Admission to MBBS and BDS courses in Maharashtra is conducted through a centralized counselling process based on NEET UG scores. Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling 2026 will be organized by the State Common Entrance Test Cell (CET Cell), Maharashtra, for admission to government, government-aided, municipal, and private medical and dental colleges across the state. This comprehensive counselling process plays a crucial and decisive role in determining seat allotment for aspiring medical students who wish to pursue their medical education in Maharashtra.
This detailed article provides a complete overview of Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling 2026, including important dates, eligibility criteria, reservation policy, counselling procedure, seat distribution, choice filling strategy, documents required, fee structure, and important instructions for candidates to ensure a smooth admission process.
Overview of Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling 2026
Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling is conducted for admission to the following undergraduate medical programs:
- MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)
- BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
Admissions are based strictly on the following parameters:
- NEET UG 2026 rank and percentile
- Eligibility and domicile status verification
- Reservation category as per state norms
- Availability of seats in respective colleges
- Candidate preferences during choice filling
The counselling process will be conducted entirely online through the official website of the Maharashtra CET Cell, ensuring transparency and accessibility for all eligible candidates.
Important Dates (Tentative Schedule)
The official dates will be released after the NEET UG 2026 result announcement by NTA. Here’s the tentative timeline for candidates to plan ahead:
- NEET UG 2026 Result: June 2026
- Maharashtra Counselling Registration Opens: July 2026
- Document Verification Process: July 2026
- Provisional Merit List Release: July 2026
- Final Merit List Publication: July 2026
- Round 1 Choice Filling: July–August 2026
- Round 1 Seat Allotment Result: August 2026
- Round 2 Counselling: August–September 2026
- Mop-Up Round for Remaining Seats: September 2026
- Stray Vacancy Round: October 2026
Candidates must regularly check the official website and stay updated through official notifications to avoid missing critical deadlines that could impact their admission chances.
Eligibility Criteria for Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling 2026
To participate in Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling 2026, candidates must meet the following comprehensive eligibility conditions:
1. NEET Qualification Requirements
- Candidate must successfully qualify NEET UG 2026 examination
- Must score above the minimum cutoff percentile set by NTA for their respective category
- Valid NEET scorecard is mandatory for registration
2. Nationality Criteria
Candidate must be:
- Indian citizen with valid documentation, or
- OCI (Overseas Citizen of India)/PIO (Person of Indian Origin) as per government rules and regulations
3. Age Limit Requirements
- Minimum age: 17 years as on 31 December 2026
- Maximum age: No upper age limit (as per current NEET rules and regulations)
4. Educational Qualification Standards
- Must have passed Class 12 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as mandatory subjects
- Minimum marks requirement:
- General category candidates: 50%
- SC/ST/OBC candidates: 40%
- PwD (General category): 45%
- PwD (Reserved category): 40%
5. Domicile Requirement for State Quota
Maharashtra state quota seats are specifically reserved for:
- Candidates possessing valid Maharashtra domicile certificate, or
- Candidates who passed both Class 10 and Class 12 from recognized Maharashtra boards, or
- Children of Maharashtra government employees (as per applicable rules and conditions)
- Children of defense personnel posted in Maharashtra
Seat Distribution in Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling
Seats in Maharashtra medical and dental colleges are divided into different quotas for fair distribution:
1. All India Quota (15% of Total Seats)
- Conducted exclusively by MCC (Medical Counselling Committee)
- Applicable for government medical colleges only
- Open to candidates from all states across India
- Separate counselling process managed by MCC
2. State Quota (85% of Total Seats)
Handled directly by Maharashtra CET Cell and includes:
- Government Medical Colleges
- Municipal Medical Colleges (BMC, PMC, NMC colleges)
- Government-Aided Medical Colleges
- Private Medical Colleges (non-minority)
- Minority Medical Colleges (separate quota)
- Deemed Universities (as applicable)
Reservation Policy in Maharashtra – Detailed Breakdown
Maharashtra follows a strict and comprehensive reservation policy as per state government rules and constitutional provisions:
- SC (Scheduled Caste) – 13%
- ST (Scheduled Tribe) – 7%
- VJ/DT (Vimukta Jati/Nomadic Tribe-A) – 3%
- NT-B (Nomadic Tribe-B) – 2.5%
- NT-C (Nomadic Tribe-C) – 3.5%
- NT-D (Nomadic Tribe-D) – 2%
- OBC (Other Backward Classes) – 19%
- EWS (Economically Weaker Section) – 10%
- PwD (Persons with Disability) – 5% (horizontal reservation)
- Minority quota – as applicable in minority institutions
Important Note: Reservation benefits are applicable only for state quota seats. All India Quota follows central government reservation norms.
