MCC Counselling: Difference Between Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up & Stray Vacancy Round 2026

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MCC Counselling Rounds 2026 are conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for NEET UG candidates seeking admission through 15% All India Quota (AIQ), Deemed Universities, AIIMS, JIPMER, Central Universities and other participating institutions. The 2026 counselling process includes Round 1, Round 2, Round 3 and the Stray Vacancy Round, with major changes such as the Freeze and Float system, one-time document upload, online verification for Float candidates, and mandatory physical reporting at specific stages. Candidates must understand the registration and fresh-choice rules for each round, Free Exit and resignation conditions, security deposit requirements, and how newly added, clear and virtual vacancies can change the seat position. MCC also shares relevant allotment data with State counselling authorities after Round 3, which can affect eligibility for the final Stray Vacancy Round. With Round 1 already completed and Round 2 currently underway, understanding these rules is essential for candidates to make the right decisions at every stage of MCC NEET UG Counselling 2026.

Read More:

• MCC Counselling 2026
• How to Register for MCC Counselling 

What is MCC Counselling 2026?

MCC  Counselling is an online seat-allotment process conducted by the MCC under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. MCC uses NEET UG merit and the choices submitted by candidates to allot available seats.

For 2026, MCC conducts counselling for: 

• 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats.
• 100% seats of participating Deemed Universities.
• 100% seats of all AIIMS institutions.
• 100% seats of JIPMER.
• Central Universities and specified Central Institutes.
• ESIC seats under the applicable category.
• AFMC registration.
• Specified IP University institutions.
• Central B.Sc Nursing institutes.

MCC Counselling vs State NEET Counselling

MCC and State counselling operate separately but their seat-allotment data can be connected at later stages. MCC handles the categories assigned to it, while the state counselling authorities conduct their state level seats.

Candidates must check both the counseling systems (if eligible). However, the later round rules matter as MCC shares allotment data with States after Round 3. Candidates figuring either in Center or State allotment data may be kept out of MCC Stray Vacancy Round. 

MCC Counselling 2026 Important Dates 

MCC has already conducted NEET UG Counselling Round 1 2026. The Round 1 final allotment result has been declared, and candidates allotted seats were required to proceed with the applicable reporting or online process. Round 2 is currently ongoing as of September 4, 2026. MCC opened Round 2 registration on September 3, 2026. The official MCC website is also displaying Round 2 seat updates, including newly added, clear and virtual vacancies. 

Current MCC Counselling Status 

What Changed in MCC Counselling 2026? 

The major changes in MCC UG counselling 2026 relate to allotment, reporting, upgradation and resignation. candidates had to report physically at the allotted institute for admission, upgradation related formalities and resignation in general. The 2026 scheme introduces a more flexible system based on the willingness of the candidate to upgrade. 

Freeze vs Float System 

Candidates who receive a seat are now broadly divided into two categories:

Freeze Candidates: Candidates who are satisfied with the allotted seat and are not willing to upgrade in the next round. They have to join the allotted institute physically. 

Float Candidates:  Candidates who want to retain the upgrade option for the next round. They need not report physically to the allotted institute at that stage, they just need to submit their willingness for upgradation online. The institute allotted verifies their documents on-line. 

One-Time Document Upload 

Both Freeze and Float candidates must upload clear scanned copies of their required documents on the MCC portal. The bulletin specifies this as a one-time upload for all rounds. Candidates who have submitted documents in Round 1 do not have to upload in Round 2. 

Online vs Physical Verification

The reporting process now depends on the candidate's status:

• Freeze: Physical reporting, original document verification and admission fee payment at the allotted institute.
• Float: Online document verification by the allotted institute; physical reporting is not required at that stage.
• Round 3: Physical reporting becomes mandatory for all candidates allotted a Round 3 seat and for Float candidates from earlier rounds who were not upgraded.

Also Read:MCC Counselling 2026 Security Deposit: Refund Rules, Forfeiture Cases & Government vs Deemed University Fees

MCC Counselling Rounds 2026: Complete Overview 

MCC UG counseling follows four AIQ rounds:

1. Round 1
2. Round 2
3. Round 3
4. Stray Vacancy Round

Round 1

This is the first allotment round where the eligible candidates register, submit choices and get their first allotment of MCC. Candidates may either hold the seat via Freeze, or upgrade via Float. 

