NEET PG 2025 Counselling Schedule Released – Your Complete Guide

The much-anticipated NEET PG 2025 counselling schedule has been released by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), marking the next major milestone for postgraduate medical aspirants across India. With the key dates for Round 1 now public, candidates need a clear roadmap for navigating registration, choice filling, seat allotment, and college joining. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the schedule, process, essential tips and strategic guidance to ensure you maximise your chance of securing a seat.

1. Why This Schedule Matters

Each year, thousands of MBBS graduates qualify in the NEET PG exam and enter the counselling process for MD/MS/DNB courses. The sooner you are aware of the timeline, the better you can prepare your list of preferred institutes, documents and financial essentials. Missing a deadline in the counselling schedule can cost you the seat you desired — so “NEET PG 2025 counselling schedule” isn’t just a phrase, it is your action list.

The MCC timetable governs:

• Registration & payment submission
• Choice-filling & locking of preferred courses/colleges
• Seat allotment result announcements
• Reporting to colleges for admission
• Subsequent rounds (Round 2, 3, stray vacancy)

With the schedule now revised, you have clarity; now comes execution.

2. Key Dates You Must Know

Here are the updated dates for the NEET PG 2025 counselling rounds. These dates are essential and non-negotiable.

Round 1

• Registration & payment: Already concluded (17 Oct – 5 Nov 2025)
• Choice filling: 17 Nov – 18 Nov 2025 (till approx. 12 pm)
• Choice locking: 18 Nov 2025 from 4 pm to 11:55 pm
• Seat allotment processing: 19 Nov 2025
• Result announcement: 20 Nov 2025
• Reporting/joining at allotted college: 21 Nov – 27 Nov 2025
• Verification of joined candidates: 28-30 Nov 2025

Round 2

• Verification of tentative seat matrix: 1 Dec 2025
• Registration/payment: 2 Dec – 7 Dec 2025
• Choice filling/locking: 3 Dec – 7 Dec 2025 (till 11:55 pm)
• Seat allotment: 8–9 Dec 2025
• Result: 10 Dec 2025
• Reporting: 11–18 Dec 2025
• Joined candidates data verification: 19–21 Dec 2025

Round 3 & Stray Vacancy

• Round 3: Verification from 22 Dec 2025; registration/payment late Dec; result 31 Dec 2025; reporting 1 Jan – 8 Jan 2026
• Stray Vacancy Round: Tentative in Jan 2026 (13–18 Jan registration, result 21 Jan, reporting 22–31 Jan)

These dates allow you a strategic timeframe to plan your choices, finances and logistics.

3. Who Can Participate & Eligibility Criteria

To take part in the NEET PG 2025 counselling, you must meet certain eligibility benchmarks:

Basic Eligibility

• You should have qualified NEET PG 2025 and be listed in the merit list.
• For AIQ (All India Quota) seats or deemed/central universities, the MCC schedule applies.
• State quota seats will be handled via respective state counselling bodies (but some overlap exists with MCC schedule).
• PwD / disability candidates must obtain an online disability certificate through designated centres before choice filling begins.

Other Key Conditions

• Only online registration is valid. No manual or offline entries will be entertained.
• The mobile number and email ID used must match the ones used in your NEET application; OTPs and communication will be via those.
• Ensure you check category, reservation status and domicile (where applicable) carefully before registration.
• Filling choices does not guarantee a seat — allotment is based on rank, category, available seats and your preference list.

4. Step-by-Step Process for NEET PG 2025 Counselling

Here’s a breakdown of how the counselling sequence unfolds:

1. Registration & Payment

Log into the MCC portal, provide your roll number, system-generated login, category, personal details and pay the requisite fee. The fee varies by category and type of institute (AIQ, Deemed, State-Quota etc).

2. Choice Filling

Once registration is complete, you fill your preferred list of courses and colleges. Key tips:

• Research institutes beforehand – course quality, fees, location, future placement.
• Maintain an “aspirational-realistic-safe” mix of choices. Don’t just pick the top institute; factor in chances of allotment.
• Keep your list dynamic — you might upgrade in subsequent rounds.

3. Choice Locking

After filling in your options, you must lock your final list within the deadline (11:55 pm on 18 Nov for Round 1). If you don’t lock, the system may auto-lock your last saved list — but that’s risky since choices might not reflect your real priority.

4. Seat Allotment & Result

On the declared result date, seats are allotted based on your rank, category, filled choices and available seats in each institute. If you are allotted a seat and accept it, you must report to the designated college to join.

