NEET PG 2025 Counselling Guide: NEET PG 2025 is the key step to MD, MS, and DNB postgraduate medical seats across India. NEET PG 2025 counselling determines how India’s future specialists secure their postgraduate medical seats. With lakhs of aspirants competing for limited seats, understanding the counselling process is just as important as scoring well in the exam.
This year, the Supreme Court has mandated a synchronised schedule for All India Quota (AIQ) and State quota counselling, aiming to curb seat blocking and streamline admissions.
From registration and choice filling to seat allotment, bond service rules, and penalties, this guide provides a complete, step-by-step roadmap to help candidates understand NEET PG 2025 counselling with clarity and confidence.
Overview of NEET PG 2025 Counselling Process
NEET PG counselling is conducted at two levels.
Centralised All India Quota Counselling
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) under the DGHS, MoHFW handles 50% All-India Quota (AIQ) seats for MD/MS/Diploma in government colleges, 100% seats in deemed and central universities, as well as DNB courses on an all-India basis.
State Counselling
The remaining 50% state quota seats in government colleges and 100% of private college seats are filled by the respective state counselling authorities.
For NEET PG 2025, the Supreme Court has directed a nationally synchronised counselling calendar to align AIQ and state counselling rounds. This means the timeline of state and central rounds will be coordinated to reduce vacant seat issues and “seat blocking”.
NEET PG 2025 Counselling: Expected Schedule
The NEET PG 2025 counselling schedule will be announced by MCC and state authorities after the NEET PG 2025 results (which are expected on 3 September 2025).
NEET PG Counselling Guide 2025 | |
---|---|
MCC NEET PG Counselling Guide eBook 2025 | 📥 Download |
DNB Counselling Book 2025 | 📥 Download |
Stage | AIQ (MCC) Dates (Expected) | State Counselling (Expected) |
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Result Declaration | Early Sept 2025 | — |
Round 1 Registration & Choices | Mid–Late Sept 2025 | Late Sept–Oct 2025 |
Round 1 Seat Allotment | Oct 2025 | Oct–Nov 2025 |
Round 1 Reporting | Oct 2025 (Free Exit allowed) | Oct–Nov 2025 |
Round 2 Registration | Nov 2025 | Nov–Dec 2025 |
Round 2 Seat Allotment | Nov–Dec 2025 | Dec 2025 |
Round 2 Reporting | Dec 2025 (No free exit) | Dec 2025 |
Mop-Up Round | Dec 2025 – Jan 2026 | Jan 2026 |
Stray Vacancy Round | Jan–Feb 2026 | Jan–Feb 2026 |
Academic Session Begins | Dec 2025 – Jan 2026 | Dec 2025 – Jan 2026 |
NEET PG 2025 Counselling (AIQ)
Result Declaration- 3 September
- NEET PG 2025 result and rank list will be released (exam held on 3 August 2025 as per the Supreme Court’s order).
- Only candidates above the qualifying percentile (decided by NBEMS/NMC) will be eligible.
- In past years, the cutoff was reduced if seats remained vacant.
Round 1 Registration (AIQ & State)- Mid/Late September 2025
- MCC registration opens for:
- 50% AIQ seats
- DNB seats
- Central/Deemed Universities
- State counselling may start around the same time or later (often after AIQ Round 1 results).
- Candidates must register separately for MCC and each state where they want to participate.
Choice Filling & Seat Allotment (Round 1)- Sep–Oct/Nov 2025
- Candidates submit and lock choices of colleges/specialties.
- Seat allotment results released by MCC (AIQ) and by state authorities (state quota).
- Candidates download their allotment letters.
Reporting & Joining (Round 1)- Oct/Nov 2025
- Allotted candidates report to the college with original documents, allotment letter, and bond (if required).
- Free exit allowed in Round 1:
- If you don’t join, there is no penalty.
- You can still participate in Round 2.
Round 2 (AIQ & State)- Nov/Dec 2025
- Fresh choice filling is mandatory.
- New registration only for fresh candidates (Round 1 registered candidates continue).
