What is Round 1 and Round 2 in NEET Counselling?

NEET Counselling - Round 1 and Round 2

The NEET UG counselling process is conducted in multiple rounds to allocate medical, dental, and nursing seats to qualified candidates. The first two rounds—Round 1 and Round 2—are the primary phases for seat allotment under the All India Quota (AIQ) and for central and deemed universities, as well as AIIMS, JIPMER, ESIC, and AFMC institutes.

NEET Counselling 2025 Round 1:

• Registration & Choice Filling: Candidates who qualify NEET must first register online on the official Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) portal. After registration, they fill in their preferred choices of colleges and courses in order of priority.
• Choice Locking: Once choices are filled, candidates must lock their choices within the stipulated time. Locked choices cannot be changed later.
• Seat Allotment: Based on NEET rank, reservation criteria, and choices filled, seats are allotted. The results are published online.
• Reporting: Candidates who are allotted seats must report to the respective college/institute within the given timeframe to confirm their admission, complete document verification, and pay fees.
• Free Exit: If a candidate is not satisfied with the allotted seat, they can opt for a "free exit" after Round 1, meaning they can leave the seat without penalty and participate in Round 2.

NEET Counselling 2025 Round 2:

• Vacant Seats: Seats left vacant after Round 1 (due to non-reporting, withdrawal, or upgradation) are carried forward to Round 2.
• Fresh Registration & Choice Filling: Candidates who did not register in Round 1 or those who wish to upgrade their allotted seat can register afresh for Round 2 and fill new choices.
• Seat Allotment: Again, seats are allotted based on NEET rank, reservation, and updated choices. Candidates who were allotted seats in Round 1 and wish for a better college/course can participate for upgradation.
• Reporting: Allotted candidates must report to their respective institutions to confirm admission.
• No Free Exit: Unlike Round 1, if a candidate is allotted a seat in Round 2 and does not join, they may forfeit their security deposit and may not be eligible for further rounds under AIQ.