nic.in, neet.nta.nic.in, and aaccc.gov.in, ensuring they stay ahead in this competitive journey toward a rewarding medical career.
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