- No free exit:
- If you are allotted a seat and don’t join, the security deposit is forfeited, and you are out of further rounds.
- Upgradation allowed for the Round 1 joined candidates.
- Once you take admission in Round 2, you cannot resign without penalty.
- Strict rules against seat blocking (fee forfeiture, disqualification, college penalties).
Mop-Up Round (Round 3)- Dec 2025 to Jan 2026
- Conducted by MCC for:
- Leftover AIQ seats
- 100% Deemed/Central University seats
- DNB seats
- States also conduct mop-up for leftover quota/private seats.
- Some counsellings allow fresh registration.
- Possibility of upgradation from Round 2.
- After AIQ Round 2, unfilled seats may be retained by MCC instead of reverting to states (as per new SC directives).
Stray Vacancy Round- Jan/Feb 2026
- Final round to fill any remaining seats.
- AIQ counselling: MCC directly allots leftover seats (usually no fresh choice filling).
- State counselling: States hold their own stray rounds; some allow colleges to fill at institute level.
- MCC also conducts stray rounds for Deemed Universities to prevent malpractices.
- Counselling usually ends by February 2026.
Commencement of Academic Session
- NMC and the Supreme Court mandate PG academic sessions must begin by a set deadline.
- For 2024, classes started on 20 December 2024, even while counselling continued.
- For 2025, classes may begin in late 2025, but late joiners from mop-up/stray rounds will be accommodated.
Key Notes
Example: NEET PG 2025 exam date itself was shifted from June to August 2025 by SC.
Always check official MCC and state notifications for latest updates.
Dates and policies may change due to Supreme Court orders or NMC decisions.
NEET PG 2025 Counselling: All India Quota vs State Quota Counselling
One of the most frequent questions is how All India Quota (AIQ) counselling differs from State Quota counselling. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences and overlaps.
Category | AIQ Counselling | State Quota Counselling |
Seat Distribution | • 50% of seats in all govt medical colleges (except J&K). • 100% seats in Central Universities (BHU, AMU, DU, etc.) and Central Institutes (VMMC & SJH, RML, ABVIMS). • 100% seats in Deemed Universities (private deemed-to-be universities). • DNB seats across India (domicile-free, as per Supreme Court). | • 50% of state government college seats (mostly for domiciles or MBBS graduates of that state). • 100% seats in private medical colleges (non-deemed) and minority institutes. • Any unfilled/reverted AIQ seats returned to the state (if applicable). |
Counselling Authority | • Conducted by MCC (Medical Counselling Committee) under DGHS at mcc.nic.in. • Separate process for Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS). | • Conducted by State Counselling Authorities (e.g., DME, KEA, CET Cell, etc.). • Each state issues its own process and information bulletin. |
Eligibility | • Open to all NEET PG qualified candidates from any state. • Candidates from J&K can also apply if they submit the required affidavit. | • Usually restricted to domicile candidates or MBBS graduates of that state. • Some states allow outside candidates in private/management quota seats (e.g., Karnataka, Kerala). • Others strictly prefer locals (e.g., Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu). |
Registration | • Single registration on MCC’s portal. • Covers AIQ government seats, deemed universities, central universities, DNB, and AFMS (with extra steps). | • Restricted to that state’s colleges. • Often categorised separately into government, private, or minority colleges. |
Choice Filling | • Combined preference list including government AIQ seats, deemed universities, DNB seats, etc. | • Restricted to that state’s colleges. • Often categorised separately into government, private, or minority colleges. |
Seat Allotment & Reservation | • Central reservation policy: OBC – 27% EWS – 10% SC – 15% ST – 7.5% PwD – 5% • No reservation in deemed universities or private DNB seats (treated as open). | • Follows state-specific rules (regional OBC categories, EWS norms, minority quotas, etc.). |
Joining & Resignation Rules | • Round 1: Free Exit allowed. • Round 2: Resignation not allowed; withdrawal may cause fee/security forfeiture and possible debarment. • Upgradation allowed within AIQ rounds as per rules. | • Similar structure – usually free exit in Round 1. • Later resignation may attract penalties like paying full fees, bond penalties, or being barred from further counselling. |
Key Note:
- AIQ gives you access to premier institutes nationwide, with no domicile restriction.
