The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell has announced an extension for the registration period for MBBS and BDS admissions under the NEET UG 2026 counselling process. This change aligns with the Medical Counselling Committee's (MCC) decision to extend registration deadlines for the All India Quota counselling. Candidates now have until August 15, 2026, to complete their registration and related formalities for the Centralized Admission Process (CAP) for MBBS and BDS courses.
Understanding Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling and CAP
Every year, students aspiring to enter medical and dental colleges in Maharashtra must participate in the NEET UG counselling process. The State CET Cell manages the Centralized Admission Process (CAP) for Group A courses, which include MBBS and BDS programs. This process involves multiple steps such as registration, document verification, merit list publication, seat allotment, and final admission confirmation.
The CAP ensures a transparent and merit-based admission system for candidates across Maharashtra. It also coordinates with the MCC, which oversees the All India Quota seats, to synchronize schedules and maintain fairness for all applicants.
Revised Key Dates for MBBS/BDS CAP 1 Counselling
The State CET Cell has released an updated schedule reflecting the extension. Important deadlines now include:
- Online registration and session application extended until August 15, 2026, 8 pm
- Payment of registration fees extended until August 15, 2026, 10 pm
- Uploading of all original documents extended until August 15, 2026, 11:59 pm
- Online document verification to be completed by August 17, 2026
- Publication of registered candidate list and provisional merit list on August 18, 2026
- Grievance submission window from August 19 to August 20, 2026, until 5 pm
- Final merit list and seat matrix release on August 21, 2026
- Online choice filling from August 22 to August 24, 2026, until 5:30 pm
- Declaration of CAP round 1 results on August 25, 2026
- Physical joining at allotted colleges from August 26 to August 30, 2026, until 5:30 pm
Additionally, NRI candidates must register on the Foreign Candidate Registration Portal by August 14, 2026, 11:59 pm for eligibility verification. The subsequent schedule for NRIs aligns with the general timeline.
Implications of the Extension for Applicants
The extension provides candidates with additional time to complete essential steps in the admission process, reducing pressure and allowing for better preparation. It also ensures alignment with the MCC’s All India Quota counselling timeline, preventing conflicts or missed opportunities for applicants seeking seats under different quotas.
Applicants should note that payments made by cheque on bank holidays are accepted but must be replaced by a demand draft on the next working day. Failure to submit the demand draft may result in cancellation of admission, emphasizing the importance of adhering to payment guidelines.
This extension may also benefit candidates facing challenges in document submission or verification, giving them a wider window to resolve issues. Overall, the revised schedule aims to streamline admissions while accommodating unforeseen delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the new last date for NEET UG 2026 MBBS/BDS registration in Maharashtra?
A: The registration deadline has been extended to August 15, 2026, until 8 pm for online registration and session application.
Q: When will the final merit list and seat matrix be published?
A: Both the final merit list and seat matrix for Group A courses will be published on August 21, 2026.
Q: Are NRI candidates required to follow a different registration process?
A: Yes, NRI candidates must register on the Foreign Candidate Registration Portal by August 14, 2026, for eligibility verification before proceeding with the rest of the counselling process.
