UP NEET UG Counselling 2026: The UP NEET UG Counselling 2026 process is live now as per the official notice. Registration for Round 1 of UP NEET UG Counselling 2026 opened on August 7, 2026, and will close on August 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM.
The UP NEET UG Counselling 2026 is the centralized state-level admission process through which candidates who qualified the NEET UG exams secure admission to MBBS and BDS courses in government, government-aided, private, and autonomous medical and dental colleges across Uttar Pradesh.
UP NEET UG Counselling 2026 process is conducted entirely in online mode by the Directorate General of Medical Education and Training (DGME), Uttar Pradesh. This counselling process covers 85% of state quota seats in government colleges and 100% of seats in private and minority institutions.
Here is a comprehensive guide to the UP NEET UG Counselling 2026, including filling the registration form and uploading required documents, registration fee, and security deposit payment, initial registration through final seat allotment and admission. Are given below
Highlights of UP NEET UG Counselling 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Directorate General of Medical Education and Training (DGME), Uttar Pradesh |
| Official Portal | upneet.gov.in |
| Academic Session | 2026–27 |
| Programs Offered | MBBS and BDS |
| Quota Coverage | • 85% State Quota in Government Colleges • 100% Seats in Private & Minority Colleges |
| Registration Period | August 7 – August 12, 2026 (until 2:00 PM) |
| Counselling Rounds | Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up Round, and Stray Vacancy Round |
Important Dates for UP NEET UG Counselling 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Starts | August 7, 2026 (Friday) |
| Registration Ends | August 12, 2026 (Wednesday) |
| Document Verification | To be announced |
| Merit List Release | To be announced after registration closes |
| Choice Filling Begins | To be announced |
| Choice Filling Ends | To be announced |
| Choice Locking Deadline | To be announced |
| Seat Allotment Result | To be announced |
| Reporting to College (Phase 1) | To be announced |
| Reporting to College (Phase 2) | To be announced |
UP NEET UG Counselling participating institute and Seat Distribution
| Institution Type | Participating Quota in UP State Counselling (DGME) | Seat Allotment & Eligibility Highlights |
| Government Medical & Dental Colleges | 85% (State Quota) | • 85% seats are filled via UP State Counselling (requires UP domicile/eligibility). • 15% seats are filled across India via MCC counselling. |
| Private Medical & Dental Colleges | 100% (State Pool) | • 100% seats are allotted through UP State Counselling (upneet.gov.in). • Open to candidates from all states (no domicile required). • Minority Colleges: 50% reserved for minority quota, 50% open, but all 100% routed through the state portal. |
| Central Universities & AIIMS in UP (e.g., IMS BHU, JNMC AMU, AIIMS Gorakhpur, AIIMS Rae Bareli) | 0% | • 100% seats are filled via All India MCC Counselling (mcc.nic.in). • Not participating in UP State DGME counselling. |
Eligibility Criteria for UP NEET UG Counselling 2026
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Passed Class XII (10+2) from a recognized board |
| PCB Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Biology with minimum 50% aggregate |
| Reserved Category | SC/ST: 40% aggregate (5% relaxation) |
| English Subject | Must have studied English (core or elective) in Class XII |
| Entrance Exam | Valid NEET UG 2026 score (mandatory) |
| Age Limit | Minimum 17 years as on December 31, 2026 |
| Medical Fitness | Must be medically fit to pursue medicine |
| Nationality | Indian nationals (NRI/OCI/PIO subject to NEET eligibility) |
Domicile Eligibility (Critical for State Quota) for UP NEET UG Counselling 2026
For 85% State Quota Seats:
For UP State Quota (85% seats), a candidate is considered UP domicile if:
- They have studied in UP schools for at least 7 years
- OR studied in UP for Class XI–XII
- OR their parents have been UP residents for 5+ years
- OR they hold a valid UP domicile certificate
For Private and Minority College Seats: for UP NEET UG Counselling 2026
- Domicile requirement may vary; candidates should check specific college requirements
- Generally, private institutions may have more relaxed domicile policies
Note: Candidates without a valid UP domicile certificate are ineligible for state quota seats. Begin your domicile certificate application immediately if you don’t already have one, as the issuance process can be time-consuming.
Reservation Categories for UP NEET UG Counselling 2026
DGME UP follows the government’s reservation policies. Typical categories include:
- General (UR): Open to all candidates
- OBC (Other Backward Classes): Non-creamy layer candidates
- SC (Scheduled Caste): Reserved seats
- ST (Scheduled Tribe): Reserved seats
Candidates claiming reservation benefits must carry relevant certificates during document verification and admission reporting.