Counselling Process Step by Step – Comprehensive Guide
Step 1: Online Registration Process
Candidates must register on the official Maharashtra CET Cell website by:
- Entering NEET UG 2026 roll number accurately
- Providing complete personal details (name, date of birth, contact information)
- Creating secure login credentials (username and password)
- Paying the non-refundable registration fee through online payment gateway
- Receiving registration confirmation via email and SMS
Step 2: Upload Required Documents
Candidates must upload clear, scanned copies of all mandatory documents including:
- NEET UG 2026 Admit Card
- NEET UG 2026 Scorecard/Rank Card
- Class 10 Marksheet and Passing Certificate
- Class 12 Marksheet and Passing Certificate
- Valid Maharashtra Domicile Certificate
- Caste Certificate (if claiming reservation benefits)
- Caste Validity Certificate (mandatory for reserved category candidates)
- Non-Creamy Layer Certificate (for OBC/EWS candidates, issued in current financial year)
- EWS Certificate (if applicable, with income details)
- PwD Certificate (if applicable, from competent medical authority)
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory for identity verification)
- Recent passport-sized photographs
Step 3: Document Verification Stage
Verification is conducted online or at designated centers as officially notified. Candidates must ensure:
- All uploaded documents are genuine and certified
- Information perfectly matches with NEET application data
- Scanned copies are clear, legible, and in prescribed format
- No discrepancies exist in name, date of birth, or other details
Step 4: State Merit List Publication
The Maharashtra CET Cell publishes a provisional and final merit list based on:
- NEET UG 2026 score and All India Rank
- Category and reservation entitlement
- Eligibility verification status
- Domicile certificate validation
- Document verification completion
Step 5: Choice Filling Process – Critical Step
Candidates select and arrange their preferences by:
- Choosing preferred medical/dental colleges from available options
- Selecting preferred courses (MBBS/BDS)
- Arranging choices in order of preference (most preferred first)
- Filling maximum possible choices to increase admission chances
- Locking choices before the official deadline
- Taking printout of locked choices for future reference
Pro Tip: Fill at least 50-100 choices strategically across government and private colleges to maximize your chances of seat allotment.
Step 6: Seat Allotment Result
Seats are allotted systematically based on:
- NEET All India Rank (AIR)
- Category and applicable reservation
- Choices filled and locked by candidate
- Seat availability in respective colleges
- Previous round allotment status (for subsequent rounds)
Step 7: Reporting to Allotted College
Candidates must report to the allotted college physically within specified dates with:
- All original documents for verification
- Demand draft or online payment of tuition fees
- Medical fitness certificate
- Anti-ragging affidavit
- Character certificate from previous institution
Rounds of Counselling – Detailed Timeline
Round 1 – Fresh Admissions
- Open to all eligible and registered candidates
- Fresh registration and new choice filling allowed
- Maximum seat allotment happens in this round
- Candidates can accept, reject, or opt for upgradation
Round 2 – Second Opportunity
- For candidates not allotted any seat in Round 1
- For candidates who opted for upgradation option
- Fresh candidates can also participate
- Choice modification facility provided
Mop-Up Round – Filling Vacant Seats
- Conducted for seats remaining vacant after Round 2
- New candidates may also register at this stage
- Limited seats available
- Quick allotment and reporting timeline
Stray Vacancy Round – Final Round
- Conducted by individual colleges directly
- Only for registered candidates in previous rounds
- Offline process in most cases
- Walk-in admissions possible in some institutions
Fees for MBBS and BDS in Maharashtra – Complete Breakdown
Government Medical Colleges
- MBBS: ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,30,000 per year (approximately)
- BDS: ₹60,000 to ₹85,000 per year (approximately)
- Hostel fees: ₹10,000 to ₹25,000 per year
- Additional charges for mess, security deposit, etc.
