NEET COUNSELING PROCEDURE

NEET Counseling Procedure

The NEET Counseling Procedure is the process through which students who have qualified for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) are allotted seats in medical and dental colleges across India. The counseling process is conducted by the Medical Counseling Committee (MCC) for All India Quota (AIQ) seats and by various State Counseling Authorities for State Quota seats. Here’s a step-by-step guide to understanding the NEET counseling process:

1. Registration for NEET Counseling

• All India Quota (AIQ) Counseling: This is managed by the Medical Counseling Committee (MCC), which handles the counseling for 15% of the total seats in government medical and dental colleges across India.
• State Quota Counseling: Each state conducts its own counseling process for the remaining 85% of the seats in the respective state’s medical and dental colleges.

To begin the counseling process, candidates must register online on the respective websites:

• MCC (for AIQ): https://mcc.nic.in
• State Counseling Websites (for State Quota): Websites vary by state (e.g., KEAM for Kerala, NEET UG for Maharashtra, etc.).

Candidates need to provide their NEET roll number, personal details, and other required information during the registration process.

2. Payment of Counseling Fee

• During the registration process, candidates need to pay a counseling fee. This fee varies depending on the counseling authority (AIQ or State) and the category (General/OBC/SC/ST).
• For AIQ counseling, the fee is around ₹1,000 for general candidates and ₹500 for SC/ST candidates (subject to change).

3. Choice Filling and Locking

• Choice Filling: After registration and payment, candidates can choose their preferred colleges and courses. You can select as many options as you like, but make sure to prioritize them in order of preference.
• Choice Locking: Once you have filled out your choices, you need to lock them. If you do not lock your choices, the system will automatically lock them for you after the deadline.
• Important Tip: Be strategic in selecting choices, keeping in mind your NEET rank and the availability of seats.

4. Seat Allotment Process

• The seat allotment is based on the candidate’s NEET rank, preferences, availability of seats in the selected colleges, and the category under which they are applying (General, OBC, SC, ST, etc.).
• The allotment process typically happens in multiple rounds. The process involves:
  • First Round: Allotment of seats based on the highest priority choice and rank.
  • Second Round: If candidates do not accept the seat offered in the first round or have not been allotted a seat, a second round is conducted.
  • Mop-up Round: This is the final round for seat allotment if there are still vacant seats.
• Note: There can be an upgradation of seats in subsequent rounds. If you are allotted a seat in the second or third round, you may be upgraded to a better college or course.

5. Document Verification

• After seat allotment, candidates need to go through document verification at the counseling center or online.
• Documents required for verification include:
  • NEET Admit Card
  • NEET Result/Scorecard
  • 10th and 12th Mark Sheets
  • Birth Certificate/School Leaving Certificate
  • Category Certificate (if applicable)
  • Passport-size Photographs
  • Identity Proof (Aadhaar card, Voter ID, etc.)
  • Domicile Certificate (for State Quota counseling)
• Tip: Keep both original documents and photocopies handy for the verification process.

6. Seat Confirmation and Payment of Admission Fee

• Once the seat is allotted and documents are verified, you will need to accept the seat by paying the admission fee. This fee varies based on the institution and whether it’s a government or private medical college.
• AIQ counseling requires the payment of an initial fee to confirm the seat. The fee can be adjusted later during the admission process in the allotted college.
• After paying the fee, you will be given a provisional allotment letter.

7. Reporting to the Allotted College

• After confirming the seat and paying the admission fee, you need to report to the allotted medical or dental college for final admission.
• At the college, you will need to complete any remaining formalities, such as submitting original documents, completing the medical check-up, and attending orientation.

8. Seat Acceptance or Withdrawal

• Seat Acceptance: Once you have accepted the seat and paid the admission fee, you can attend classes in the allotted institution.
• Seat Withdrawal: If you are not satisfied with the allotted seat, you may opt for upgradation in subsequent rounds. However, withdrawing from the seat after confirmation might lead to the forfeiture of the admission fee.
• Refund Policy: In case a candidate withdraws from the seat before the last round of counseling, there is usually a refund policy for the paid amount (minus processing charges).

9. Reporting and Joining (In case of Upgradation)

• If you were upgraded to a better college or course in the subsequent rounds, you need to report to the new college for admission.
• If you were upgraded, you need not pay the fee again, but you may need to provide the updated documents as per the new college’s requirement.

10. Mop-Up Round (If applicable)

• If seats remain vacant after all rounds of counseling, a mop-up round is conducted.
• The mop-up round is typically reserved for candidates who did not secure any seat in previous rounds.
• The process is similar to previous rounds but may involve less choice and more flexibility in accepting allotted seats.

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Key Points to Remember:

• Choice Filling is important, and you should fill in as many options as possible to improve your chances of getting a seat.
• Rank and Category (General/OBC/SC/ST) play a crucial role in seat allocation.
• Keep checking the official website for updates regarding counseling dates, rounds, and results.
• The admission fee and refund policies vary by institution and counseling authority.
• Document verification is an essential step in the process, so ensure you have all required documents.

By following these steps, candidates can successfully go through the NEET counseling process and secure a seat in one of India’s medical or dental colleges.