NEET PG Counseling 2026: MCC changes rules; who gets relief regarding first-year fees? Find out the full details..

A significant change has been introduced for candidates who have been allotted a seat in the first round of the NEET PG 2026 counseling, conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC). The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has revised the rules regarding the payment of first-year course fees for the 50% All India Quota (AIQ) seats. Under the new regulations, candidates who opt for a seat upgrade in subsequent rounds are not required to pay the first-year course fee while awaiting such an upgrade.

Conversely, candidates who choose to accept their allotted seat and secure admission—without opting for an upgrade—must pay the first-year fee to the respective NBEMS-accredited institution or hospital. This fee is to be paid directly to the concerned institution, not to the NBEMS, during the counseling process.

NEET PG 2026: New Fee Rules for 'Float' and 'Freeze' Options

Option | Fee Payment Rule
Float/Upgradation | Payment of the first-year fee is not required while awaiting a seat upgrade in subsequent rounds.
Freeze | Upon accepting the allotted seat and securing admission, the first-year fee must be paid to the respective accredited institution or hospital.

The NBEMS has instructed all accredited hospitals and institutions not to collect the first-year course fee from candidates who opt for the 'float/upgradation' option. The fee should only be collected once a candidate accepts the allotted seat and proceeds with admission.

NEET PG Round 1: College Reporting Dates
The MCC has announced the seat allotment results for the first round of the NEET PG 2026 counseling. According to available information, over 28,000 postgraduate medical seats have been allotted in this first round.

Candidates who have been allotted a seat are required to report to their respective medical colleges between October 26 and November 2, 2026. Before reporting, candidates should carefully review their allotment letter, as well as the documents and admission conditions specified in the official MCC guidelines. From when will the training period be counted in the event of a seat upgrade?
According to information from NBEMS, candidates who wish to accept an allotted seat and do not opt ​​for an upgrade must join the respective NBEMS-accredited institution within the reporting timeline specified by the MCC.

If a candidate secures an upgraded seat in a subsequent round of counseling, their training period will be counted from the date they join the new, upgraded seat. Therefore, when choosing between the 'float' and 'freeze' options, candidates should carefully consider their preferences, the college already allotted to them, and their plans regarding participation in further rounds of counseling.

The NBEMS OPJR portal will remain closed for the time being.
NBEMS has also provided information regarding the Online Portal for Joining and Registration (OPJR). This portal will remain closed until all rounds of the NEET PG 2026 counseling process are completed. It will be reopened once the counseling concludes. Through this portal, candidates and the respective hospitals or institutions will be able to submit joining details and necessary documentation. NBEMS will issue separate, detailed instructions regarding this process.

   
Understand the rules for the 'float' and 'freeze' options before accepting an allotted seat.

If you choose to 'freeze' your seat, be prepared to deposit the first-year fees at the respective institution.

If you opt for the 'float' option, ensure you follow the official instructions regarding fee payment and the upgrade process.

Report to the allotted college within the designated reporting period—from October 26 to November 2, 2026.

Regularly check the official websites of the MCC and NBEMS for updates regarding the OPJR portal and requirements for joining-related documentation.