NEET UG Counselling Process, AIQ, and State Quota Admissions Explained

Hey NEET (UG) aspirants!

After the NEET (UG) exam results, the next significant step is the NEET counselling process.

You might have questions like, 

‘What’s the difference between AIQ and state quota?’

‘How can you ensure your name appears on the correct merit list?’ 

‘What happens if you don’t secure a seat in the first round?’

If words like AIQ, state quota, and choice filling sound confusing, don’t worry. We’ve got the answers.

Let’s break down the NEET (UG) counselling process in a way that’s simple and easy for you to understand.

What is the NEET (UG) Counselling Process?

Knowing how to navigate this process is just as important as cracking the exam itself.

So, what is NEET (UG) Counselling?

NEET counselling is the process through which students are allotted seats in medical and dental colleges across India, based on their NEET scores.

Why is NEET Counselling Important?

NEET counselling is important because it directly impacts your medical career.

It’s not just about choosing a top college.

It's about securing your place in the right course that fits your goals and aspirations. 

Your rank, category, and preferences play a big role in the quality of education you’ll receive, the exposure you will gain, and the opportunities available to you during your medical journey. 

NEET (UG) Counselling Seat Allocation Process

There are two main categories for seat allocation: AIQ (All India Quota) and State Quota. Understanding how each works will help you decide which to choose during MCC NEET counselling schedule.

1. All India Quota (AIQ): 15% of seats in government medical colleges across India.
2. State Quota: 85% of seats reserved for candidates of that particular state.

Student contemplating whether to select NEET (UG) AIQ or state quota

NEET (UG) AIQ Counselling Quota

The All India Quota (AIQ) covers the following seats:

15% of seats in government medical colleges across all states and

100% of seats in Central Universities (like BHU, AMU), Deemed Universities, AIIMS, and JIPMER institutions.

NEET AIQ Counselling is managed by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC).

MCC sets the eligibility rules and reservation policies for the AIQ, and a common merit list based on NEET scores is used for admission nationwide. Visit the official MCC website (mcc.nic.in) for all details related to AIQ counselling.

Reservation Policy for 15% All India Quota:

• SC: 15%
• ST: 7.5%
• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 27%
• EWS: 10%
• PwD: 5% (Horizontal Reservation)

NEET (UG) State Counselling Quota

The State Quota covers the following seats: 

85% of seats in government medical colleges and 

100% of seats in private medical colleges.

NEET (UG) state counselling is managed by the state authorities.

Each state sets its own eligibility rules and reservation policies, and merit lists based on NEET scores are used for admission. Visit your respective state’s NEET counselling portal for registration.

NEET (UG) AIQ vs State Quota

Each of these NEET (UG) admission quotas have a different process, timeline, and authority managing it. And yes—you can opt for both. 

However, you need to meet the eligibility criteria for each category, and the processes for AIQ and State Quota are managed separately by different authorities. 

It’s important to check the guidelines for each quota and ensure that you register accordingly on both the MCC portal for AIQ and the respective State portals for State Quota seats. 

NEET (UG) Counselling Rounds

NEET (UG) Counselling Rounds are conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC).

The NEET (UG) online counseling process will consist of four rounds:

• Round 1
• Round 2
• Round 3 (previously called AIQ Mop-Up Round)
• Stray Vacancy Round

1. Online Registration

Visit: mcc.nic.in

Steps:

1. Register
2. Pay fees (Registration + Security Deposit)
3. Fill and lock your college/course choices

2. Round 1

✅ Seat Allotted:

• Report to the college
• Option to continue in the same college or opt for upgradation to Round 2

❌ Seat Not Allotted:

• You are eligible for Round 2

Note: Free Exit allowed if you don’t report after Round 1.