- State Quota offers better chances for home-state candidates and includes private colleges.
- Best strategy: Register for both AIQ and your state counselling (and even other states, if eligible) to maximise chances.
- Be careful with resignation and joining rules to avoid losing money or getting barred.
Step-by-Step Guide: NEET PG 2025 Counselling Process (AIQ)
The NEET PG counselling process for All India Quota (AIQ) is conducted by MCC and serves as the template for most states. Below is the structured stepwise process.
Registration on MCC Portal
- Conducted at: mcc.nic.in
- Covers: AIQ 50% seats, Deemed Universities, Central Universities, DNB seats, AFMS
- Steps:
- Enter NEET PG roll number, rank, personal details.
- Pay registration + security deposit online.
- Fee Structure (as per 2024, subject to change in 2025)
- Registration Fee (non-refundable):
- ₹1000 – General AIQ counselling
- ₹500 – SC/ST/OBC (AIQ)
- ₹5000 – Deemed universities
- Security Deposit (refundable):
- ₹25,000 – AIQ (General/OBC)
- ₹10,000 – AIQ (SC/ST)
- ₹2,00,000 – Deemed universities
- Registration Fee (non-refundable):
- Important Notes:
- Refundable after counselling if no seat allotted OR if you join allotted seat.
- Forfeited if you’re allotted but do not join.
- Fresh registration is usually allowed in Round 2 for new candidates.
2. Choice Filling & Locking
- Candidates list preferences of courses & colleges under MCC.
- Options include: Government (AIQ 50%), Deemed, Central Universities (AMU, BHU, DU, etc.), DNB seats.
- No limit on the number of choices.
- Choices can be edited until the locking deadline. If not locked, system may auto-lock.
Tips:
- Research cut-offs, bonds, and fee structures before filling choices.
- Ensure you paid higher deposit if opting for deemed seats.
Seat Allotment- Round 1
- Seats allotted on the basis of NEET PG rank + reservation rules.
- Results published on the MCC portal.
Options after allotment:
- Join seat → Report to college with documents & fees.
- Free Exit → Do not join; no penalty, deposit safe, eligible for Round 2.
- Upgradation → If you join, you can still opt for an upgrade in Round 2.
Reporting to Allotted College (Round 1)
- Must report within 5–7 days with:
- NEET PG admit card & scorecard
- MBBS degree & registration certificate
- Internship completion certificate
- Identity proof & category certificate (if applicable)
- Demand draft/cash for tuition fee
- College verifies documents, collects fees, and uploads admission on the MCC portal.
Key Rules:
- If resigning after joining → Must do so via MCC online portal (before Round 2 results).
- Offline resignations not accepted (illegal, seat remains blocked).
Round 2 Allotment
- Vacant & unjoined seats from Round 1 carried forward.
- New registration allowed for fresh candidates.
- All candidates can refill/reorder choices.
Key Differences in Round 2:
- No Free Exit → If allotted, must join, else deposit forfeited + debarred from further AIQ rounds.
- Upgradation → If you joined Round 1 and get upgraded in Round 2, you must shift to the new seat.
- No Resignation Allowed after Round 2 – seats are binding (as per SC directives to prevent seat blocking).
Mop-Up Round (Round 3)
- For candidates who:
- Didn’t get a seat in Rounds 1 & 2.
- Registered but not allotted earlier.
- Resigned after Round 1 (before Round 2).
- Fresh registration may be allowed (varies year to year).
- Covers leftover AIQ, Central, Deemed, and DNB seats.
- Deposit forfeited if allotted seat not joined.
Online Stray Vacancy Round
- Conducted after Mop-Up for leftover seats.
- No new registration/choice filling → MCC auto-allots from existing pool of registered candidates.
- Candidates must join allotted seat immediately.
- Failure to join → possible debarment.
