Just cracking NEET 2025 is the first step towards getting admitted to a top medical college in India. After the declaration of the NEET result, candidates will have to appear for the NEET counselling process for the seat allocation of various MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH courses. This NEET Counselling 2025 Step-by-Step Process is for AIQ & State Quota seats. One must also understand the registration process, choice filling method, document verification process, those who are eligible for the final seat allotment, and lastly, how to prevent getting an error.
NEET Counselling 2025 Step-by-Step Process Schedule (Tentative Timeline)
Here’s a tentative timeline to help you plan:
| Event | Expected Date |
| NEET 2025 Result Declaration | June 2025 (Mid) |
| AIQ Registration Begins (Round 1) | Early July 2025 |
| Choice Filling and Locking | Mid-July 2025 |
| First Round Seat Allotment | Third Week of July 2025 |
| Reporting to Allotted Colleges | Last Week of July 2025 |
| Second Round Registration | Early August 2025 |
| Mop-Up Round for Deemed Universities | September 2025 |
| State Quota Counselling Starts | July–August 2025 (varies) |
Note: These are tentative dates. Please refer to the MCC and state websites’ posts results for exact details.
Types of NEET Counselling: AIQ and State Level
There are two types of Counselling processes for NEET-qualified candidates:
All India Quota (AIQ) – 15 percent of seats in government medical colleges are reserved for AIQ in all states except for Jammu & Kashmir. It also covers:
- 100% in the Seats of Deemed and Central Universities
- Seats in AIIMS, JIPMER, BHU, AMU, and ESIC Medical Colleges.
State Quota: 85% of seats in government medical colleges in each state come under this category, which is regulated by state counselling authorities. Only those candidates who are domiciled in J&K, UT, are eligible to apply.
NEET Counselling 2025 Step-by-Step Process by MCC
NEET Counselling is conducted for All India Quota and Central Universities by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC). The taking of candidates would be done in four rounds- Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up, and Stray Vacancy.
Step 1: Online Registration
- Visit the official MCC website: https://mcc.nic.in
- Register yourself by using your NEET 2025 Roll Number, Name, Date of Birth, Contact details, etc.
- Online payment of counselling fees:
- Govt Colleges: (i) ₹1,000 (for UR) (ii) ₹ 500 (for Reserved Categories)
- Deemed Universities : ₹2,000 (All categories) + refundable deposit of ₹5,000 or ₹2,00,000 depending on the course
Step 2- Filling of Choices and Locking of Choices
- Order preference: Colleges and courses should be selected in order of preference.
- Take the value of the previous years’ closing ranks to make the decision.
- Lock picks before the deadline; otherwise, the latest saved picks are auto-locked
3: Seat Allotment
- By rank, reservation category, and preferences
- The provisional and final allotment listing is released by MCC
4: Reporting to College
- Download the allotment letter
- Physically report to the selected college along with the required documents and the admission fee.
5: Next Rounds
- If you are not satisfied with it, you can opt for Round 2 or Mop-Up
- If satisfied, proceed with further formalities and exit from other rounds.
State Quota Counselling Process
NEET counselling state-wise is carried out by the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) or the respective authority of the states. These control 85% of state seats and 100% of private seats in their respective domains.
Common Steps:
- Go to State DME Portal (Example: upneet.gov.in for UP, tnmedicalselection.net for Tamil Nadu)
- ONLINE ADMISSION REGISTRATION & FEE PAYMENT
- This will involve scanning and uploading documents such as:
- Publication of Merit List (based on NEET score and category)
- Choice Filling & Locking
- Seat Allotment and Reporting
Every state has its own reservation rules, document verification and fee structures. Always consider going through your state’s official portal for eligibility norms and important dates.
AIQ vs State Quota – A Comparative Look
| Aspect | All India Quota (AIQ) | State Quota |
| Seat Reservation | 15% of government seats | 85% of government seats + 100% private seats |
| Conducting Body | MCC (Central) | State DME/Authorities |
| Eligibility | Open to all NEET-qualified students | Domicile/residency criteria applicable |
| Participating Colleges | Government, AIIMS, Deemed, Central Institutions | Only state-affiliated colleges |
| Registration Fees | Varies; higher for Deemed | Lower in most states |
| Number of Rounds | Four rounds (incl. mop-up and stray) | Usually three rounds, may vary |
Tip: Apply for both AIQ and your home state’s counselling to maximise seat options.
How to Fill NEET Counselling 2025 Step-by-Step Process: Choices Strategically
Things to do:
- Last year’s closing ranks and cut-offs to do additional research.
- Make a list of dream, realistic, and backup colleges.
- However, be ready to modify them until you are sure, at which point you have to lock them.
- Colleges need to be rationalised based on your preferences – where it is situated, what facilities it offers, etc.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Counselling:
- Choosing only premier colleges, or you risk not getting any choice.
- Copy-pasting from anyone else’s list without the proper vetting, as the chance that all choices will suit you is low.
- Failing to lock your list, as the system will auto-lock the latest saved version, which may be incomplete.
Documents Required at Counselling
- NEET 2025 Scorecard and Admit Card
- Class 10 and 12 Mark Sheets
- Transfer Certificate
- Birth Certificate
- Caste/Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile Certificate (for state quota)
- Passport-size photographs
- Identity Proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport)
Ensure all documents are original or certified copies. Keep scanned versions ready for upload.
What is the Mop-Up Round?
The Mop-Up Round is held after Round 2 to fill the remaining vacant seats. It is mainly conducted for:
- Deemed Universities
- Central Universities
- ESIC institutes
This round gives another chance to candidates who didn’t get a seat or want to upgrade. However, those who have already taken a seat in earlier rounds are often not eligible.
Conclusion
The process of NEET Counselling 2025 Step-by-Step Process is just as critical as the exam. Do not delay and prepare all necessary documents, take timely measures, and make a well-thought-out decision. A basic understanding of the process can significantly improve your chances of winning a reputable medical college, whether you are applying for a government seat through AIQ or a state quota seat in your state. Keep informed of the latest counselling news, and when the time comes, follow instructions and put your options into practice.
With a good NEET score and the right ambition, your dream of becoming a doctor can become a reality in 2025.
FAQs
Q1. Can I apply to AIQ and State Quota both?
Yes, NEET-qualified candidates can apply for both to maximise chances.
Q2. Is the counselling process the same for all states?
No, all states have different registration processes, eligibility rules, and reservation criteria.
Q3. What are the total rounds of counselling?
Four rounds under AIQ, and most states have 2-3 rounds.
Q4. Do I need to lock my choice?
Locking is compulsory to save your preferences. If not locked, the last saved choices are considered.
Q5. Is it mandatory to carry documents at the time of reporting?
Original documents and copies are needed for the verification of the NEET Counselling 2025 Step-by-Step Process.
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