Round 2 

Round 2 provides another opportunity to candidates who did not receive a seat, candidates seeking an upgrade and other candidates meeting the specified eligibility conditions. Fresh choices are required.

Also check: What to Expect in MCC Counselling Round 2 : Key Tips & Tricks

Round 3 (Mop Up Round) 

Round 3 is the final regular upgrade round. Fresh choices are processed against available seats, and candidates allotted seats must physically report. Candidates should be particularly careful before entering this round because resignation from a Round 3 allotted seat is not permitted. 

Stray Vacancy Round

The Final Stray Vacancy Round is conducted after Round 3 for eligible candidates against remaining vacancies. Fresh registration is required, and MCC conducts the AIQ and Deemed University Stray Vacancy process online.

Also Read:Step-by-Step Guide to Stray Vacancy Round Registration MCC

Who Can Participate in Each MCC Counselling Round? 

What If You Don't Get a Seat? 

The candidate can go to the next eligible round if he does not get a seat. But candidates need to determine whether the next round requires fresh registration or just fresh choices.

Candidates who are eligible for the State counseling can also take part in the State counseling. But they need to be alert to their allotment status as Centre-State data sharing impacts the eligibility for the final MCC Stray Vacancy Round. 

MCC Counselling Choice Filling and Locking 

The candidate can go to the next eligible round if he does not get a seat. But candidates need to determine whether the next round requires fresh registration or just fresh choices.

Candidates who are eligible for the State counseling can also take part in the State counseling. But they need to be alert to their allotment status as Centre-State data sharing impacts the eligibility for the final MCC Stray Vacancy Round. 

How to Fill Choices

Candidates should:

• Place the most preferred college and course first.
• Include realistic options based on NEET rank and previous cutoff trends.
• Check the fee structure before selecting private or Deemed University seats.
• Check bond, stipend, course duration and other college-specific conditions.
• Review the entire list before locking.

Fresh Choices in Round 2 and Round 3

Fresh choice filling is particularly important in later rounds.

For Round 2, eligible candidates must submit fresh choices to be considered for allotment. For Round 3, fresh choice filling is also required.

Candidates should therefore review the latest vacancy position before preparing their new preference list rather than simply copying their previous choices.

MCC Allotment Process 2026 

The MCC allotment is based on the NEET UG merit of the candidate, the choices filled by them, the seats left apart from the existing category and reservation criteria.

The basic process is: 

1. Registration
2. Fee Payment 
3. Choices Filling
4. Choices Locking 
5. Seat Allotment
6. Document upload/verification 
7. Freeze/Float 

How Seats Change Across Rounds 

The seat position can alter after each round due to several reasons such as:

MCC Freeze vs Float 2026: Rules Explained 

If you are satisfied with your allotted college and course and do not want to take the risk of moving to another seat, choose Freeze. Choose Float when you want to retain your current allotment while being considered for a higher-preference seat in the next round.

Candidates should be aware that Float does not guarantee an upgrade. The upgradation is based on merit, choices and availability of seats. If MCC allots an upgraded seat, the earlier seat is automatically released. The candidate cannot reclaim the previous seat.

MCC Free Exit, Exit, Upgrade & Resignation Rules 2026 

Round 1:  Round 1 provides Free exit. Round 1 provides a Free Exit option. A candidate who does not want the allotted Round 1 seat may leave it without forfeiture of the security deposit.

Round 2

Candidates allotted a seat in round 2 can opt for upgradation in round 3.

However, in case a candidate joins the Round 2 seat and subsequently resigns, the security deposit shall be forfeited. Under the counseling scheme, candidates who do not join an allotted Round 2 seat also face security deposit forfeiture. 

Round 3

The third round has the hardest exit criteria.

Once a candidate is admitted to a Round 3 seat, he/she cannot resign or vacate the seat. A candidate who withdraws with forfeiture is ineligible for the subsequent rounds. 

Resignation Process

Where resignation is permitted, candidates must follow the online resignation procedure and the applicable MCC schedule. A surrendered seat cannot subsequently be claimed by the candidate.

MCC Counselling Fees & Security Deposit 2026

Candidates have to pay a non-refundable registration fee and a refundable security deposit during MCC registration.

