Nadda reviews NEET UG counselling 2026 preparedness

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda | Photo Credit: PTI Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Tuesday (July 29, 2026) reviewed the preparedness for the forthcoming NEET UG counselling 2026.NEET UG counselling 2026 has introduced several technology enabled and student-centric reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, improving accessibility and simplifying the admission process.One of the key reforms is the introduction of a one-time physical reporting framework aimed at reducing the need for repeated visits by candidates. Following seat allotment, candidates will be able to exercise their willingness online by selecting either the Freeze or Float option.Candidates opting for the Freeze option will physically report to their allotted institute within the prescribed schedule to complete admission formalities, including verification of original documents and payment of the admission fee.Candidates opting for the Float option for participating in subsequent rounds for upgradation will be able to complete admission formalities, including document verification, through the online mode within the stipulated timeline. During this period, they will not be required to physically report to the allotted institute, submit original documents or pay the admission fee. Their provisional admission will remain valid while participating in subsequent counselling rounds.Third roundThe upgradation facility will remain available up to the third round of counselling. After completion of the third round, candidates holding allotted seats will report physically to their respective institutions for verification of original documents, payment of admission fees and completion of institutional formalities.The revised framework ensures one-time physical reporting, one-time verification of original documents and one-time payment of admission fees, thereby reducing unnecessary travel, simplifying admission procedures and providing greater convenience to students.Another important feature introduced this year is the online resignation facility. Candidates wishing to resign from their allotted seat, wherever permitted under the applicable counselling rules and timelines, will now be able to submit their resignation through the MCC Counselling Portal without the need to physically visit the allotted institute, unless otherwise specified in the Information Bulletin or notified separately by the MCC.The review also highlighted several measures to strengthen transparency and operational efficiency, including pre-populated candidate data received from the National Testing Agency (NTA), online document verification, validation of the seat matrix by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and verification by participating institutes.Special emphasis has been placed on improving accessibility for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). The Ministry has also brought in complete digitisation of the admission process under the NRI category. Registration for NRI candidates will now be conducted entirely through the online counselling portal in accordance with the prescribed eligibility criteria. Candidates will upload all required documents online, replacing the earlier practice of submission through email. The uploaded documents will be verified online by designated Document Verification Officers, ensuring a transparent, efficient and time-bound verification process. Published - July 29, 2026 09:42 pm IST