NEET MDS Counselling 2026 Delayed: MCC Schedule Awaited, Here's What Aspirants Should Know

Thousands of dental graduates who qualified the NEET MDS 2026 examination are eagerly waiting for the MCC counselling schedule. Although the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) announced the result more than a month ago, the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has not yet released the registration dates for counselling.

The delay has created uncertainty among aspirants seeking admission to Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) programmes under the 50% All India Quota (AIQ). Until the official counselling notification is released, candidates are advised to keep all required documents ready and monitor the MCC portal regularly.

NEET MDS Counselling 2026 Delay: Latest Update

The NEET MDS 2026 counselling schedule is still awaited despite the declaration of results. MCC has not yet announced the registration dates for Round 1 counselling.

Candidates should note that counselling will begin only after MCC publishes the complete schedule, including:

• Registration dates

• Choice filling

• Choice locking

• Seat allotment

• Reporting schedule

As of now, no official reason has been provided for the delay.

NEET MDS Counselling 2026 Highlights

Why is the NEET MDS Counselling 2026 Delayed?

While MCC has not officially explained the delay, candidates are concerned because the counselling schedule has not been released even weeks after the declaration of results.

The counselling notification is essential because it starts the admission process for:

• 50% All India Quota (AIQ) MDS seats

• Deemed Universities

• Central Universities

• ESIC Institutions

• Armed Forces Medical Services (where applicable)

Once the notification is released, the counselling process is expected to move quickly through multiple rounds.

NEET MDS Counselling Process 2026

The MCC counselling process generally consists of the following stages:

Step 1: Online Registration

Candidates need to register on the official MCC portal using their NEET MDS credentials.

Step 2: Payment of Counselling Fee

Applicants must pay the prescribed registration and security fee online.

Step 3: Choice Filling & Locking

Candidates can select their preferred colleges and MDS specialisations before locking their choices.

Step 4: Seat Allotment

Seats are allotted based on:

• NEET MDS Rank

• Candidate's preferences

• Category

• Seat availability

Step 5: Reporting to the Allotted Institute

Candidates allotted a seat must report to the institute with original documents for verification and admission.

Documents Required for NEET MDS Counselling 2026

Candidates should keep the following documents ready:

• NEET MDS 2026 Scorecard

• NEET MDS Admit Card

• BDS Degree Certificate

• Internship Completion Certificate

• Permanent/Provisional Registration Certificate

• Class 10 Certificate (Date of Birth Proof)

• Valid Photo ID

• Category Certificate (if applicable)

• PwD Certificate (if applicable)

• Passport-size photographs

Having these documents ready can help candidates complete the admission process without delays once counselling begins.

Expected Counselling Timeline

Although MCC has not issued an official schedule, counselling is expected to begin soon after the notification is released.

The process generally includes:

Candidates should avoid relying on unofficial dates and wait for the official notice on mcc.nic.in.

What Should Candidates Do While Waiting?

Since the counselling schedule has not been announced, candidates can use this time to prepare by:

• Collecting all original documents.

• Researching MDS colleges and specialisations.

• Reviewing previous years' closing ranks.

• Making a preference list of colleges.

• Regularly checking the MCC website for announcements.

Preparing in advance will help candidates complete the counselling process quickly once registration begins.

State NEET MDS Counselling May Follow Separate Schedules

While MCC conducts counselling for 50% AIQ seats, individual states release their own counselling schedules for State Quota seats.

Candidates interested in state counselling should also keep an eye on the respective state counselling authorities, as some states may begin registrations independently.

What Happens After Counselling Begins?

Once the counselling notification is released, candidates will need to:

• Register online.

• Pay the counselling fee.

• Fill and lock college choices.

• Download the seat allotment result.

• Report to the allotted college within the specified deadline.

Candidates who do not receive a seat in Round 1 can participate in subsequent counselling rounds as per the MCC schedule.