Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling 2026: Registration begins for MBBS, BDS admissions; apply by August 12

The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has commenced the online registration process for the Centralised Admission Process (CAP) 2026 for admission to Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) courses. Eligible candidates who have qualified the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) 2026 can register through the official admission portal till August 12, 2026.

According to the official notification, admissions to government, government-aided, municipal corporation, private unaided and other notified medical and dental colleges in Maharashtra will be conducted strictly on the basis of NEET UG 2026 merit.

The CET Cell has clarified that separate registration with the State Competent Authority is mandatory for candidates seeking admission under the state quota, irrespective of whether they have registered for the All-India Quota counselling.

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Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 CAP round 1 schedule

Candidates can pay the registration fee and upload the required documents till August 13, while online document verification and scrutiny will be conducted from August 7 to 14. The counselling schedule for MBBS and BDS admissions is as follows:

Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling 2026: Important instructions for candidates

The CET Cell said only candidates who have qualified NEET UG 2026 for MBBS and BDS courses are eligible to participate in this phase of counselling.

Candidates should upload all the required documents in the prescribed format within the stipulated time. Those claiming reservation or Economically Weaker Section (EWS) benefits should ensure they possess the necessary certificates before registration.

The notification also states that OBC and SEBC candidates can submit their caste validity certificate within six months from the date of CAP registration, in line with the Maharashtra government's resolution dated July 2, 2026. However, failure to submit the certificate within the prescribed period will result in cancellation of admission and applicable penalties.

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For NRI candidates, registration on the Foreign Candidate Registration Portal is mandatory before August 11, after which they will follow the same counselling schedule as other candidates. They are eligible only for the 15% institute quota, the notification added.

The CET Cell has advised candidates to regularly visit the official admission portal for updates, notifications and further instructions regarding the counselling process.