Private Medical Colleges
- MBBS: ₹6 lakh to ₹25 lakh per year (varies significantly)
- BDS: ₹3 lakh to ₹7 lakh per year
- Top private colleges charge higher fees
- Management quota seats have different fee structure
Fees variation depends on:
- Type of college (government/private/aided)
- Category of admission (merit/management)
- Minority or non-minority institution
- College infrastructure and facilities
Documents Required at College Reporting – Checklist
Ensure you carry the following documents in original and photocopies:
- NEET UG 2026 Admit Card
- NEET UG 2026 Scorecard/Rank Card
- Class 10 Marksheet and Certificate
- Class 12 Marksheet and Certificate
- School Leaving Certificate/Transfer Certificate
- Character Certificate from previous institution
- Migration Certificate (if applicable)
- Valid Maharashtra Domicile Certificate
- Caste Certificate (certified copy)
- Caste Validity Certificate
- Non-Creamy Layer Certificate (for OBC/EWS)
- Income Certificate (for EWS category)
- PwD Certificate (if applicable)
- Aadhaar Card (original and photocopy)
- Recent passport-size photographs (at least 10 copies)
- Provisional Seat Allotment Letter (downloaded from portal)
- Fee payment receipt/DD
- Gap Certificate/Affidavit (if gap year taken)
- Medical Fitness Certificate from registered medical practitioner
- Anti-ragging affidavit (downloaded from UGC website)
Tie-Breaking Criteria – How Ranks Are Decided
If two or more candidates score identical marks in NEET UG 2026, tie-breaking is systematically done based on the following sequential criteria:
- Higher marks obtained in Biology (Botany + Zoology)
- Higher marks obtained in Chemistry
- Lower number of incorrect answers (fewer negative marks)
- Older age of the candidate (date of birth considered)
- Alphabetical order of names (if all above parameters are equal)
Important Instructions for Candidates – Must Read
- Official Website Only: Register and track your application only on the official Maharashtra CET Cell counselling website. Beware of fake websites.
- Document Accuracy: Upload clear, legible, and correct documents. Any mismatch can lead to disqualification.
- Maximum Choices: Fill the maximum possible number of college choices to increase your chances of getting a seat.
- Deadline Adherence: Never miss any deadline for registration, choice filling, fee payment, or college reporting.
- Document Copies: Keep multiple photocopies of all documents (at least 5 sets) for various verification stages.
- College Verification: Always verify the official recognition and approval status of colleges from MCI/NMC before joining.
- Fee Payment: Keep receipts and transaction details of all fee payments safely.
- Anti-Ragging Compliance: Submit anti-ragging affidavit mandatory as per UGC guidelines.
- Communication: Regularly check registered email and mobile for updates and notifications.
- Seat Acceptance: Accept or reject allotted seat within stipulated time to avoid forfeiture.
Participating Medical Colleges in Maharashtra – Comprehensive List
Top Government Medical Colleges (MBBS)
- Grant Medical College and Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, Mumbai
- Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai
- Topiwala National Medical College and BYL Nair Hospital, Mumbai
- Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College (Sion), Mumbai
- BJ Government Medical College, Pune
- Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur
- Government Medical College, Aurangabad
- Government Medical College, Miraj
- Government Medical College, Akola
- Government Medical College, Jalgaon
- Government Medical College, Latur
- Government Medical College, Solapur
- Indira Gandhi Government Medical College, Nagpur
- Dr. Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College, Nanded
Renowned Private Medical Colleges (MBBS)
- DY Patil Medical College, Navi Mumbai
- MGM Medical College, Navi Mumbai
- Terna Medical College, Navi Mumbai
- Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Karad
- Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College and Hospital, Pune
- DY Patil Medical College, Kolhapur
- DY Patil Medical College, Pune (Pimpri)
- Dr. Ulhas Patil Medical College, Jalgaon
- Ashwini Rural Medical College, Solapur
- Vedantaa Institute of Medical Sciences, Palghar
- SMBT Institute of Medical Sciences, Nashik
- Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College, Pune
- Dr. DY Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pune
- Rural Medical College, Loni (PIMS)
- Padmashree Dr. DY Patil Medical College, Navi Mumbai
Advantages of Studying MBBS in Maharashtra – Why Choose Maharashtra?
