What after NEET: Courses Offered, Cutoff, Counselling and Admission Process
National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test 2026 ( NEET )
NEET OMR Sheet Objection Window
13 Jul '26 - 15 Jul '26
What after NEET--Candidates often don't have an idea what they should do after the NEET exam is over. He/she may not know about NEET counselling and related information. Candidates can read the article to know what after NEET once exam is concluded by NTA. NEET 2026 re exam was held on June21, 2026.
What After NEET
- Introduction to NEET
- What After NEET: Sequence of Events after the Examination
- What to do immediately after NEET conclusion?
- NEET Cutoff
- What after NEET: The Counselling Process
- What after NEET: For those who were unable to qualify
Introduction to NEET
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the sole entrance test for admission to undergraduate medical courses in India, which is why it sees a large number of test-takers every year.
What are the Courses Offered Through NEET?
NEET is the gateway to admission to the following medical courses:
- MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)
- BSc Nursing (Honours)
- BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
- BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery)
- BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery)
- BUMS (Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery)
- BSMS (Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery)
- Bachelor of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry (BVSc & AH)
The following table brings the course-wise seats:
| Course | Seats |
|---|---|
| MBBS | 1,18,190 |
| BDS | 27,868 |
| BAMS | 52,720 |
| BVSc & AH | 630 |
Commonly asked questions
Candidates need to fulfill the given eligibility criteria to participate in the NEET counselling for MBBS admissions-
- Qualify NEET by obtaining the cutoff marks.
- Register on the MCC website.
- Submit the choices of colleges.
The NEET counselling registration fee varies for different candidate categories. For the AIQ seats and Central Universities, the fee for the General category candidates is INR 1,000 and for the SC, ST, OBC and PwD category candidates, the fee is INR 500. For participating in the NEET counselling process for Deemed Universities, the registration fee for all category candidates is INR 5,000. The registration fee is non-refundable. On the other hand, candidates will have to pay the tuition fee which is refundable. The amount for the General category candidates for the AIQ seats and Central Universities is INR 10,000. For the reserved category candidates, the amount is INR 5,000. For Deemed Universities, the tuition fee to be paid by all category candidates is INR 2,00,000. Those who would not be allotted a seat after the NEET counselling process will be refunded the tuition fee after the conclusion of the counselling rounds.
The NEET counselling process is conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) primarily in online mode. All the steps of the counselling process, including the registration, release of seat matrix, choice filling and locking, and release of the seat allotment result. Only the last and final round, which is the institute reporting, has to be done in offline mode. Herein candidates who have been allotted seats have to visit the institutes for document verification and complete the admission process by paying the requisite fee amount.
The MCC conducts around 4 to 5 rounds for NEET UG Counselling process for MBBS, BDS, BHMS and other seats. The rounds of NEET counselling depends on seat matrix and number of vacant seats.
What After NEET: Sequence of Events after the Examination
The following table brings the details of the events conducted post-NEET exam and what exactly happens during these events.
| Event |
Description |
|---|---|
| Provisional answer key |
NTA releases a provisional answer key for NEET Candidates can match their answers with those in the provisional NEET answer key to calculate their marks |
| Raising objections against the provisional answer key |
There have been cases when candidates have found some mistakes in the answer key released by NTA. In such cases, they can file objections against the provisional answer key, provided they are backed by sufficient evidence |
| Final answer key |
After considering the objections filed against the provisional answer key, NTA revises the old answer key and releases a final version. No changes can be made to the final version of the answer key, and it shall be used for the evaluation process of NEET. |
| NEET Result |
The answer sheets are evaluated, and the result is uploaded on the official website of NTA NEET. Candidates can check the result by entering their application ID and password |
| 15 per cent AIQ Merit List |
NTA prepares a list of the candidates who have qualified for the examination and ranks them according to the marks obtained in NEET This merit list will be used for the admission process of the AIQ counselling NTA will also share the details of the candidates who have qualified for the examination with their respective states for admission to the 85 per cent state quota seats This is where the role of NTA ends |
| NEET Counselling |
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) will announce the NEET 2026 counselling schedule and seat matrix for the 15 per cent AIQ seats. On the other hand, the State Medical Counselling Authorities will release the notification for the counselling of the 85 per cent State Quota seats. Candidates will have to follow the procedure stated by the counselling authorities. |
What to do immediately after NEET conclusion?
As mentioned above, NEET is an offline examination. Candidates are allowed to carry the NEET question paper outside the NEET exam centre with them after the examination concludes. Candidates are not allowed to mark anything on the question paper of NEET. Therefore, the first thing candidates must do after the examination is to mark the answers on their question paper. Since their memory is fresh right after the examination, there is little chance of getting these wrong.