Final College Reporting & Admission Closure
- All allotted candidates must report to their respective institutes within deadlines.
- Tight timelines in Mop-Up/Stray rounds (sometimes just a few days).
- Refunds:
- Deposits refunded to candidates who did not get any seat, OR who joined successfully.
- Forfeited if you didn’t join a seat after allotment (Round 2 onwards).
Note Summary:
- Round 1 → Free Exit allowed.
- Round 2 → Allotment binding; no resignation.
- Mop-Up/Stray → Last chance; strict rules, fast reporting.
- Always follow MCC online process; offline actions are invalid.
The above steps describe MCC’s AIQ counselling. State PG counselling will have the same broad steps: online registration on the state portal, document verification (some states do online document upload, some may do physical verification), state-specific fee payment, choice filling for state colleges, and then state Round 1 result, joining (with usually a similar free exit in R1), then Round 2, mop-up, etc. One difference: a few states like Tamil Nadu historically conducted counselling in offline mode (by calling candidates for in-person allotment), but most have shifted to online choice filling now. Check each state’s 2025 prospectus for its procedure. |
Service Bond Rules and Seat Leaving Penalties in Different States (NEET PG 2025)
When taking admission through NEET PG counselling, candidates must carefully understand the service bond obligations and seat-leaving penalties in the state where they join. These rules vary widely across India and can have long-term career implications.
What is a Service Bond?
A service bond is a legal agreement requiring a medical graduate (MD/MS/DNB/Diploma) to:
- Serve in a government hospital (usually in the same state) for a fixed period, OR
- Pay a penalty amount if they choose not to serve.
Purpose: To ensure the availability of specialist doctors in rural/public health sectors.
Bond Duration and Penalty Amounts
Bond rules vary drastically across states. Below is a reference snapshot:
State | Bond Duration | Penalty Amount |
---|---|---|
Delhi | No bond | Nil |
Assam | 10 years | ₹30–50 lakh+ (service enforced) |
Uttarakhand | 2 years | ₹2.5 Crore (highest in India) |
Odisha | 2 years | ₹1.5 Crore |
Tamil Nadu | 5 years | ~₹40 lakh |
Karnataka | 3 years | ~₹50 lakh |
Maharashtra | 1 year | ₹50 lakh |
Punjab | 7 years | ₹75 lakh |
Other States | 1–3 years | ₹10–50 lakh (average) |
Central Institutes (AIIMS/JIPMER/PGIMER):
- AIIMS – No compulsory bond for MD/MS (only penalty if leaving mid-course).
- JIPMER/PGIMER – Separate rules, usually less strict than state bonds.
Armed Forces Medical College (AFMS):
- Mandatory service in armed forces after PG.
- Penalty for not serving: ~₹57.5 lakh.
When and How is the Bond Executed?
- Signed at admission or soon after joining.
- Requires surety: guarantor signatures, post-dated cheques, or legal affidavits.
- Applicable if:
- You do not serve after PG, or
- You leave the course mid-way.
- Some states also demand refund of stipend/salary if the bond is not served.
Bond Enforcement: Current Trends
- Stricter enforcement in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
- Some states allow a buy-out option (pay a penalty upfront).
- Others (e.g., Assam, Uttar Pradesh) enforce compulsory service due to a shortage of doctors.
- Candidates should be mentally and financially prepared before opting for bonded seats.
Seat-Leaving Penalties (Mid-Course/After Allotment)
Apart from post-degree service bonds, many states impose discontinuation penalties if you leave a seat:
- Tamil Nadu – Penalty + 2-year debarment if seat is left after Round 2.
- Maharashtra – Undertaking required; penalty equal to bond if leaving after specific rounds.
- Other States – Penalty often equals one year’s tuition fees or bond amount.
Objective: Prevent seat wastage and ensure fair utilisation of PG seats.
Key Points to Remember Before Filling Choices
- Always check the bond clause in the state counselling brochure or joining letter.
- Don’t rely only on secondary sources; rules change every year.