Maharashtra offers numerous advantages for medical students:
- High Number of Medical Colleges: Over 50 medical colleges providing ample opportunities
- Excellent Clinical Exposure: High patient footfall ensures comprehensive practical training
- Reputed Government Institutions: Some of India’s oldest and most prestigious medical colleges
- Advanced Infrastructure: Modern laboratories, research facilities, and teaching hospitals
- Strong Academic Reputation: Faculty members with national and international recognition
- Affordable Government College Fees: Significantly lower than private institutions
- Cultural Diversity: Students from across India creating multicultural learning environment
- Employment Opportunities: Better internship and job placement prospects post-MBBS
- Research Facilities: Access to advanced research centers and collaboration opportunities
- Urban and Rural Exposure: Balance of metro city hospitals and rural health centers
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Counselling
Learn from others’ mistakes and avoid these common pitfalls:
- Not Checking Eligibility Carefully: Verify all criteria before registration
- Uploading Incorrect or Unclear Certificates: Ensure documents are legible and properly certified
- Filling Limited Choices: Fill maximum colleges to avoid missing opportunities
- Missing Reporting Deadline: Always reach college before deadline with all documents
- Ignoring Merit List Updates: Regularly check for revised lists and notifications
- Depending on Unofficial Sources: Trust only official website information
- Not Taking Printouts: Always keep hard copies of all submitted forms
- Ignoring Document Verification: Attend verification process even if online
- Last-Minute Document Arrangement: Prepare all certificates well in advance
- Not Reading Instructions: Carefully read all official guidelines and FAQs
Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling 2026 – Expected Cutoff Analysis
Cutoff scores vary significantly based on multiple factors:
- Type and reputation of college
- Category and reservation applicable
- Total number of applicants and competition level
- Difficulty level of NEET 2026 paper
- Previous year trends and seat matrix
- Number of available seats in each category
Approximate Expected Trends (Based on Historical Data):
- Government MBBS (General): 600+ marks required
- Government MBBS (Reserved Categories): 450-550 marks
- Private MBBS (Top Colleges): 520-580 marks
- Private MBBS (Average Colleges): 450–550 marks
- Government BDS: 400-450 marks
- Private BDS: 350–450 marks
✅ Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 – Expected Cutoff Table (Detailed)
Cutoff predictions are based on previous years’ trends and may vary in 2026 based on paper difficulty and competition.
🏥 Government Medical Colleges (MBBS) – Category-wise Cutoff
| Category | Expected NEET Score Range | Expected AIR Range | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (Open) | 600 – 650+ | 1 – 30,000 | Highly competitive |
| OBC | 570 – 600 | 30,000 – 55,000 | Good competition |
| EWS | 575 – 610 | 25,000 – 50,000 | Similar to General |
| SC | 500 – 560 | 55,000 – 1,10,000 | Moderate competition |
| ST | 450 – 520 | 1,00,000 – 1,80,000 | Relatively easier |
| VJ/NT-A | 520 – 580 | 45,000 – 90,000 | Variable by college |
| NT-B | 510 – 570 | 50,000 – 95,000 | Limited seats |
| NT-C | 505 – 565 | 52,000 – 1,00,000 | Few colleges |
| NT-D | 500 – 560 | 55,000 – 1,05,000 | Competitive |
| PwD (General) | 550 – 590 | 35,000 – 70,000 | Horizontal reservation |
🏥 Private Medical Colleges (MBBS) – College Category-wise
| College Type | Expected NEET Score | Expected AIR Range | Annual Fee Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Private Colleges | 520 – 580 | 40,000 – 90,000 | ₹15-25 lakh |
| Mid-Level Colleges | 480 – 520 | 90,000 – 1,50,000 | ₹8-15 lakh |
| Low Demand Colleges | 430 – 480 | 1,50,000 – 2,50,000 | ₹6-10 lakh |
🦷 BDS Cutoff (Dental Colleges) – Detailed Category-wise
| Category | Government BDS Score | Private BDS Score | Expected AIR |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 400 – 450 | 300 – 400 | 2,00,000 – 4,50,000 |
| OBC | 370 – 420 | 280 – 360 | 3,00,000 – 5,50,000 |
| EWS | 380 – 430 | 290 – 370 | 2,80,000 – 5,20,000 |
| SC | 330 – 390 | 250 – 320 | 4,50,000 – 7,00,000 |
| ST | 300 – 360 | 230 – 290 | 5,50,000 – 8,50,000 |
🏛️ Government Medical Colleges (MBBS) – Complete Directory
