NEET 2026 Round 3 Counselling is the next opportunity for eligible candidates seeking MBBS, BDS and B.Sc Nursing seats through the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC). The official Round 3 schedule has been released for the 15% All India Quota (AIQ), along with seats in Deemed and Central Universities, AFMC, AIIMS and JIPMER.
According to the official MCC schedule, registration starts on 22 September 2026. Therefore, candidates who did not receive a seat earlier, or who are eligible for a fresh registration, should keep their documents and college preferences ready. This guide explains the process, important dates and the steps to follow before final submission.

NEET 2026 Round 3 Counselling: Important Dates
The NEET 2026 Round 3 Counselling schedule below is verified from MCC’s official notice dated 14 September 2026.
| Event | Date and time |
| Verification of tentative seat matrix | 21 September 2026 |
| Registration and payment | 22–27 September 2026, up to 3:00 PM |
| Payment facility | Until 6:00 PM on 27 September 2026 |
| Choice filling | 23–28 September 2026, up to 12:00 noon |
| Choice locking | 27 September, 7:00 PM to 28 September, 12:00 noon |
| Seat allotment processing | 28–29 September 2026 |
| Seat allotment result | 30 September 2026 |
| Institute reporting | 1–9 October 2026 |
| Verification of joined-candidate data | 10 October 2026 |
Candidates looking for NEET 2026 Round 3 dates should remember that the deadline is based on server time. Hence, it is better to complete registration and payment early instead of waiting for the final hours.
Who Can Participate in NEET 2026 Round 3 Counselling?
In this round, candidates must have qualified NEET UG 2026 and meet the admission eligibility requirements. In general, applicants should have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and English, and must be at least 17 years old.
Candidates who registered in Round 1 or Round 2 but were not allotted a seat usually do not need to register again. However, candidates who are newly eligible or need fresh registration must complete the process and pay the required fee within the notified window. Always check the latest MCC information bulletin before applying, as eligibility and participation rules can vary by seat category.
MCC’s AIQ counselling is separate from state quota counselling. For background on state processes, read our Arunachal Pradesh NEET counselling 2026 guide and Assam NEET counselling 2026 Round 2 guide.
NEET UG Round 3 Registration 2026: How to Apply
The NEET UG Round 3 registration 2026 process will be conducted online through the MCC portal. Follow these steps carefully:
- Visit the official MCC UG Medical Counselling website.
- Select the New Registration option for UG Counselling 2026.
- Read the instructions and accept the declaration.
- Enter the required personal, academic and NEET details.
- Create login credentials and fill in the application form.
- Upload the required documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay the registration fee and security deposit online.
- Save or download the confirmation page for future reference.
Before proceeding, ensure that your NEET roll number, marksheet, category certificate and identity details are correct. A small error can create problems during admission reporting.
Registration Fee for Round 3
The registration fee differs according to the candidate category and the type of institution selected. For 15% AIQ and Central Universities, the non-refundable fee is ₹1,000 for General candidates and ₹500 for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates. In addition, candidates must pay the applicable refundable security deposit.
For Deemed Universities, the non-refundable registration fee is ₹5,000, while the refundable security deposit is ₹2,00,000. Since fee and refund rules are important, candidates should review the MCC information bulletin before making payment.
NEET Round 3 Choice Filling 2026: Important Steps
After completing registration, candidates can begin NEET Round 3 choice filling 2026 from 23 September. This step is crucial because seat allotment depends on your merit, category, available seats and the preferences you submit.
To fill choices, log in to the MCC portal and select the available colleges and courses in your preferred order. Include realistic options based on your NEET rank, category and budget. Moreover, do not choose a college unless you are genuinely willing to join it if allotted.
Candidates must save their choices and complete locking before the deadline. Once the choices are locked, changes may not be allowed. Thus, review every college, course and order of preference before final submission.
MCC NEET Round 3 Counselling Seat Allotment Result
The MCC NEET Round 3 counselling result will be published on 30 September 2026. MCC will process allotment on 28 and 29 September after the choice-filling and locking window closes.
To check the NEET Round 3 seat allotment 2026 result, visit the official MCC website, open the UG Medical Counselling section and log in with your credentials. Candidates should download the allotment letter and read the reporting instructions carefully.
NEET UG Round 3 Reporting Dates and Admission
The NEET UG Round 3 reporting dates are 1 October to 9 October 2026. Candidates allotted a seat must report to the assigned institute within this period with original documents, the allotment letter and the required admission fee.
During reporting, the institute will verify documents and confirm admission. Therefore, carry all certificates, including Class 10 and 12 marksheets, NEET scorecard, photo ID, category or PwD certificate where applicable, and passport-size photographs. Candidates should also check the institute’s own instructions for any additional documents or fee requirements.
What Should Candidates Do Before the Deadline?
Candidates should first review the seat matrix and vacancy details released by MCC. Next, prepare a balanced preference list with dream, target and safe college choices. Also, keep a stable internet connection and make payment before the last date.
In addition, check the official portal regularly for any notices, revised schedules or seat-matrix updates. Relying only on social media updates can lead to missed deadlines.
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Conclusion
NEET 2026 Round 3 Counselling gives eligible medical aspirants another important chance to secure a seat. Complete registration on time, make informed college choices and follow every MCC instruction closely. Most importantly, use only the official MCC portal for final confirmation of dates, notices and admission rules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1.Can fresh candidates register for NEET 2026 Round 3 Counselling?
Yes. New eligible candidates can register during the Round 3 registration period. Students who registered in Round 1 or Round 2 but did not get a seat usually do not need to register again. They should log in, check the latest notice, and fill their college choices carefully.
Q2. Is it compulsory to lock choices in NEET UG Round 3 counselling?
Yes, locking your choices is important. It confirms the final order of colleges and courses you want. If you do not lock them, MCC may lock your saved choices automatically after the deadline. However, manual locking is safer because you can check every choice before submitting it.
Q3. What happens after the NEET Round 3 seat allotment result is declared?
After the result, students who get a seat must download their allotment letter. They must report to the allotted college within the given dates. Carry original documents, the NEET UG scorecard, allotment letter, and admission fee. The college will check the documents and then confirm the admission.
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