For Deemed Universities

• Registration fee: ₹5,000
• Refundable security deposit: ₹2,00,000
• Total: ₹2,05,000

For AIQ, Central Universities, AFMC, ESIC, AIIMS, JIPMER and B.Sc Nursing

For UR/EWS candidates:

• Registration fee: ₹1,000
• Security deposit: ₹10,000
• Total: ₹11,000

For SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates:

• Registration fee: ₹500
• Security deposit: ₹5,000
• Total: ₹5,500

Security Deposit Refund

The security deposit is refunded after completion of the counselling rounds according to the MCC refund process. The refund is made to the same account/card from which the deposit was originally paid.

When Can the Security Deposit Be Forfeited?

The security deposit can be forfeited when:

• A candidate does not join a seat allotted in Round 2 or a subsequent round.
• Admission is cancelled because of incorrect information.
• Required documents are not produced within the prescribed time.
• A candidate exits with forfeiture under the applicable rules.

Also Read:Frequently Asked Questions About MCC Counselling 

FAQs on MCC Counselling 2026

Ques: Is MCC Round 1 Counselling 2026 over?

Ans: Yes. MCC has declared the final Round 1 allotment result. Candidates allotted seats in Round 1 had to follow the applicable Freeze or Float process. Round 2 registration began on September 3, 2026 and is currently ongoing.

Ques: What is the Freeze option in MCC Counselling 2026?

Ans: Freeze means that the candidate accepts the allotted seat and does not seek upgradation in the next round. Freeze candidates must physically report to the allotted institute and complete document verification and admission formalities.

Ques: What is the Float option in MCC Counselling 2026?

Ans: Float means that the candidate wants to be considered for an upgrade in the next round. The candidate gives willingness online and undergoes online document verification without physically reporting at that stage.

Ques: Is document upload required in every MCC counselling round?

Ans: No. MCC's revised 2026 process provides for a one-time document upload. Candidates who have already uploaded their documents in Round 1 do not need to upload them again in Round 2, subject to the applicable process.

Ques: Is fresh registration required for MCC Round 2?

Ans: Candidates who registered in Round 1 generally do not need to register again. Candidates who did not register in Round 1 can undertake fresh registration in Round 2 by paying the applicable fees.

Ques: Is fresh choice filling required in Round 2?

Ans: Yes. Eligible candidates must submit fresh choices for Round 2. If an eligible candidate does not submit fresh choices during the prescribed window, they will not be considered for Round 2 allotment.

Ques: What happens if I get upgraded in Round 2?

Ans: The candidate is automatically relieved from the Round 1 seat and moves to the Round 2 allotted seat. The candidate cannot claim the earlier Round 1 seat after upgradation.

Ques: Do Float candidates have to physically report to the college?

Ans: No, not during the Round 1 or Round 2 Float process. Float candidates submit willingness online and their documents are verified online. Physical reporting becomes mandatory in Round 3 if the candidate is allotted a Round 3 seat or remains an unupgraded Float candidate from an earlier round.

Ques: Can I resign after joining a Round 3 seat?

Ans: No. After joining a Round 3 seat, a candidate cannot vacate or resign from that seat. The candidate is also not allowed to participate in further counselling.

Ques: Who is eligible for the MCC Stray Vacancy Round?

Ans: Candidates must satisfy the specific Stray Vacancy eligibility conditions and complete fresh registration. Candidates whose names appear in the relevant Centre or State allotment data after Round 3 can be eliminated from the MCC All India Stray Vacancy Round.

Ques: Is the MCC Stray Vacancy Round conducted directly by medical colleges?

Ans: No. MCC conducts the AIQ and Deemed University Stray Vacancy Round online. Eligible candidates must register and participate through the MCC counselling system.

Ques: What happens if I do not join a Round 2 seat?

Ans: The security deposit is forfeited if a candidate does not join a Round 2 allotted seat. The candidate's eligibility for subsequent rounds is then governed by the applicable MCC rules.

Ques: Can I participate in MCC and State NEET counselling?

Ans: Candidates can participate in counselling processes for which they are eligible. However, they should closely track their allotment and joining status. Centre-State data sharing after Round 3 can affect eligibility for the MCC Stray Vacancy Round.