NEET UG Counselling 2026: Difference between AIQ, state counselling for MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, nursing admissions

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has started the MCC National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) 2026 counselling registration for admission to MBBS, BDS and Nursing courses. MCC NEET 2026 LIVE.

The MCC counselling is being held for 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats and admission to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), central and deemed universities, while the remaining 85% seats will be filled by the state counselling committees.

Under the state counselling, each state or union territory will announce its own counselling schedule, registration process, eligibility conditions, reservation policy and merit list.

MBBS aspirants can register for the MCC NEET UG 2026 counselling under the AIQ quota through the official website at mcc.nic.in by August 12. The seat allotment results will be declared on August 17.

Also read NEET Counselling 2026: In NMC’s new rules for PwBD admissions, individualised reports, chance to appeal

What is AIQ quota, state counselling

The MCC conducts the NEET UG counselling for the AIQ quota seats under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

Through the AIQ counselling, the MCC will allot 15% seats in government medical and dental colleges, 100% MBBS and BDS seats in AIIMS, and JIPMER, and seats in central universities, including DU, BHU, and Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), ESIC medical colleges, deemed universities , and other participating colleges, as per the NEET UG admission process.

The state counseling, on the other hand, is conducted by respective state governments, union territories or designated counselling authorities for MBBS and other UG seats under their jurisdiction.

The NEET UG 2026 state counselling covers 85% seats in government medical and dental colleges, state universities and institutions, and private medical and dental colleges, including self-financed and NRI quota seats, as per the admission policies of the respective state, the NEET brochure read.

Also read Maharashtra’s pharmacy college boom going bust? Unchecked growth of pharma courses threat to livelihood

Can MBBS aspirants apply for both state, AIQ quota?

According to the MCC’s information bulletin, AIQ and state counselling differ primarily in their conducting authority.

The MCC, DGHS is the counselling conducting authority for the AIQ counselling, while for state quota, the admission responsibility is held in the hand of the respective states or UTS.

As per the eligibility criteria, though both the counselling process only allows NEET-qualified candidates, the state counselling allows those NEET candidates, who meet the domicile and eligibility requirements described by the respective states.

The reservation policy for AIQ counselling works on the rules set by central and other participating universities , whereas the reservation policy for state counselling is notified by the respective states and UTs.

Notably, NEET-qualified candidates are eligible to apply for both the counselling process if they fulfil the eligibility. However, the registration window for both the counselling is different.

Also read Private nursing colleges surge in West Bengal but more BSc, GNM, ANM seats lead to more scrutiny

MCC NEET Counselling for BAMS, BUMS, BSMS courses

For AQI counselling, candidates should have to register through MCC counselling portal, while candidates seeking state counselling process will be able to register through the respective state counselling websites.

Candidates aiming for BSc (Hons) Nursing, BCSc and AH programme under the 15% Veterinary Council of India (VCI) quota, and Military Nursing Service (MNS) BSc Nursing admission will be allotted seats on the basis of their NEET UG 2026 rank.

Furthermore, for admission to BAMS , BUMS, BSMS, and BHMS courses, the counselling for the AIQ seats will be held separately by the All India Ayush Central Counselling Committee (AACCC).