What's Official
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has introduced significant revisions to the fee payment guidelines for candidates securing postgraduate medical seats through NEET PG Counselling 2026. These updates specifically concern the first-year course fee, providing relief to candidates who opt to participate in subsequent rounds for seat upgradation.
Under the revised policy, NBEMS has clarified that candidates choosing the 'Float' option to seek seat upgradation are no longer required to pay the first-year course fee while awaiting their new allotment. This eliminates the financial burden of advance payments for those still in the process of finalizing their seat preference.
Tip
Always refer to the official MCC counselling portal for any last-minute amendments to the schedule or seat matrix.
Practice entrance exams free on the app
JEE Main · JEE Advanced · NEET · CUET · No login needed
Gamified Learning · Practice Play Progress
Revised Fee Payment Guidelines
This structural change streamlines the financial aspect of the counselling process. By decoupling fee payment from the initial reporting phase for those seeking upgrades, the process becomes more flexible. However, candidates must strictly adhere to reporting deadlines, as non-compliance can lead to the forfeiture of their candidature regardless of the fee payment status.
- ▸Freeze Option: Candidates retaining their allotted seats must pay the full first-year annual fee directly to the NBEMS-accredited hospital.
- ▸Float Option: Candidates opting for upgradation in subsequent rounds are exempt from paying the first-year fee until a final decision is made.
- ▸Post-Upgradation: The fee becomes payable only once the candidate confirms their final seat and freezes their choice at the specific institute.
- ▸Non-Collection Policy: NBEMS will not collect course fees in its accounts, and institutes are instructed not to accept payments from candidates who remain in the 'Float' status.
Counselling Schedule and Deadlines
Missing a reporting deadline is the fastest way to lose a medical seat. It is essential to track these dates meticulously alongside your studies. Many successful candidates utilize the Aspirant Arcade platform to maintain a disciplined schedule, ensuring they don't miss exam milestones while keeping their clinical knowledge sharp through targeted practice sessions.
- ▸Round 1 Reporting: October 26 to November 2, 2026
- ▸Round 2 Result: November 14, 2026
- ▸Round 2 Reporting: November 16 to 23, 2026
- ▸Round 3 Result: December 4, 2026
- ▸Round 3 Reporting: December 5 to 12, 2026
- ▸Online Stray Vacancy Round Result: December 24, 2026
- ▸Stray Vacancy Round Reporting: December 24 to 31, 2026
Impact on Training Period and Portal Access
The commencement of your training period is now tethered strictly to the institute where you finally join. If your seat is upgraded, your residency training clock begins on the date of joining the final allotted institution. If no upgrade occurs, the clock starts from the date of joining your initially allotted seat.
Regarding the Online Portal for Joining and Registration (OPJR), NBEMS has confirmed it will remain inactive for the duration of the MCC counselling rounds. Once the entire process concludes, the portal will be accessible for document submission. Do not confuse the MCC reporting process with the OPJR document submission; they are independent administrative procedures.
Tip
Maintain physical and digital copies of all counselling-related allotment letters and receipts; you will need these for the post-counselling OPJR registration.