India sets NEET‑UG 2026 counseling dates, new medical college session begins Sep 8

The Medical Counseling Committee (MCC) released the NEET‑UG 2026 counseling schedule. First‑round counseling for All‑India seats runs 4‑17 August, with a second round 24 August‑2 September and a third round 10‑18 September. A stray‑vacancy round follows 28 September‑3 October and the final admission deadline is 10 October. State‑quota counseling starts 13‑22 August, with subsequent rounds on 31 August‑8 September, 16‑26 September and a stray‑vacancy round 3‑5 October. New procedural changes allow candidates who have secured seats to upgrade without physical reporting, submit online resignations, and upload documents for NRI‑quota applicants via the MCC portal.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai met NEET‑UG passers at a residential school, congratulating them and pledging enhanced academic facilities and support. He said the state government will consider the students’ suggestions to improve medical education opportunities.