- A high bond should not always deter you if:
- It’s your dream branch/college, and
- You are okay with serving the bond period OR financially capable of paying penalty.
- Deemed Universities: Usually no government service bond, though they may have internal penalties for course discontinuation.
Important Advice
- Verify bond rules in official state brochures (2025) before locking choices.
- Service bonds ensure doctors serve in public healthcare after PG.
- Duration ranges from 0 years (Delhi) to 10 years (Assam).
- Penalties range from ₹10 lakh to ₹2.5 crore (Uttarakhand’s highest).
- Seat-leaving penalties apply separately and may include debarment from future counselling.
Latest Policy Changes and Tips for NEET PG 2025 Counselling
NEET PG 2025 counselling brings important changes shaped by Supreme Court directives, NMC guidelines, and MCC policies. Below is a point-wise guide to help candidates understand reforms and navigate the process smoothly.
Supreme Court Directives (April 2025)
- Synchronised AIQ & State Counselling
- AIQ and state rounds will run on a nationally synchronised schedule.
- Prevents malpractice of seat blocking (holding AIQ + State seat simultaneously).
- Expect faster-paced counselling with AIQ & state decisions due around the same time.
- Fee Disclosure by Private/Deemed Colleges
- All tuition, hostel, and other charges must be published before counselling.
- Candidates can compare costs in advance → avoids surprises later.
- Stricter Penalties for Seat Misuse
- Forfeiture of deposits if seat is not joined.
- Possible disqualification from future NEET PG exams.
- Colleges colluding in seat blocking can be blacklisted.
- Real-Time Transparency Measures
- Vacancy status may be shared in real time.
- Enhances fairness in allotments.
NMC & Exam-Related Updates
Policy / Issue | Update 2025 |
---|---|
NExT vs NEET PG | NEET PG continues for 2025. NExT deferred for later years. |
Exam Date | Supreme Court confirmed: August 3, 2025 |
Answer Key & Scores | NBE must publish answer keys, raw scores, normalization details (multi-shift). |
Deemed Universities | Seats only via MCC AIQ counselling (₹2 lakh security deposit required). |
Eligibility Changes | Possible cut-off relaxation / percentile reduction if seats remain vacant. Extended rounds may occur. |
Documentation & Reservation Proofs
- OBC/EWS Certificates: Must be in central format (AIQ) & within validity period.
- SC/ST/PwD Certificates: As per MCC/state rules.
- Domicile Proof: Required for state quota.
- PwD Verification: MCC uses designated disability assessment centers; in 2024, a special PwD portal was introduced.
Tip: Prepare all documents in advance. Invalid formats = rejection.
NEET PG 2025 Counselling: Choice Filling Strategy
- Fill maximum choices in decreasing order of preference.
- Don’t be overly selective in Round 1 → risk of no seat.
- Use last year’s cut-off ranks as a reference, but expect variations.
- Apply to both AIQ and State counselling (and multiple states, if allowed).
- Keep backup options (private/management seats in neighbouring states).
Financial Planning
- High Fees in Deemed/Private Colleges: Can be ₹20–30 lakh per year.
- Refund Rules: Some colleges deduct non-refundable amounts if you leave after a certain date.
- Bond Deposits: States may ask for bond cheques upfront (encashed only if you break the bond).
- Tip: Arrange funds early + keep extra buffer.
Reporting & Upgradation
Round | Action Required | Key Tip |
---|---|---|
Round 1 | Join or exit freely | Joining ensures upgrade eligibility |
Round 2 | No free exit (deposit forfeited if you leave) | Better to join and upgrade |
Mop-Up/Stray | Last chance, mostly vacant seats | Keep realistic expectations |
Note: Always report to the allotted college if you want to upgrade eligibility.
NEET PG 2025 Candidate Tips
- Follow only official updates (MCC/NMC/State DME websites).
- Register for both AIQ & State counselling.
- Watch deadlines → synchronised schedule = less time to decide.
- Avoid seat blocking → penalties are stricter than ever.
- Keep documents, finances, and bond awareness ready.