Registration Process for UP NEET UG Counselling 2026
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
- Navigate to the official website:upneet.gov.in
- Look for the registration link for UP NEET UG Counselling 2026 Round 1
- Ensure you are on the official DGME website to avoid phishing scams
Step 2: Create Your Login Account
- Click on the “New Registration” or “Register” option
- Enter your NEET UG roll number (provided during the NEET exam)
- Enter your application number (from NEET registration)
- Create a strong password for your account
- Enter your email address and mobile number for verification
- Verify your email and phone number through OTP
Step 3: Fill Personal Information
- Full name (as per NEET certificate)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Nationality
- Category (General/OBC/SC/ST)
- Caste/Tribe (if applicable)
- PWD status (if applicable)
Step 4: Fill Academic Details
- NEET UG 2026 roll number
- NEET rank
- NEET score
- Class 12 board and year of passing
- Class 12 percentage/CGPA
- Stream (Medical)
Step 5: Upload Documents for UP NEET UG Counselling 2026
Required documents to upload (scanned copies in PDF format):
- NEET UG admit card
- NEET UG result/score card
- Class 12 marksheet
- Class 10 marksheet (for age verification)
- Domicile certificate (for state quota eligibility)
- Caste certificate (if claiming reserved category)
- PWD certificate (if applicable)
- Migration certificate (if passed 12th from outside Uttar Pradesh)
Document Specifications: for UP NEET UG Counselling 2026
- Size: Each document should be between 100 KB and 500 KB
- Format: PDF preferred
- Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI for clarity
Step 6: Select Nodal Centre
- Choose your preferred nodal centre for document verification
- Once selected, you cannot change it after registration closes
- Select a centre that is conveniently located and where you can report for verification
- Common nodal centres are located in major cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Meerut, and Varanasi
Step 7: Pay Registration Fee for UP NEET UG Counselling 2026
- Registration fee: ₹2,000 (non-refundable)
- Payment methods accepted: Debit card, credit card, net banking
- Cash and cheque payments are not accepted
- Keep your payment receipt for records
Step 8: Submit Application Form
- Carefully review all filled information
- Ensure all documents are uploaded correctly
- Click the “Submit” button
- Download and save your confirmation page
- Note your registration number for future reference
Total Time Required: Approximately 15-20 minutes for complete registration
Important Registration Guidelines for UP NEET UG Counselling 2026
- Accurate Information: Any discrepancy in personal details may lead to cancellation of candidature
- Document Quality: Ensure all documents are clearly visible and properly scanned
- Deadline: No late registrations are accepted; register before August 12, 2026
- One-Time Registration: You need to register only once for Round 1; the same registration remains valid for subsequent rounds
- Form Correction: Limited to no corrections are allowed after submission; be extremely careful while filling
Security Deposit Requirements for UP NEET UG Counselling 2026
The security deposit is a refundable fee required for choice filling and seat selection, ensuring that candidates commit to accepting their allotted seat.
| Category / Choice Type | Mandatory Refundable Security Deposit Amount |
|---|---|
| Government Colleges Only (Medical / Dental) | ₹30,000 |
| Private Dental Colleges Only (or Autonomous/Dental stream options) | ₹1,00,000 |
| Both Government & Private Colleges (or Private Medical Colleges) | ₹2,00,000 |
When to Pay Security Deposit?
- Security deposit must be paid after registration closes and before choice filling begins
- Candidates who fail to pay the security deposit will be ineligible for choice filling
- The payment window will be announced separately
How to Pay Security Deposit?