5. Reporting / Joining

Once you accept the allotment, you must physically (or online where permitted) report at the institute between the specified reporting window (21-27 Nov for Round 1) with all necessary documents, pay fees and complete admission formalities.

6. Subsequent Rounds / Upgradation

If you are not satisfied with Round 1 allotment, you can participate in Round 2 or Round 3 or stray vacancy rounds. Unfilled seats or vacated seats from previous rounds become available. You may also upgrade your allotment (if allowed) by filling fresh choices.

5. Document Checklist – Be Prepared

To avoid last-minute hiccups, prepare the following documents in advance:

• NEET PG Admit Card
• NEET PG Score/Rank Card
• MBBS Degree / Provisional Certificate
• Internship Completion Certificate
• Registration Certificate (from Medical Council / State Medical Council)
• Date of Birth Proof (e.g., Birth Certificate, Passport, Aadhar)
• Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC) if applicable
• PwD Certificate if applicable
• ID Proof & Address Proof
• Recent Passport-size Photograph
• Choice filling registration slip / payment receipt

Having multiple colour copies and backups (digital scans) is wise. Also, confirm if your institute requires any additional institute-specific document.

6. Strategy & Tips to Maximise Your Chances

With the dates set, how you approach the process can make a difference. Here are some proven strategies:

1. Do Your Research Early

Before choice filling opens, research institutes: course strength, faculty profile, infrastructure, previous year cut-offs, fees, hostel facility, location. A well-informed list helps in realistic decision making.

2. Prioritise Realistically

Don’t overly prioritize the “top” institute if your rank may not support it. It’s better to secure a good course with a slightly lower institute than risk getting nothing.

3. Backup Options Matter

Include “safe” options at bottom of your preference list — those institutes you are confident you can target given your rank. These reduce anxiety.

4. Lock on Time

Never wait to the last minute for locking choices — server glitches, network issues can thwart you. Lock at least a few hours ahead of the deadline.

5. Keep Finances Ready

Once allotment happens, reporting to the college often needs fee payment, hostel deposit etc. Have your finances and funding ready (loans/scholarships if required).

6. Stay Updated on Official Website

Since the MCC website is the sole official source of notifications, verify every update there. Fake agents or rumours can mislead you.

7. If Doing Upgradation, Understand Risks

If you accept a Round 1 seat and then apply for Round 2 upgradation, understand the implications (some seats may be cancelled, you might lose older seat if you don’t get upgraded). Weigh carefully.

7. Common FAQs & Answered

Q: If I don’t fill choices by the deadline, can I still participate?
A: No – missing choice filling or locking means you forfeit that round’s opportunity. You might have to wait for later rounds (if eligible).

Q: My Round 1 allotment isn’t good. Should I accept it and then participate in Round 2?
A: Yes, you can accept Round 1 and still opt for Round 2 upgradation in most cases — but check specific terms. Accepting gives you a “fall-back” seat.

Q: What happens if I accept a seat but fail to report at the college?
A: You risk losing that allotted seat. Non-reporting is treated as vacating the seat.

Q: Are payments refundable if I don’t take a seat?
A: Partially — security deposits may be refunded after completion of rounds but check institute policy and MCC instructions.

Q: Can I change my preferences after choice locking?
A: No – once locked, preferences cannot be changed for that round. For subsequent rounds you can modify choices as per eligibility.

8. What’s New for NEET PG 2025 – Key Highlights

• The schedule has been revised from initial announcements — choice filling for Round 1 has been moved to 17–18 Nov.
• For the first time, the Stray Vacancy Round timeline has been clearly defined (Jan 2026) giving more clarity for late-comers.
• Digital PwD certificate generation deadline has been explicitly mentioned.
• The seat matrix has been published ahead of choice filling, enabling better planning.

9. Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaving choice filling or locking until last minute.
• Ignoring lower ranked / less known colleges — they may offer good courses and better fit.
• Failing to verify fee structure and hostel facilities – especially in deemed/private institutes.
• Relying on “agents” — only official website updates matter.
• Missing verification/reporting deadlines after allotment; being late may cancel your seat.

10. Summary and Final Thoughts

The announcement of the NEET PG 2025 counselling schedule is a major step — but it’s what you do next that matters. Your preparation, choice strategy, timely action and document readiness will determine your real success. Map out your timeline: registration done, choice list ready, documents scanned, finances arranged.

Let this schedule be your action-plan, not just a deadline list. Approach it with clarity and confidence — and you’ll be well-poised to make the most of this counselling window.

Wishing you the very best for your PG medical admission journey!

Note: All dates and details are based on the latest official notification from the MCC. Candidates should frequently check the official portal for updates and any further changes.