Types of NEET Counselling: MCC vs State Seats and Eligibility
The declaration of the NEET UG results brings in a wave of relief and confusion for aspirants. Where most of the students believe that the hard part of the NEET UG selection process is over with the result declaration, in reality the real struggle starts with the counselling process. The NEET counselling process is where many students either secure a good medical seat or lose opportunities due to lack of clarity. One of the most common confusion is understanding the types of NEET counselling, especially the difference between MCC counselling and State counselling.
If you are still stuck on what is the difference between MCC and state counselling, which one is the best for you, and if you’re eligible to apply for the both then this article is for you.
What is NEET Counselling?
NEET UG Counselling is the centralized admission process conducted after the declaration of the NEET UG results to allot seats in MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH courses in medical colleges across India. The allotment is done based on a candidate’s NEET rank, preferences filled, and applicable quota rules. The NEET counselling process is carried out by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and respective state authorities through multiple counselling rounds.
Key highlights of NEET counselling:
- Seat allotment based on NEET UG merit rank
- Covers 15% All India Quota and 85% State Quota seats
- Conducted by MCC (central level) and state counselling authorities
- Includes online registration, choice filling, and seat allotment
- Conducted in multiple rounds such as Round 1, Round 2, Mop-up, and Stray Vacancy
Types of NEET Counselling
In India, NEET UG counselling is mainly of two types. The first is MCC counselling for 15% All India Quota seats in government medical colleges along with seats in central and deemed universities like AIIMS and JIPMER. The second is State counselling, conducted by individual state authorities, which covers the remaining 85% state quota seats and all private medical colleges within the state.
MCC Counselling in NEET Exam
MCC or the Medical Counselling Committee is a centralized online counselling process for allotting seats in MBBS, BDS, and BSc Nursing courses to eligible candidates based on their NEET UG rank. It is conducted at the national level and allows students from across India to compete for All India Quota and central institute seats through a common counselling platform.
Who conducts MCC Counselling?
MCC counselling is conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
How many seats are covered under MCC Counselling?
The NEET MCC counselling covers 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats in government medical and dental colleges. The seats are not restricted to any single state and are open to candidates from all over the country. It also covers:
- 100% seats in Central Universities, such as AIIMS, JIPMER, BHU, AMU, ESIC, and DU/Jamia Millia Islamia (Dental)
- 100% seats in Deemed Universities
- BSc Nursing seats in central institutions
- AFMC seats (registration through MCC; separate selection process)
What is the eligibility for NEET MCC Counselling?
As per the guidelines of the mcc.nic.in/ to participate in MCC counselling, a candidate must, candidates must:
- Qualify NEET UG with the required cut-off score
- Be an Indian National / OCI / NRI, as applicable to the seat type
- Complete online registration on the official MCC websiteMeet the eligibility conditions specified by MCCThere is no domicile requirement for MCC counselling.
State Counselling in NEET Exam
State counselling in NEET is the state-level counselling process for allotting seats in MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses to candidates based on their NEET UG rank. It is conducted separately by each state like MP State counselling, WB State counselling etc., and mainly focuses on state quota and private medical college seats within that particular state. Unlike MCC counselling, state counselling is restricted to individual states and follows state-specific rules related to domicile, reservation, and eligibility.
Who conducts State Counselling?
The NEET State counselling is conducted by the respective state counselling authorities, such as the Directorate of Medical Education (DME), state medical boards, or designated counselling bodies appointed by the state government. Each state has its own counselling portal, schedule, and guidelines.
How many seats are covered under the State Counselling?
State counselling covers 85% State Quota MBBS seats in government medical And dental colleges. These seats are primarily meant for students who fulfil the state domicile criteria. State counselling includes:
- 100% seats in private medical and dental colleges within the state
- Seats in minority medical colleges, as per state rules
- The availability of seats and reservation policies may vary from state to state.
What is the eligibility for NEET State Counselling?
To participate in state counselling, candidates must:
- Qualify NEET UG with the required cutoff score
- Fulfil the domicile or eligibility criteria of the respective state
- Register on the official state counselling website
- Meet state-specific rules related to category and reservation
- Unlike MCC counselling, domicile is usually mandatory for government quota seats under state counselling.