After the conclusion of NEET, various coaching classes analyse the question paper and release answer keys for all NEET question paper sets and codes on the same date. They are mostly accurate and will help you count the number of correct and incorrect responses in the examination.
Once candidates are done counting the correct and incorrect responses, use the formula given below to calculate the expected marks for NEET 2026.
Marks Obtained= (Number of correct responses) x4 - (Number of incorrect responses) x1
Using the NEET College Predictors
Once test-takers have the estimated scores for NEET 2026, it’s time to find out what their expected rank in the exam. They can use the data given in the NEET marks vs rank articles to estimate the ‘All India Rank’ for NEET. You can also enter your scores directly in NEET College Predictor. With the help of this predictor, you can determine which colleges they can apply to for their medical admission. One can then start researching the courses/colleges predicted by the NEET College Predictor and make an informed decision.
What after NEET: Announcement of the Result
Now that NEET result is out, NEET takers' position in the merit list has become clearer. The NEET result carries details of the marks obtained by a candidate. It also reflects the candidate's qualifying status. Based on the result of NEET, NTA prepares the merit list for 15 per cent AIQ counselling. NTA also shares the details of the qualified candidates from each state with the respective authorities for 85 per cent state quota counselling.
Commonly asked questions
Candidates need the given documents for NEET UG Counselling-
- NEET admit card
- NEET result or score card
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheet and certificate
- Valid, non-expired and government-issued photo ID proof
- Six to eight passport-sized photographs
- Caste Certificate
- Disability Certificate
- NEET Gap Certificate
- Provisional allotment letter
No, candidates need not report or join the allotted college of NEET counselling Round 1 since there is free exit. However if they want to retain the Round 1 seat and upgrade in Round 2 they have to physically join the college of Round 1 and give up-gradation willingness for Round 2 at the time of admission. In case candidates decide to resign the seat allotted to them in the first round, then they can do so prior to registering in the next round of NEET counselling.
NEET counselling seat matrix refers to the number of seats offered across the participating institutes for each course. The seat matrix is released by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) before the commencement of the counselling process. The seat matrix is released in institute-wise categories for the types of institutes, such as Deemed universities, AIIMS & JIPMER, etc. For NEET 2025 counselling, the primary seat matrix released by MCC for Round 1 was of for Deemed University, Central University, BSc Nursing and AIQ seats. After that, for the second and third rounds, MCC releases the list of newly added seats along with the clear vacancy and virtual vacancy.
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NEET Cutoff
NEET 2026 cutoff will be released along with the result. Last year, NEET cutoff for was reduced. Although the NEET cutoff percentile remains the same, the score has changed. The category-wise NEET 2025 cutoffs are given below:
| Category |
NEET 2025 Cutoff percentile |
NEET 2025 Cutoff score |
|---|---|---|
| UR/EWS |
50th |
686-144 |
| OBC, SC, ST |
40th |
143-113 |
| UR/EWS-PwD |
45th |
143-127 |
| OBC/SC/St-PwD |
40th |
126-113 |
What after NEET: The Counselling Process
Students often get confuse about NEET counselling process as various agencies conduct counselling at central and state level. First of all NTA doesn't conduct counselling for NEET. Its reposibility is to conduct exam only. There are three types of counselling, Central, State and AYUSH. Let us discuss the counselling types one by one.
Central or All India Quota (AIQ) Counselling:
All the Central and Deemed Universities, such as AIIMS, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and Banaras Hindu University (BHU), are included in this counselling process. Apart from these, 15 per cent of seats of all the government medical and dental colleges will also be filled through AIQ counselling. Candidates from all over the country can participate in this counselling process. AIQ counselling allows a candidate from Gujarat to take admission into a college located in Karnataka without having to present any Domicile or Residency Certificate.
The AIQ counselling is conducted by the MCC. Candidates who qualify for the examination can participate in the AIQ counselling by the MCC. The exception to AIQ counselling is the state of Jammu and Kashmir, which has opted out of it. Thus, admissions to the colleges in the state of Jammu and Kashmir will be through state quota counselling only.
AIQ Seat Reservation Scheme
The following table brings the new NEET reservation criteria for OBC, EWS, SC, ST and PwD categories under the 15 per cent AIQ seats are as follows:
| Categories |
Reservation Percentage |
|---|---|
| SC |
15 |
| ST |
7.5 |
| OBC |
27 |
| EWS |
10 |
| PwD |
5 |
Also Read: NEET UG Reservation for OBC, EWS, SC, ST and General
State Quota Counselling:
State Quota Counselling is for admission to the remaining 85 per cent seats of Government Medical and Dental Colleges. All the seats of the Private Medical and Dental Colleges, located in a particular state, will also be under this counselling process. However, the state quota seats are reserved for candidates domiciled in that particular state only. Candidates from any other state will not be eligible to participate in this counselling process.