| S.No | College Name | City/District | Establishment Year | Annual Intake |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grant Medical College | Mumbai | 1845 | 250 |
| 2 | Seth GS Medical College (KEM) | Mumbai | 1926 | 250 |
| 3 | BJ Government Medical College | Pune | 1878 | 252 |
| 4 | Government Medical College | Nagpur | 1954 | 250 |
| 5 | Government Medical College | Aurangabad | 1956 | 200 |
| 6 | Government Medical College | Miraj | 1962 | 150 |
| 7 | Government Medical College | Akola | 1985 | 150 |
| 8 | Government Medical College | Jalgaon | 1992 | 100 |
| 9 | Government Medical College | Latur | 1995 | 100 |
| 10 | Government Medical College | Solapur | 1990 | 100 |
| 11 | Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College | Mumbai | 1972 | 180 |
| 12 | Topiwala National Medical College | Mumbai | 1961 | 200 |
| 13 | Indira Gandhi Government Medical College | Nagpur | 1969 | 150 |
| 14 | Dr. Shankarrao Chavan GMC | Nanded | 2007 | 100 |
🏥 Private Medical Colleges (MBBS) – Comprehensive List
| S.No | College Name | City | Recognition Status | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DY Patil Medical College | Navi Mumbai | NMC Approved | ₹18-20 lakh/year |
| 2 | MGM Medical College | Navi Mumbai | NMC Approved | ₹16-18 lakh/year |
| 3 | Terna Medical College | Navi Mumbai | NMC Approved | ₹15-17 lakh/year |
| 4 | Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences | Karad | NMC Approved | ₹14-16 lakh/year |
| 5 | Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College | Pune | NMC Approved | ₹17-19 lakh/year |
| 6 | DY Patil Medical College | Pune | NMC Approved | ₹17-19 lakh/year |
| 7 | Dr. Ulhas Patil Medical College | Jalgaon | NMC Approved | ₹10-12 lakh/year |
| 8 | Ashwini Rural Medical College | Solapur | NMC Approved | ₹8-10 lakh/year |
| 9 | Vedantaa Institute of Medical Sciences | Palghar | NMC Approved | ₹12-14 lakh/year |
| 10 | SMBT Medical College | Nashik | NMC Approved | ₹9-11 lakh/year |
🦷 Dental Colleges (BDS) – Major Institutions
| S.No | College Name | City | Type | Annual Intake |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Government Dental College | Mumbai | Government | 100 |
| 2 | Government Dental College | Nagpur | Government | 80 |
| 3 | Nair Hospital Dental College | Mumbai | Government | 100 |
| 4 | DY Patil Dental College | Navi Mumbai | Private | 100 |
| 5 | Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental College | Pune | Private | 100 |
| 6 | Terna Dental College | Navi Mumbai | Private | 100 |
| 7 | MGM Dental College | Navi Mumbai | Private | 100 |
| 8 | SMBT Dental College | Nashik | Private | 80 |
Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling 2026 – Admission Process Flowchart
Step-by-Step Visual Representation
1. NEET UG Result Declaration ↓ NTA declares NEET UG 2026 result in June. Candidates become eligible for counselling based on qualifying marks.
2. Online Registration on CET Cell Portal ↓ Register on Maharashtra CET Cell official website using NEET roll number, personal details, and create login credentials.
3. Document Upload Phase ↓ Upload NEET scorecard, 10th & 12th marksheets, domicile certificate, category certificates, and other mandatory documents.
4. Document Verification Process ↓ CET Cell verifies all uploaded documents online/offline and confirms candidate eligibility for counselling participation.
5. State Merit List Publication ↓ Merit list is prepared and published based on NEET score, category, domicile status and eligibility criteria fulfillment.
6. Choice Filling and Locking ↓ Candidates select and arrange preferred colleges and courses (MBBS/BDS) in order of preference and lock their choices.
7. Seat Allotment Result ↓ Seats are allotted systematically based on merit rank, reservation category, filled choices and seat availability.
8. College Reporting with Documents ↓ Report to allotted college within deadline with all original documents, certificates and admission fee payment.
9. Final Admission Confirmation ↓ Final admission is confirmed after thorough document verification, fee payment completion and fulfillment of all formalities.
Read More: 6 Benefits of Moving from Queues to Clicks for Online Personal Loans
Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling 2026?
Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling 2026 is the official state-level admission process conducted by Maharashtra CET Cell for allocating MBBS and BDS seats in government, aided, and private medical and dental colleges across Maharashtra based on NEET UG 2026 scores.
