The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has announced a revised schedule for the first round of CAP counselling for MBBS and BDS admissions for the academic year 2026-27. This update follows an extension granted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for the All India Quota counselling process.
Candidates whose names appeared in the provisional merit list published on August 18 must submit any grievances by August 20 at 5 pm. This is a one-time opportunity, and no further grievance submissions will be accepted after this deadline. Additionally, candidates who have not yet registered can do so online between August 20 at 8 pm and August 21 at 8 pm. Those who registered earlier but have not paid the fee must complete payment during this window.
Understanding the NEET UG Counselling Process in Maharashtra
The NEET UG counselling process in Maharashtra is a centralized system managed by the CET Cell, responsible for allocating seats in medical and dental colleges across the state. The process involves multiple stages, including registration, document verification, merit list publication, grievance redressal, choice filling, seat allotment, and physical reporting to allotted colleges.
The CAP (Centralized Admission Process) rounds are crucial for candidates seeking admission to MBBS and BDS courses. Maharashtra’s CET Cell coordinates these rounds based on merit lists prepared from NEET UG scores, ensuring a transparent and merit-based seat allocation.
Key Dates and Details for NEET UG 2026 CAP Round 1
- Grievance submission for candidates in the provisional merit list: August 19 to August 20, 5 pm
- Online registration, application, and fee payment for new and pending candidates: August 20, 8 pm to August 21, 8 pm
- Uploading and submission of scanned colored copies of original documents: August 20, 8 pm to August 21, 11:59 pm
- Online document verification and publication of revised registered candidate list and provisional merit list: August 23
- Grievance submission for newly registered candidates: August 24, till 5 pm
- Final merit list and seat matrix release: August 25
- Choice filling and preference submission: August 26 to August 29, 5:30 pm
- CAP Round 1 seat allotment: August 30
- Physical reporting and joining at allotted colleges: August 31 to September 4, 5:30 pm
It is important to note that candidates who fail to upload and submit the required documents by the deadline will not be considered for admission or the claimed category. The revised provisional merit list for Group A courses will also be published on August 23.
Implications of the Revised Schedule for Candidates
The updated timeline offers candidates additional time to complete registration, fee payment, and document submission, which is especially helpful for those who missed earlier deadlines. However, the CET Cell has emphasized that grievance opportunities are limited and must be utilized within the specified windows.
Physical reporting to allotted colleges between August 31 and September 4 is mandatory for candidates who secure seats in CAP Round 1. Failure to report within this period may result in forfeiture of the seat.
The CET Cell has also reminded candidates that the schedule may change based on directives from the MCC, state or central government authorities, or court orders. NRI candidates have a separate registration deadline of August 20, 11:59 pm, through the Foreign Candidate Registration Portal, with the rest of their counselling schedule aligned with the general process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who can submit grievances during the NEET UG CAP Round 1 counselling?
A: Candidates listed in the provisional merit list published on August 18 can submit grievances between August 19 and August 20, 5 pm. Newly registered candidates who submit all required documents by August 21 can submit grievances on August 24 until 5 pm. No further grievance submissions will be accepted beyond these dates.
Q: What happens if a candidate fails to upload required documents by the deadline?
A: Candidates who do not upload and submit the necessary original documents by August 21, 11:59 pm, will not be considered for admission or for the category they have claimed, effectively disqualifying them from the counselling process.
Q: When must candidates physically join their allotted colleges?
A: Candidates allotted seats in CAP Round 1 must report to their respective colleges with original documents and fees between August 31 and September 4, by 5:30 pm, to confirm their admission.
