The NEET UG 2026 counselling schedule has outlined the admission and joining timelines for the first round of counselling under the State Quota as well as the All India Quota (AIQ), Deemed Universities and Central Universities. The schedule is part of a document issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and generated on August 19, 2026.

As per the schedule, the State Counselling Round 1 admission period will be conducted from August 4 to August 21, 2026, while the All India Quota/Deemed/Central Universities Round 1 admission period will continue up to September 1, 2026.

The schedule also provides separate timelines for verification of joined candidates' data by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and by State DMEs/State Counselling Authorities.

NEET UG 2026 Round 1 Counselling Schedule

Saturdays, Sundays and Gazetted Holidays to Be Treated as Working Days

The counselling authorities have issued an important instruction for participating institutes and colleges. In view of the limited time available for conducting counselling, all participating institutes and colleges have been directed to treat all Saturdays, Sundays and Gazetted Holidays as working days.

Candidates should therefore not assume that counselling-related admission or joining activities will remain closed on weekends or holidays during the prescribed schedule.

Joined Candidates' Data to Be Shared With MCC

The schedule further states that the data of joined candidates will be shared by DMEs and State Counselling Authorities with MCC.

This data will be used by the Medical Counselling Committee for weeding out joined candidates during the processing of Round 3.

State authorities and participating institutes are therefore required to follow the prescribed timelines for reporting and verification of joined candidates.

NEET UG 2026 Round 1 Joining Deadline

Candidates allotted seats in Round 1 should complete their admission and joining formalities within the prescribed timeline.

According to the schedule, the last date for joining Round 1 is August 31, 2026. Candidates should complete the required admission formalities at their allotted institutions within the deadline.

Verification of Joined Candidates

The schedule includes separate verification timelines for joined candidates.

For the All India Quota, Deemed Universities and Central Universities, MCC will conduct verification of joined candidates' data from August 13 to August 27, 2026.

For the State Counselling process, verification of joined candidates' data by State DMEs/State Counselling Authorities is scheduled through September 6, 2026, with the related last date indicated as September 5, 2026.Candidates are advised to follow instructions issued by their respective counselling authorities and allotted colleges.

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