2. Who is eligible for Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling?
Candidates who have qualified NEET UG 2026, possess Maharashtra domicile, meet the minimum age requirement (17 years as on 31st December 2026), and have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology with minimum qualifying percentage are eligible to participate.
3. How can I register for Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling?
Registration is done online through the official Maharashtra CET Cell counselling portal by entering your NEET roll number, filling personal details, uploading required documents, and paying the registration fee through the online payment gateway.
4. What documents are required for counselling?
Essential documents include NEET admit card and scorecard, Class 10 and 12 certificates, domicile certificate, category certificates (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), caste validity certificate, non-creamy layer certificate, Aadhaar card, passport photos, and gap affidavit if applicable.
5. How is the merit list prepared?
The merit list is prepared strictly on the basis of NEET UG 2026 All India Rank (AIR), category reservation, domicile status verification, and completion of document verification process. Separate merit lists are prepared for different categories.
6. What is choice filling and locking?
Choice filling is the process where candidates select and arrange their preferred medical/dental colleges and courses in order of preference. Locking finalizes these choices, after which modifications are not allowed. Strategic choice filling significantly impacts seat allotment chances.
7. How many rounds of counselling are conducted?
Typically, Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling consists of 2 main rounds, followed by a Mop-up round for remaining vacant seats, and finally a Stray Vacancy round conducted by individual colleges for any last remaining seats.
8. What are the fees for MBBS and BDS in Maharashtra?
Government MBBS colleges charge approximately ₹1-1.3 lakh per year, while private colleges charge ₹6-25 lakh per year. For BDS, government colleges charge ₹60,000-85,000 per year and private colleges charge ₹3-7 lakh per year. Fees vary by institution and quota.
9. What happens after seat allotment?
After seat allotment, candidates must download the provisional allotment letter, report to the allotted college within the specified timeline with all original documents and admission fee, complete physical verification, and confirm admission by paying the required fees.
10. Can I change my college after allotment?
In Round 1, if you choose the “upgradation” option, you can participate in subsequent rounds for a better college. However, once you accept and freeze a seat, or if allotted in the final round, college change is generally not permitted except in exceptional circumstances.
11. Is domicile certificate mandatory?
Yes, a valid Maharashtra domicile certificate is mandatory to claim state quota seats. Without domicile, candidates can only participate in All India Quota counselling conducted by MCC for 15% seats in government colleges.
12. What if I miss the counselling registration deadline?
If you miss the Round 1 registration deadline, you can participate in Round 2 or Mop-up round if registration is reopened. However, missing deadlines reduces your choice of colleges as many seats get filled in earlier rounds.
13. Can I get admission without domicile in private colleges?
Some private medical colleges in Maharashtra offer management quota seats where domicile may not be strictly required, but fees are significantly higher. However, for merit-based state quota seats, domicile is essential.
14. What is the difference between AIQ and State Quota?
All India Quota (AIQ) is for 15% seats in government colleges, conducted by MCC, open to all Indian candidates. State Quota is for 85% seats in all colleges (government and private), conducted by Maharashtra CET Cell, reserved for domicile candidates.
15. How do I know if my college is NMC approved?
Check the official National Medical Commission (NMC) website for the list of approved medical colleges. Only join colleges with valid NMC recognition to ensure your degree is valid and you can practice medicine legally.
Final Words and Expert Advice
Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling 2026 is a highly competitive, structured, and transparent process that systematically determines admission to MBBS and BDS courses in the state. With over 50 medical colleges and thousands of aspiring doctors competing for limited seats, candidates must remain extremely alert, organized, and proactive throughout the entire process—from initial registration to final college reporting—and strictly adhere to all official guidelines and timelines.
Understanding eligibility criteria in detail, being aware of reservation policies and their implications, mastering the counselling steps, and preparing all documents well in advance will help students make informed decisions and avoid costly last-minute mistakes that could jeopardize their medical career.
Aspirants aiming for medical education in Maharashtra should focus not only on securing a good NEET rank through dedicated preparation but also on developing strategic choice-filling skills, timely document preparation, thorough research on colleges, and maintaining constant vigilance on official notifications. With proper planning, systematic approach, complete awareness of the process, and guidance from reliable sources, candidates can successfully secure a seat in a reputed and recognized medical college in Maharashtra and fulfill their dream of becoming a doctor.
Remember: Your NEET score opens the door, but smart counselling strategy gets you the best seat. Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay confident throughout your counselling journey!
Best of luck for Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling 2026!