- Online payment through debit card, credit card, or net banking
- Payment must be made on the official upneet.gov.in portal only
- Keep the payment receipt and transaction ID
- Refund (if applicable) will be processed after the counselling round concludes
Refund Policy
- Security deposit is refundable after the entire counselling cycle
- If a candidate participates in a round and either secures a seat or exercises the free exit option, their security deposit will be refunded
- Candidates who fail to participate in choice filling will also receive their refund
- Processing of refunds typically takes 2-3 weeks post-admission process
Choice Filling and Locking Process for UP NEET UG Counselling 2026
Choice filling is the stage where candidates select their preferred colleges and courses based on their merit rank, available seats, and personal preferences
How Many Choices Can You Fill? for UP NEET UG Counselling 2026
- Candidates can fill as many valid college-course combinations as they wish
- There is no upper limit on the number of choices
- DGME UP recommends filling all available options to maximize chances of getting a preferred seat
How to Fill Choices for UP NEET UG Counselling 2026
Step 1: Access the Choice Filling Portal
- Log in to upneet.gov.in using your credentials
- Click on the “Choice Filling” option
- Download the seat matrix to understand available seats
Step 2: Study the Seat Matrix for UP NEET UG Counselling 2026
- Review the total seats available in each college
- Check the breakdown by category (General, OBC, SC, ST)
- Note the expected cutoffs based on previous year data
- Understand the course code for MBBS and BDS
Step 3: Select Your Preferences for UP NEET UG Counselling 2026
- Start filling colleges in order of preference
- Higher preferences should be given to your most desired colleges
- Include a mix of colleges based on your rank and expected cutoff
- Add backup options to ensure seat allotment
Step 4: Lock Your Choices
- Once all choices are filled, review them carefully
- Click the “Lock” or “Submit” button
- Important: Once locked, choices cannot be modified
- Download the locked choice document as proof
Strategic Tips for Choice Filling
- Know Your Rank: Compare your rank with previous year cutoffs for each college and category
- Diverse Options: Include a good mix of aspirational, realistic, and safe choices
- College Research: Thoroughly research colleges before locking choices regarding infrastructure, faculty, placements, and fees
- Prefer Quality: Don’t just rank colleges by location; prioritize quality and reputation
- Fill Maximum Choices: More choices increase the probability of favorable allotment
- Backup Choices: Always include safe options that match your expected range
Important Guidelines for UP NEET UG Counselling 2026
- Choices can only be locked during the specified time window
- Once the deadline passes, no changes are allowed
- Failure to lock choices will result in automatic inclusion based on previous locked choices (if any)
- Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria for each college-course combination
Merit List: NEET UG Counselling 2026
After reviewing eligibility and applying state reservation rules, DGME UP publishes the official merit list using your NEET UG 2026 scores. You must be featured on this rank list to participate in choice filling and secure a seat allocation.
Merit List Preparation Criteria for UP NEET UG Counselling 2026
The merit list is prepared based on:
- NEET UG 2026 Score: The primary ranking criterion
- NEET UG Rank: As released by NTA
- Category: General, OBC, SC, ST (separate merit lists for each category)
- Domicile Status: For 85% state quota, separate ranking
- Reservation Benefits: Applied as per government norms
Merit List Contents
Each entry in the merit list includes:
- Candidate’s name
- NEET UG roll number
- NEET score and rank
- Assigned category
- State merit rank (within category)
- Eligibility status
When Will the Merit List Be Released?
The merit list will be released after the registration period closes (post-August 12, 2026). The exact date will be announced on upneet.gov.in.
Accessing Your Merit List
- Visit upneet.gov.in
- Log in with your NEET roll number and password
- Download your merit list document
- Note your state merit rank and category
- Verify all details for accuracy
What if Your Name Doesn’t Appear?
If your name is missing from the merit list, possible reasons include:
- Incomplete or incorrect registration
- Missing or invalid documents
- Failure to pay registration fee
- Not meeting eligibility criteria (age, marks, domicile)
- Incorrect NEET details provided during registration
In such cases, contact DGME UP immediately through the official website or visit your chosen nodal centre.
Seat Allotment Process and Merit-Based Allocation for NEET UG Counselling 2026
How Seat Allotment Works
Seat allotment in NEET UG Counselling 2026 is a transparent, automated computer-based process that works on the principle of “merit, preference, reservation.”
