If you are an aspiring medical student in 2026, understanding the Meghalaya NEET State Quota Eligibility 2026 is important. This knowledge is the first step toward securing your future in MBBS admission in Meghalaya. Moreover, with limited Meghalaya MBBS state quota seats available and a unique reservation landscape, the Meghalaya medical admission process can be complex.
In this article, we will break down who is eligible for the 85% Meghalaya NEET state quota. Additionally, it outlines the necessary documentation you need for Meghalaya NEET counselling 2026. Finally, it also details the specific MBBS seat distribution in Meghalaya across major institutions like NEIGRIHMS Shillong MBBS seats and the new Shillong Medical College MBBS seats.
Understanding the Meghalaya NEET State Quota Eligibility
The “State Quota” refers to a specific arrangement regarding MBBS and BDS seats in Meghalaya’s medical institutions. Specifically, 85% of Meghalaya MBBS seats are reserved exclusively for local candidates. In contrast, the remaining 15% are filled through the All India Quota (AIQ), which is open to students from across the country through the NEET Counselling process.
To qualify for the Meghalaya NEET state quota, candidates must meet three primary eligibility criteria. First, they must achieve a qualifying score in the NEET UG 2026 examination. Second, they need to establish their Meghalaya domicile status. Finally, academic merit in NEET is also a crucial factor in determining eligibility.
1. Mandatory NEET-UG 2026 Qualification
You cannot apply for a Meghalaya MBBS state quota seat without qualifying for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG). For 2026, the expected NEET qualifying percentiles are:
a. General/UR: 50th Percentile
b. SC/ST/OBC: 40th Percentile
c. General-PwD: 45th Percentile
These cut-offs are mandatory for Meghalaya NEET MBBS admission 2026. You can also check how marks affect rank in NEET here:
2. Domicile and Residency Rules
This is the most important factor for MBBS admission under Meghalaya state quota. Unlike many other states, Meghalaya’s eligibility is deeply tied to its social fabric.
To be eligible, a candidate must be:
a. An indigenous inhabitant of the state (belonging to the Khasi, Jaintia, or Garo tribes).
b. OR a permanent resident of Meghalaya who has resided in the state for a specified period (usually 12 years of continuous residence).
c. OR a child of Central/State Government employees posted in Meghalaya.
Meghalaya MBBS Domicile Requirements: The PRC Factor
If you are applying under the “General” or “Permanent Resident” category, the Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) is your most important document for Meghalaya MBBS admission 2026.
What is the PRC (Permanent Resident Certificate)?
The PRC is a legal document issued by the Deputy Commissioner’s office. For the 2026 Meghalaya NEET counselling admission cycle, authorities strictly verify the PRC to ensure that only genuine residents benefit from from state quota MBBS seats in Meghalaya.
Important Note: Mere schooling in Meghalaya does not automatically grant you domicile status. You must provide proof of residence, such as electricity bills, land records (Patta), or parents’ employment certificates, to obtain a valid PRC.
Meghalaya Medical Seat Reservation Policy
The Meghalaya MBBS seat reservation policy follows state government guidelines. Furthermore, it ensures fair representation for the major tribal communities. In addition, it also considers other resident categories.
Meghalaya MBBS Seat Reservation (Approximate)
| Category | Reservation Percentage |
| Khasi & Jaintia Tribes | 40% |
| Garo Tribe | 40% |
| Other Scheduled Tribes (OST) & SC | 5% |
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 15% |
This 80% tribal reservation applies to Meghalaya state quota MBBS seats. As a result, competition within tribal categories is based on the Meghalaya state merit list. Meanwhile, the 15% general category seats are highly competitive among permanent residents.
NEIGRIHMS Shillong State Quota Seats
The North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), Shillong is the leading medical institution in the region. However, its MBBS seat distribution differs from other state-run colleges.
How Seats are Distributed at NEIGRIHMS
For its total intake (usually 50 seats), NEIGRIHMS allocates seats as follows:
1. Meghalaya State Quota: A specific number of seats (typically 14–15) is reserved for candidates nominated by the Government of Meghalaya.
2. NE Open Category: Around 18 seats are open to permanent residents of all eight North Eastern states (including Meghalaya).
3. All India Quota: 8 seats are filled via MCC national counseling.
For 2026, candidates must closely monitor the NEIGRIHMS Shillong State Quota Seats. This is important because the application process for these seats requires registration with the Meghalaya Directorate of Health Services (DHS). Therefore, candidates should not apply directly to the institute for the state portion.
Academic and Age Criteria for Meghalaya MBBS Admission 2026
In addition to residency, you must meet the following National Medical Commission (NMC) eligibility rules:
1. Age: You must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026.
2. Subjects: You must have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English.
3. Minimum Marks:
a. General: 50% aggregate in PCB.
b. SC/ST/OST: 40% aggregate in PCB.
Step-by-Step Meghalaya NEET Counselling Process 2026
Below is the step-by-step counselling process:
1. NEET Exam: Appear for and qualify for NEET-UG 2026.
2. State Application: When the DHS Meghalaya releases the advertisement, apply online at meghealth.gov.in.
3. Document Verification: Attend the physical screening at Civil Hospital, Shillong or Tura with original documents (PRC, ST Certificate, NEET Scorecard).
4. Merit List: Wait for the state merit list to be published.
5. Seat Allotment: Based on your rank and category, seats in NEIGRIHMS, Shillong Medical College, or “Central Pool” seats in other states will be allotted.
Conclusion
Securing a medical seat under the Meghalaya NEET state quota 2026 requires more than just a good NEET score. It demands strict compliance with Meghalaya MBBS domicile requirements, a valid PRC certificate, and awareness of the state reservation policy. By keeping all documents updated and understanding the Meghalaya NEET counselling process, candidates can significantly improve their chances of securing an MBBS seat in Meghalaya.
For expert guidance and structured preparation, students can explore our NEET coaching programs at SPM Lalans or visit the home page for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
1. Can non-tribal students apply for the Meghalaya NEET State Quota Eligibility?
Yes. Most seats are reserved for indigenous Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo tribes, but non-tribal students can apply if they are permanent residents of Meghalaya. They need a Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) and can compete for the 15% Unreserved (Open) seats.
2. What is the minimum NEET score required for Meghalaya NEET State Quota Eligibility?
To qualify for state counseling, you must meet the NEET-UG 2026 cutoff: about 130–140 marks for General candidates (50th percentile) and 105–115 marks for SC/ST/OBC candidates (40th percentile). However, top colleges like NEIGRIHMS often require higher scores.
3. Is a PRC mandatory for Meghalaya NEET State Quota Eligibility?
A Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) is required for non-tribal applicants, while tribal candidates must provide a Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate to claim reserved seats.