The counselling of every state is conducted by a representative authority of the state government. To know about the counselling process of a particular state, click on the link given below.
NEET Counselling for the Different States
The table below brings the state-wise counselling details and procedures through NEET.
AYUSH Counselling:
Counselling for the AYUSH courses is conducted by a separate body, the AYUSH Admissions Central Counselling Committee (AACCC). This committee will conduct the admission process for all the Deemed AYUSH universities in India. Along with these 15 per cent seats of Government, Government-aided, Central, National and Private Colleges will also be filled in this counselling.
Also Read: AYUSH UG Counselling
Commonly asked questions
The NTA is likely to release the Re NEET 2026 results in July 20, 2026. The exact result release date has not been announced yet.
The Re NEET result 2026 is expected to be released by July 20, 2026. The NTA will release the result as a PDF.
The terms Clear Vacancy and Virtual Vacancy are related to the NEET seat matrix, which is released prior to each round of counselling. Clear Vacancy means empty or unclaimed seats at the end of the institute reporting process conducted at the end of each round. After the declaration of the seat allotment result, if a candidate exits the seat, then those seats come under the Clear Vacancy category. On the other hand, Virtual Vacancy refers to the seats which are considered to be available, if candidates allotted those seats opt for upgradation. In case their seat is not upgraded then the virtual vacancy will not be applicable anymore.
Candidates can check the NEET result 2026 in two ways. Have a look at the process below.
How to Download NEET result PDF?
- Visit the official website- neet.nta.nic.in.
- Click on the result PDF link.
- Go through the PDF containing cutoff marks, rank and result data.
- Download the PDF.
How to check your NEET result?
- Visit the website.
- Login to your registered account.
- Check your result status.
- Save it for future reference.
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What after NEET: For those who were unable to qualify
There are two options for those who are unable to qualify for NEET. The first one is for those who are determined to become doctors and do not mind giving another year for NEET preparation. Such candidates can start preparing for the examination with a new strategy based on the experience that they have gained this year.
Also Read:
The next option is for those who do not want to spend another year preparing for the examination, yet want to pursue a career in the field of medicine. Such candidates can take a look at the courses given below. These admit candidates on the basis of the marks obtained in Class 12.
Read More:
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered Yesterday
No. NEET is mandatory for all MBBS admissions in India, government, private, deemed, or minority institution. The Supreme Court of India has made NEET the single entrance exam for all UG medical admissions across the country, and there are no exceptions.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
No, NEET is not required for BSc Nursing admission. NEET is for MBBS, BDS, and BAMS courses. BSc Nursing has its own set of entrance exams. For government colleges in Delhi, you may need to appear for AIIMS Nursing Entrance Exam, IPU CET, or CUET. For NCR colleges in Haryana and UP, state-level nurs
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
No, NEET is not required for B.Pharm admission in Pune or anywhere in Maharashtra. NEET is only required for MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, and other medical courses. For pharmacy courses like B.Pharm and D.Pharm, MHT CET is the relevant entrance exam. However, for Pharm.D, which is a clinical pharmacy doct
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
No. Animation colleges in India do not require NEET or JEE scores. These entrance exams are only for medical and engineering colleges respectively. Animation admissions are either based on Class 12 marks, a college-specific entrance test, a design aptitude test, or a portfolio review. Some prestigio
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
NEET is not mandatory for B.Sc Nursing admissions in most of the states, like Tamil Nadu. But some nursing colleges attached to apex medical institutions or deemed universities consider NEET as a part of their selection process. Nerin or more of the colleges consider Class 12 merit. You should alway
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Realistically, no. Government Dental Colleges in Maharashtra have highly competitive cut-offs. General category candidates usually need a NEET score well above 580+ to secure a government seat. However, a score of 300 may qualify you for specific institutional quotas or management seats in private d
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
NEET is an entrance examination primarily for Medical and Dental courses across India. There are plenty of colleges that, on the basis of entrance examinations, offer nursing courses that include KCET, NEET, JKCET, CUET, IPU CET, and KEAM. Students should check the admission requirements of the nurs
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes. NEET UG is the most popular entrance for admission to most of the top nursing colleges in Pune. But many private colleges also accept MHT CET scores for admission or conduct their own entrance tests to assess the admission. A few colleges in Pune offer regular merit admission on the basis of Cl
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
The IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test) is the entrance exam Italian public universities actually use to rank and select candidates for English-taught Medicine and Surgery programs - NEET alone won't get you a seat.
IMAT is a 100-minute, 60-question test covering reading comprehension, logi
U
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
No nationwide entrance exam such as NEET is required for BSc Nursing courses in Chennai. Students are selected on merit, based on Class 12 PCB marks, through counselling conducted by Tamil Nadu Dr M.G.R. Medical University. Some private colleges may also hold their own entrance tests. This makes BSc
T
Contributor-Level 10