Check: MBBS Bond in India 2025: State-Wise Rules, Duration & Penalties
How is the NEET State Counselling Process conducted?
The state counselling is conducted online in most states and follows a process similar to MCC counselling, including registration, choice filling, seat allotment, and reporting.
How many rounds are there in the NEET State Counselling?
The counselling is usually held in multiple rounds, such as Round 1, Round 2, Mop-up Round, and stray vacancy round, to ensure all seats are filled.
What is the difference Between MCC and State Counselling?
MCC counselling is conducted by a central authority at the national level, while state counselling is managed by the respective state authorities. Apart from this basic difference, there are several other factors that set MCC and state counselling apart, which are discussed below.
| Parameter | MCC Counselling | State Counselling |
| Conducting Authority | Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) | Directorate of Medical Education (DME), state medical boards, or designated respective state counselling authority |
| Seats Covered | 15% AIQ, Central Universities, Deemed Universities, AIIMS, JIPMER | 85% State Quota seats and all private colleges in the state |
| Domicile Requirement | Not required | Mandatory as per state rules |
| Reservation Rules | Central Government reservation norms | State-specific reservation policies |
| Eligible Candidates | Candidates from all over India | Candidates meeting state eligibility criteria |
| College Options | Top colleges across India | Colleges within one state only |

Can I apply for both MCC and State Counselling?
Yes, you can and you should apply for both MCC and state counselling if you are eligible. Many students believe that choosing one counselling automatically disqualifies them from the other which is not true. MCC and state counselling are conducted independently. Applying for both increases your chances of securing a medical seat and gives you more options during seat allotment.
Which is better: MCC Counselling or State Counselling?
There is no single correct answer to this query as whether MCC counselling or state counselling depends on individual factors such as:
- NEET score and rank
- State domicile advantages
- Category reservation
- Preference for government or private colleges
- Willingness to study outside your home state
Common Mistakes Students Make During NEET Counselling
Even after clearing NEET, many students miss good seats because of simple mistakes. Here are common mistakes to avoid during NEET counselling:
- Not applying for both counselling types: Some students only apply for MCC or state counselling, missing chances in the other.
- Wrong choice filling: Filling colleges randomly can lead to getting a seat you don’t want. Always list colleges in the order you prefer.
- Ignoring mop-up or stray vacancy rounds: These rounds give extra chances to get a seat or upgrade. Skipping them is not a wise idea.
- Not checking eligibility: Failing to check rules like domicile, category, or special quotas can lead to rejection.
- Thinking counselling is automatic: You must register, fill choices, lock them, and attend rounds. Nothing happens on its own.
For detailed guidance on counseling and seat allotment, check our NEET Counseling Guide or explore Top Government Medical Colleges.
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FAQs
What is NEET Counselling ?
NEET counselling is the process of seat allocation for MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH courses based on NEET rank
What are the types of NEET counselling?
NEET counselling is mainly of two types: MCC counselling for AIQ and State counselling for state quota seats
Who conducts MCC counselling?
MCC counselling is conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) under DGHS, Ministry of Health.
Who conducts State counselling?
State counselling is conducted by the respective state authorities like DME or state medical boards.
How many seats are covered under MCC counselling?
MCC counselling covers 15% AIQ seats, central & deemed universities, AIIMS, JIPMER, and BSc Nursing seats
How many seats are covered under State counselling?
State counselling covers 85% state quota seats in government colleges and all private colleges in the state
Can I apply for both MCC and State counselling?
Yes, candidates can apply for both if eligible, increasing their chances of securing a medical seat
Is domicile required for MCC counselling?
No, MCC counselling does not require domicile; candidates from all over India can apply
Is domicile required for State counselling?
Yes, domicile is usually mandatory for state quota seats in State counselling.
What are common mistakes during NEET counselling?
Common mistakes include not applying for both counselling types, wrong choice filling, skipping mop-up rounds, or ignoring eligibility rules
