Race for medical admissions begins

By Sharang Katti

With the successful conduct of Re-NEET UG 2026 exam held yesterday on June 21, the focus now shifts from examination halls to the high-stakes admission race. For over 20 lakh aspirants, the coming weeks will define their medical careers.

Experts anticipate that results will be declared by mid-July, triggering the start of the nationwide counselling process. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) is expected to roll out All India Quota (AIQ) registrations shortly thereafter.

If trends hold, Round 1 counselling may begin by late July or early August, followed by successive rounds through August and September. The entire admission cycle, including mop-up and stray vacancy rounds, is likely to conclude by October 2026.

This year may also witness the addition of new medical colleges and revised counselling timelines, potentially increasing the overall seat matrix across India.

While MCC will oversee AIQ, AIIMS, JIPMER and deemed universities, state authorities will conduct parallel counselling for 85% state quota seats and private colleges.

Given this year’s delayed schedule, experts warn of a tighter, faster counselling window, leaving little room for errors in choice filling and documentation.

Early trends suggest that cut-offs could rise by 25–30 marks compared to 2025, intensifying competition for top government seats. However, the delay in examinations has led some students to secure admissions in allied science courses, which may result in noticeable fluctuations in cut-offs across different rounds.

Students are urged to stay alert, keep documents ready, and track official announcements closely.

As the countdown to counselling begins, the pressure mounts—turning scores into seats will now be the ultimate challenge.

In this crucial phase, expert guidance can make a significant difference. ASMI Youth Career Advisor continues to support students with personalised counselling, choice filling strategies and end-to-end admission assistance.

(The author of this article is Maharashtra-based prominent career counsellor associated with 'ASMI Career' education consultancy firm)