NEET UG 2026 Counselling Round 1 Choice Filling and Choice Locking process has officially started from 6 August 2026. The Choice Filling process is open from 6 August 2026 to 13 August 2026, while the Choice Locking process is open from 12 August 2026 to 13 August 2026 (11:00 A.M.).
NEET candidates who have successfully registered for MCC NEET Counselling 2026 can now fill and lock their preferred medical and dental colleges within the prescribed timeline. This blog from Matrix NEET Division walks you through the dates, the step-by-step process, and the rules to follow before you lock your choices.
What is the NEET UG 2026 Counselling Round 1 Choice Filling/Locking Process?
The NEET 2026 Counselling Round 1 Choice Filling and Choice Locking Process is a crucial stage where already registered candidates select and arrange their preferred medical colleges as well as courses in order of priority through the MCC counselling process. Candidates are allowed to add, remove, rearrange, or modify their choices multiple times before the Choice Filling deadline. It is necessary to lock final choices within the timeline.
If a candidate does not lock the choices before the deadline, the system generally auto-locks the saved choices after the completion of the Choice Filling period. The final locked choices are considered for Round 1 seat allotment based on the student’s NEET 2026 rank, reservation policy, seat availability, and candidate preferences.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Process Started | 6 August 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) |
| Mode | Online from the MCC Official Website |
| Applicable For | Registered NEET UG 2026 candidates |
| Purpose | Selection of preferred colleges and courses |
| Basis of Seat Allotment | NEET Rank, Choices Filled, Reservation & Seat Availability |
NEET 2026 Counselling Round 1 Choice Filling/Locking Process Important Dates
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has announced the official schedule for Round 1 Choice Filling and Choice Locking on 1 August 2026 through an official notification. Candidates should participate actively in the counselling process within the specified timeline to avoid missing the opportunity for Round 1 seat allotment, as mentioned below-
| Activity | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Choice Filling Starts | 6 August 2026 |
| Choice Filling Ends | 13 August 2026 (11:00 A.M. as per Server Time) |
| Choice Locking Starts | 12 August 2026 (04:00 P.M. as per Server Time) |
| Choice Locking Ends | 13 August 2026 (11:00 A.M. as per Server Time) |
Check the complete MCC NEET 2026 Counselling Schedule to not miss any important date.
How to Apply for NEET 2026 Counselling Round 1 Choice Filling/Locking Process?
Candidates who have completed the MCC counselling registration process can participate in the Choice Filling and Choice Locking process through the official MCC website. Students can directly log in with their credentials to the MCC portal by clicking on the attached link:
NEET 2026 Counselling- Apply for Choice Filling and Locking Process (Live)
Students can follow the easy steps mentioned below to carefully apply for the Round 1 Choice Filling and Locking Process-
- Step 1: Visit the official MCC counselling portal.
- Step 2: Log in using your NEET UG 2026 application credentials.
- Step 3: Open the Choice Filling section.
- Step 4: Select your preferred colleges and courses from the available list.
- Step 5: Arrange the selected choices in your preferred order of priority.
- Step 6: Save your choices regularly while making changes.
- Step 7: Review all selected choices carefully before the locking period begins.
- Step 8: During the Choice Locking window, lock your final choices after confirming every preference.
- Step 9: Download and keep a copy of the locked choices for future reference.
How to Improve Your Overall Chances During NEET 2026 Counselling Choice Filling and Locking Process?
Before submitting your choices for NEET Counselling, candidates should understand a few important points that can directly create an impact on their seat allotment chances. Proper planning and careful selection of colleges can improve the chances of getting a preferred seat.
- Candidates should fill the maximum possible number of choices to improve allotment opportunities.
- It is important to arrange colleges strictly according to your actual preference.
- Verify every college and course before adding it.
- Review all choices carefully before locking.
- Keep a copy of your final locked choices.
- Check only official MCC notifications for any updates.
Rules Regarding NEET 2026 Counselling Round 1 Choice Filling/Locking Process
Candidates must follow the official guidelines issued by MCC during the Choice Filling and Choice Locking process. Following these rules helps avoid mistakes that may affect seat allotment.
- Only registered candidates are eligible to participate in Choice Filling.
- Choice Filling and Choice Locking are conducted entirely in online mode.
- Candidates may add, delete, or rearrange choices before the deadline.
- Choice Locking is available only during the notified locking period.
- Once choices are locked, they cannot be modified for Round 1.
- Seat allotment is prepared based on NEET rank, reservation policy, seat availability, and the order of locked choices.
- Candidates should verify all choices before locking them.
- Candidates should preserve a copy of the final locked choices for future counselling stages.
- Candidates must follow all official MCC instructions throughout the counselling process.
Conclusion
NEET 2026 Counselling Round 1 Choice Filling closes at 11:00 A.M. on 13 August 2026; fill as many valid choices as you can, order them by genuine preference, and lock before the window shuts. If you don’t lock, the system uses your saved choices as they stand, so review the order once more before you do.
FAQs
The NEET UG 2026 Round 1 Choice Filling process started on 6 August 2026 and remains open till 13 August 2026, while the Choice Locking window opens from 12 August to 13 August 2026.
Only candidates who have completed MCC NEET 2026 counselling registration are eligible to participate in the Round 1 Choice Filling and Choice Locking process.
If candidates fail to lock their choices before the deadline, the MCC counselling system generally auto-locks all saved choices after the Choice Filling period ends.
No. Once the choices are locked during the official locking period, candidates cannot modify, delete, or rearrange their preferences for Round 1 counselling.
Candidates should fill the maximum number of choices, arrange colleges by genuine preference, review previous years’ cutoffs, and include dream, realistic, and safe options.
Round 1 seat allotment is based on the candidate’s NEET 2026 rank, reservation category, seat availability, and the final order of locked choices.
