What Is MCC NEET UG Counselling?
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) handles the centralized counselling for NEET UG 2025, covering the 15% All India Quota seats in government medical colleges, as well as 100% seats in deemed universities, AIIMS, JIPMER, ESIC, and more. MCC retains control over registration, seat matrix release, choice filling, choice locking, seat allotment, and seat reporting. State counselling authorities manage the remaining 85% state quota seats.
Why Choice Locking Matters
- Choice Filling: You select and rank colleges/courses based on your priorities.
- Choice Locking: You confirm and seal your priority list. Once locked, changes are impossible. If you fail to lock by the deadline, your choices may be ignored—even if filled
- MCC has emphasized that auto‑locking based on last saved entries does not substitute intentional submission
Round‑1 Timeline at a Glance
| Step | Key Dates (2025) |
| Registration & Fee Payment | July 21 to August 3 (extended multiple times) |
| Choice Filling | July 22 – August 4 (extensions pushed to August 4, 11:59 PM) |
| Choice Locking | August 4, 2025 from 4 PM to 11:59 PM |
| Seat Processing | August 5 (overnight) |
| Round 1 Result | August 6, 2025 |
| College Reporting | August 7–11, 2025 |
Be vigilant: previously published schedules changed multiple times, and MCC updated extension notices on their portal
How to Fill and Lock Choices: Step‑By‑Step
1. Register & Log In
- Register on mcc.nic.in using your NEET roll number, application number & DOB.
- Complete the fee payment by the deadline to activate your account
2. Explore the Seat Matrix
- MCC releases a detailed seat matrix for MBBS, BDS, BSc Nursing, and AYUSH courses.
- Includes over 26,500 AIQ seats across government, deemed, AIIMS, JIPMER, corporate universities, and ESIC institutions
3. Fill & Prioritize Choices
- Add colleges under correct categories (e.g., AIQ-Open, AIQ-SC/OBC/EWS/PwD).
- Prioritize: Dream at top, moderate middle, safe options at bottom.
- Use drag/drop or up/down arrows to reorder.
4. Final Lock
- When final, go to the review section.
- Accept the declaration and click “Lock Choices” between 4 PM and 11:59 PM.
- Download PDF proof and take screenshots. Only that locked list is considered valid.
Common Errors to Avoid
- Forgetting to Lock – Filings without locking are nullified. MCC won’t intervene post-deadline.
- Wrong Airline Category – Selecting “Open” instead of your reserved quota (like SC/OBC/EWS/PwD) can block you from reserved seats
- Poor Selection Strategy – Random or copied lists from peers may not suit your rank & budget.
- Ignoring Fee Structure – Some deemed & ESIC institutes charge very high tuition. Verify before locking.
What Happens After Locking
- Seat Allotment: Based on AIR, category, seat availability, and your locked ranking.
- Multiple Rounds: Round 1, Round 2 (for upgradation), Mop‑up, Stray Vacancy up to October 3, 2025
- Fees & Document Verification: Allotment letter download, online payment, then physical verification at college.
- Reporting Deadline: August 7–11 for Round 1 invitees; missing timeframe means forfeiture.
Top‑Tip Strategies to Use
- Use closing rank data from previous years to wisely select institutes.
- Mix quotas: AIQ‑govt, deemed universities, ESIC, and private colleges.
- Backup choices are essential—especially safe options if your rank is borderline.
- Cross-check category eligibility: PwD/UHB quotas sometimes offer significant cut-off advantage.
Post‑Allotment Reminders
- Freeze vs Float vs Opt Out: If you want to stay with the allotted college or seek upgrades, know the implications.
- Resignation Process: If you want to resign Round 1 seat, do it via the online portal to get reassigned in state rounds—if desired
- Subsequent Rounds: Choice filling and locking continue in further rounds with similar steps and deadlines.
Final Vocabulary & FAQ Highlights
Q: Is choice locking mandatory?
Yes, while login and filling are essential, the system ignores un‑locked data, even if filled.
Q: What if I miss locking window?
Your filled choices won’t be considered, and MCC/DGHS will not entertain modification requests
Q: Can locked choices be edited later?
No. Once locked, edits aren’t allowed. Only unlocked users during open window can modify.
Q: How many college choices should I fill?
Unlimited, but prioritize—top 10 dream, next 10–20 moderate, final 10–15 safe. Make choices meaningful.
Q: Should I lock early?
Yes—but only if you’re fully satisfied. If within the locking window, you can lock early and still unlock for edits before the deadline.
Conclusion
Choice locking is the turning point of MCC NEET UG Counselling 2025. No matter how well you fill your list, it all hinges on that final click between 4 PM and 11:59 PM on August 4, 2025. Track deadlines carefully, research your rank vs closing ranks, pick wisely, and lock confidently. Even a single hour’s delay—or selecting the wrong category—can derail your entire allotment. Stand prepared, deadline-aware, and informed for the best shot at your dream medical college.