- Merit-Based Ranking: All candidates in a category are ranked by their NEET score
- Preference Processing: For each candidate (starting from the highest rank), the system checks their locked choices
- Seat Availability: The system assigns the highest-ranked available choice the candidate is eligible for
- Reservation Application: Seats are allocated considering category-based reservations
- Conflict Resolution: If multiple candidates are eligible for the same seat, the one with higher rank gets it
Key Principles of Allotment
- Merit First: Higher NEET rank candidates get preference
- Preference Honored: Candidates are allocated the best college from their locked choices that matches their rank
- Reservation Respected: All government reservation norms are strictly followed
- Transparency: Complete data of allotment is published online
Types of Allotment Rounds for NEET UG Counselling 2026
Round 1 Allotment
- First comprehensive allotment after choice filling
- Majority of candidates get seats in this round
- Candidates with filled choices participate
Round 2 Allotment
- For candidates who either rejected their Round 1 allotment or are participating for the first time
- Conducted after the Round 1 reporting window closes
- May have slightly lower cutoffs due to seat availability changes
Mop-Up Round
- Conducted for seats that remain vacant after Round 2
- Candidates who couldn’t secure seats in previous rounds can participate
- Increased chances of allotment due to high vacancy
Stray Vacancy Round
- Final round to fill any remaining seats
- Usually operates on a first-come-first-served basis combined with merit
- Last opportunity for candidates to secure seats
Seat Allotment Result Announcement
- Allotment results are published online on upneet.gov.in
- Candidates can check their allotment status using login credentials
- Allotment letters can be downloaded immediately after the result announcement
- Letters contain college name, course, seat category, and reporting instructions
What If You Don’t Get a Seat?
If your name doesn’t appear in the allotment result:
- You remain eligible for subsequent rounds (Round 2, Mop-Up, Stray Vacancy)
- Participation is automatic if you filled choices
- You can also modify choices (if applicable) for the next round
- The free exit option (if available) allows you to withdraw without cancellation
Document Verification and Reporting for NEET UG Counselling 2026
Document verification occurs after registration closes but before choice filling begins. DGME UP will announce the exact timeline.
Documents Required for Verification
- Original NEET UG admit card
- NEET UG rank card/result certificate
- Class 12 marksheet (original and copy)
- Class 10 marksheet (original and copy)
- Domicile certificate (original and copy)
- Caste/tribe certificate if applicable (original and copy)
- PWD certificate if claiming benefit (original and copy)
- Aadhar card or any photo ID
- Migration certificate (if applicable)
Note: Keep 2-3 sets of photocopies, as verification centres sometimes require additional copies.
Reporting to Allotted College
Phase 1 Reporting
- Candidates allotted in Round 1 must report within the specified window (dates to be announced)
- Report with original allotment letter and all original documents
Phase 2 Reporting
- Second opportunity for candidates who couldn’t report in Phase 1
- Date and time depend on the counselling schedule
Documents for College Reporting
- Provisional allotment letter
- Original NEET UG admit card and rank card
- Class 10 and 12 original certificates/marksheets
- Domicile certificate
- Caste/SC/ST certificate (if applicable)
- Photo identity proof
- Medical fitness certificate (to be obtained at college)
- Passport-size photographs (4-6)
Admission Process at College
- Document verification by college authorities
- Payment of admission and other college fees
- Registration with the medical council
- Hostel allotment (if applicable)
- Collection of admission slip
NEET UG Counselling 2026: College Admission Fees
- Government College MBBS: Approximately ₹1,00,000 – ₹3,00,000 per annum (varies by college)
- Government College BDS: Approximately ₹50,000 – ₹2,00,000 per annum
- Private College MBBS: Approximately ₹15,00,000 – ₹50,00,000 per annum (highly variable)
- Private College BDS: Approximately ₹5,00,000 – ₹25,00,000 per annum
Other Costs
- Hostel fees (if applicable)
- Examination fees
- Books and materials
- Uniform and insignia
- Medical and miscellaneous charges
FAQ for NEET UG Counselling 2026
Q1: Can I participate in both MCC (All India Quota) and UP state counselling?
Yes, candidates can participate in both simultaneously, but they must meet eligibility criteria for both and can claim only one seat.
Q2: Is there any correction window after registration closes?
Generally, corrections are not allowed. Be extremely careful while filling the registration form.
Q3: Can I change my nodal centre after registration?
No, the nodal centre cannot be changed after registration closes. Select carefully.
Q4: What if I miss the reporting deadline?
Missing the reporting deadline may result in cancellation of your allotted seat. Submit an explanation to the college immediately if there’s a genuine emergency.
Q5: Can I hold multiple allotted seats?
No, you must choose only one seat to report to. Allotment of multiple seats is not permitted.
Q6: Is a domicile certificate mandatory for all candidates?
Yes, mandatory for 85% state quota seats in government colleges. Private institutions may have different policies.
Q7: How long does the counselling process take?
The entire process (registration to final admission) typically takes 4-5 weeks, though this can extend with multiple rounds.
Q8: Can I upgrade my allotted seat in subsequent rounds?
Yes, you can attempt to secure a better college in Round 2 or Mop-Up by exercising the right to participate with your score.