NEET UG 2026 Round 1 Choice Locking Delayed: New Date, Time, Rules and What Students Should Do

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has issued an important update regarding the NEET UG 2026 counselling process. The Round 1 choice-locking process has been postponed until further notice. As per the original counselling schedule, the choice-locking window was scheduled to open on August 12 at 4 PM, allowing students to confirm their preferred colleges and courses.

NEET UG 2026 Round 1 Choice Locking Official Website (Will be updated soon)

However, the choice-locking link remained unavailable even on August 13, leaving many NEET UG students waiting for further instructions. MCC has assured students that the Round 1 choice-locking facility will be activated shortly on its official website. Students are advised to regularly check the portal for the latest updates and complete the choice-locking process as soon as the link becomes available.

NEET UG 2026 Round 1 Choice Locking Delayed: Here's Why

Students who logged into the MCC counselling portal on August 12 to lock their preferred colleges found that the choice-locking option was not available. Although the facility was scheduled to go live at 4 PM, the required link was not activated, preventing students from confirming their choices.

As the delay continued into August 13, many students expressed their concerns on social media regarding the unexpected hold-up. MCC later informed students that the Round 1 choice-locking process would begin shortly. However, the committee has not yet provided an official explanation for the delay.

NEET UG 2026: MCC Releases Fresh Counselling Update

The MCC has issued a notice on its official website informing students that the Round 1 choice-locking process has not commenced yet. The committee has requested students to remain patient while the technical process is being completed.

According to the notice, the revised date and time for activating the Round 1 choice-locking facility will be announced shortly. Students are advised to regularly visit the official MCC counselling portal for the latest updates and complete the choice-locking process once the link becomes active.

What Students Should Do During the Delay

Students are advised not to panic and avoid making repeated changes to their choice list while waiting for the choice-locking facility to be activated. They should carefully review their preferred colleges and courses, verify the order of choices, and ensure all selections are correct before the portal becomes available.

Students should regularly monitor the official MCC website for announcements regarding the revised choice-locking schedule. It is also important to keep login credentials handy and complete the choice-locking process promptly once the link is activated to avoid missing the deadline.

How to Lock Choices Once the Link Is Activated

Students should complete the choice-locking process carefully once the MCC activates the Round 1 choice-locking link.

• Log in to the official MCC counselling portal using your NEET UG credentials.
• Review your selected colleges and course preferences thoroughly.
• Rearrange the preference order, if required, before final submission.
• Click on the 'Lock Choices' option once you are satisfied with your selections.
• Confirm the locking request when prompted by the system.
• Download and save the locked choice confirmation page for future reference.
• Ensure the process is completed before the revised choice-locking deadline announced by MCC.

Important Instructions for NEET UG 2026 Students

Students participating in NEET UG 2026 counselling should follow the official guidelines carefully to avoid any issues during the admission process.

• Regularly check the official MCC website for counselling updates and schedule revisions.
• Keep your NEET UG login credentials and registered mobile number/email accessible.
• Verify all personal, category, and eligibility details before proceeding with counselling.
• Lock your choices only after carefully reviewing the order of college preferences.
• Download and keep copies of the locked choices and counselling receipts.
• Be ready with all original documents for verification and reporting.
• Complete every counselling step within the prescribed deadlines to avoid disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques: Why has the NEET UG 2026 Round 1 choice-locking process been delayed?

Ans: MCC has postponed the Round 1 choice-locking process until further notice. The committee has not yet announced the specific reason for the delay.

Ques: Has MCC announced a new date for Round 1 choice locking?

Ans: No. MCC has stated that the revised date and time for activating the choice-locking link will be announced shortly on the official website.

Ques: Can students modify their choices before the locking process begins?

Ans: Yes. Students can review and edit their choice list until the choice-locking facility is activated and the final deadline is announced.

Ques: What should students do during the delay?

Ans: Students should regularly check the MCC website for updates, review their college preferences, and keep their login credentials ready for the choice-locking process.

Ques: What happens after the choice-locking process is completed?

Ans: Once the choice-locking window closes, MCC will process the submitted preferences and publish the Round 1 seat allotment result based on NEET UG rank, reservation criteria, and seat availability.