The Medical Counselling Committee has released the NEET UG 2026 Round 2 seat matrix for undergraduate medical and allied health admissions. The updated matrix provides candidates with details of clear vacancies, virtual vacancies and newly added seats available for the second round of counselling.
According to the latest seat matrix, a total of 659 new seats have been added for MBBS, BDS and BSc Nursing courses. The newly added seats include 395 MBBS seats, 125 BDS seats and 139 BSc Nursing seats. In addition to these newly added seats, the Round 2 matrix contains 11,302 clear vacancy seats and 12,283 virtual vacancy seats.
The release of the revised seat matrix is important for candidates participating in the second round because the availability of seats can influence the order in which colleges and courses are selected during choice filling. Candidates are advised to review the updated matrix carefully before finalising their preferences.
The 11,302 clear vacancy seats represent seats that are available for allotment in the second round. The virtual vacancy category is different. These seats are currently occupied by candidates who have opted for an upgrade. If such candidates receive a seat higher on their preference list, their existing seats can become available for subsequent allotment.
The newly added seats provide additional opportunities for NEET UG candidates seeking admission through the MCC counselling process. Among the 659 new seats, MBBS accounts for the largest share with 395 seats. BDS has 125 newly added seats, while BSc Nursing has 139 seats.
MCC began the Round 2 registration process on September 3, 2026. Candidates who are eligible to participate in the second round can complete the registration and fee payment through the official MCC counselling portal. The current schedule states that registration and fee payment will remain open until September 8.
After registration, candidates must complete the choice filling and locking process. The deadline for choice filling and locking is September 9. Candidates should ensure that their preferred colleges and courses are arranged in the correct order before locking their choices.
The seat allotment process is scheduled to take place on September 9 and 10. The Round 2 seat allotment result is scheduled to be published on September 11. Candidates who receive seats will then have to complete the required reporting and admission formalities within the prescribed period.
Candidates should understand the difference between clear vacancies and virtual vacancies while preparing their preference lists. A clear vacancy indicates that the seat is presently available for allotment. A virtual vacancy may become available depending on whether the candidate currently holding that seat is upgraded to another preferred institution.
The updated seat matrix can also be useful for candidates who were not allotted a preferred seat in Round 1. Depending on their eligibility and the applicable counselling rules, candidates may use the Round 2 process to consider newly available seats and other options.
The Round 2 seat matrix covers MBBS, BDS and BSc Nursing seats included under the MCC undergraduate counselling process. MCC conducts counselling for specified categories of seats, including the All India Quota and seats in participating central and deemed universities and other institutions covered under its counselling framework. Candidates should check the official counselling instructions to determine their eligibility for particular seats.
The release of 659 additional seats is significant because medical admission counselling can change from one round to another as institutions report new seats and candidates move between colleges. Vacancies can also arise when candidates do not join their allotted seats or move to another institution during the counselling process.
For candidates, the updated matrix should therefore be treated as an important reference document before choice locking. A candidate's allotment is determined through the counselling process based on factors including merit, eligibility, category, seat availability and the choices submitted.
MCC has also advised candidates to rely on official counselling information for deadlines and other instructions. The committee's official UG Medical Counselling website currently lists the commencement of Round 2 registration from September 3, 2026.
Candidates should avoid relying solely on older seat matrices because the number and status of seats can change during the counselling process. The Round 2 matrix should be checked before choices are submitted.
The addition of 395 MBBS seats is particularly relevant to candidates seeking undergraduate medical admission, while the 125 new BDS seats provide additional opportunities for dental aspirants. The 139 newly added BSc Nursing seats expand options for candidates seeking admission to nursing programmes covered by MCC counselling.
Candidates who have already registered should also verify whether their existing choices remain suitable after the release of the revised seat matrix. Those who have not yet completed registration should check the eligibility requirements and complete the process before the applicable deadline.
The Round 2 process will move from registration and choice filling to seat allotment after the choice-locking window closes. Candidates should keep track of the official schedule and ensure that all required steps are completed within the prescribed time.
The release of the 2026 Round 2 seat matrix gives NEET UG candidates a clearer picture of the seats available across the participating institutions. With 11,302 clear vacancies, 12,283 virtual vacancies and 659 newly added seats, candidates have several categories of vacancies to consider while preparing their preferences.
The final allotment will depend on the candidate's NEET UG rank, eligibility, category, available seats and preference order. Therefore, the availability of a seat in the matrix does not by itself guarantee admission to that particular college or course.
Candidates should carefully review the official MCC seat matrix and counselling schedule and complete registration, choice filling and other admission requirements within the specified deadlines.