3. Round 2

Fresh choice filling required (Round 1 choices are no longer valid)

✅ Seat Allotted:

• Joined → You may choose upgradation to Round 3
• Not Joined → Security deposit is forfeited

❌ Seat Not Allotted:

• Still eligible for further rounds

4. Round 3

Fresh registration and choice filling required (Round 2 choices become invalid)

✅ Seat Allotted:

• Joined → No more upgradation or resignation allowed
• Not Joined → Eliminated from counselling (no further rounds)

❌ Seat Not Allotted:

• Eligible for Stray Round

5. Stray Round

Last chance for admission. Fresh registration and choice filling required

✅ Seat Allotted

• Joined → Cannot resign
• Not Joined → Fees forfeited

Let’s take a look at the NEET (UG) Counselling Process in a tabular format:

Here is the official NEET counselling round schedule for 2024, as published by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) on their official website.

NEET (UG) Counselling Process Flowchart 1

NEET (UG) Counselling Process Flowchart 2

NEET (UG) Counselling Fees

This table outlines the NEET AIQ counselling fees, including registration fees and security deposits for different categories of candidates. It also provides details on NEET counselling fees for state quota seats at deemed and central universities.

Required Documents for NEET (UG) Counselling

Following is a list of certificates/documents that are required for NEET (UG) counselling process:

• NEET Admit Card
• NEET Scorecard or Rank Letter
• Class 10 certificate and mark sheet (for date of birth)
• Class 12 certificate and mark sheet
• ID proof (Aadhar/PAN Card/Driving License/Passport)
• Eight passport-size photographs
• Provisional Allotment Letter
• Caste Certificate (if applicable)
• PwD Certificate (if applicable)

NRI/ OCI candidates appearing for Deemed Universities must submit the following documents:

• Passport copy of sponsored, embassy certificate
• Sponsorship affidavit (stating that the sponsorer is ready to bear the expenses for the whole duration of study)
• Relationship Affidavit (Relation of Candidate with the sponsor)

In Summary

The NEET counselling process isn’t just about filling forms—it’s about strategic decision-making. The more you understand the steps, the better your chances of landing a seat that matches your dreams.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments or reach out—we're here to help make your NEET journey a little smoother. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When will NEET (UG) counselling start for AIQ and State Quota?

Ans: The NEET (UG) counselling date has not been set yet. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) will conduct the counselling for All India Quota (AIQ) seats, while state authorities will handle the State Quota counselling.

2. What is the difference between AIQ and State Quota in NEET counselling?

Ans: The NEET All India Quota (AIQ) comprises 15% of the total seats in government medical colleges across India, including institutions like AIIMS, JIPMER, BHU, and AMU. These seats are open to all NEET-qualified candidates, regardless of their domicile. The NEET State Quota accounts for 85% of the seats in government medical colleges within a particular state, reserved for candidates who are domiciled in that state. 

3. Who is eligible for AIQ counselling in NEET?

Ans: All NEET-qualified candidates are eligible to participate in AIQ counselling, regardless of their state of origin. However, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria set by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and the respective institutions.

4. Can I participate in both AIQ and State Quota counselling?

Ans: Yes, you can participate in both NEET AIQ and State Quota counselling. However, you must register separately for each counselling process: one on the MCC portal for AIQ seats and another on the respective State's counselling portal for State Quota seats. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for NEET state quota and AIQ. Follow the guidelines for each NEET counselling process.

5. How to register for NEET AIQ counselling?

Ans: To register for NEET AIQ counselling, visit the official MCC website (mcc.nic.in) once the counselling process begins. The NEET (UG) counselling registration process typically involves:

• Filling in personal and academic details.
• Paying the registration and security deposit fees.
• Submitting required documents.
• Filling and locking your preferred choices of courses and colleges.

Detailed instructions will be provided on the MCC website when the NEET counselling commences.

6. Is there a separate NEET counselling process for private medical colleges?

Ans: Yes, private medical colleges conduct their own NEET counselling process. These colleges may have their own eligibility criteria, fee structures, and admission procedures.

7. Can I upgrade my seat in NEET counselling after Round 1?

Ans: Yes, seat upgradation is possible in NEET counselling. If you are allotted a seat in Round 1 and choose to join it, you can opt for upgradation in Round 2.

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