The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has revised the first-year course fee payment rules for NEET PG Counselling 2026, specifically for the 50% All India Quota (AIQ) seats. This change affects candidates who participate in the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) counselling process and choose to upgrade their seats.
- Candidates opting for seat upgradation ('float' option) do not have to pay the first-year fee immediately.
- Candidates who accept their allotted seat ('freeze' option) must pay the first-year fee directly to the accredited institute.
- NBEMS will not collect the first-year fee during counselling.
- Reporting for allotted seats starts from October 26 to November 2, 2026.
- The Online Portal for Joining and Registration (OPJR) will open after all counselling rounds are complete.
What are the new fee payment rules for NEET PG Counselling 2026?
NBEMS has introduced a significant change in the fee payment process for candidates allotted seats through the MCC NEET PG counselling. Candidates who choose the 'float' or upgradation option to participate in subsequent counselling rounds are not required to pay the first-year course fee while waiting for an upgrade. This means they can hold their current seat without immediate payment, allowing flexibility to seek better options.
On the other hand, candidates who select the 'freeze' option, thereby accepting and joining their allotted seat permanently, must pay the first-year annual course fee directly to the NBEMS-accredited institute or hospital where they have been admitted. NBEMS itself will not collect this fee during the counselling process.
How does the seat allotment and reporting process work?
The MCC has announced the NEET PG counselling 2026 round 1 seat allotment results, with over 28,000 postgraduate medical seats allotted. Candidates who have been allotted seats must report to their respective medical colleges between October 26 and November 2, 2026.
Those who freeze their seats must complete the fee payment and join the training within this reporting period. Candidates who opt for upgradation will join the upgraded seat if allotted in subsequent rounds, and their training period will start from the date of joining the new seat.
What is the role of NBEMS-accredited institutes in fee collection?
NBEMS has instructed all accredited hospitals and institutes not to collect the first-year course fee from candidates who have chosen the 'float' or upgradation option. Fee collection should only occur when a candidate permanently accepts the seat by freezing it. This ensures candidates are not burdened with fees while waiting for possible upgrades.
When will the Online Portal for Joining and Registration (OPJR) be available?
The NBEMS Online Portal for Joining and Registration (OPJR) will remain closed until MCC completes all rounds of NEET PG 2026 counselling. After the counselling rounds conclude, the portal will open to allow candidates and hospitals to submit joining details and required documents. NBEMS will provide a separate notice explaining the process.
Why were these changes introduced?
The revised fee payment rules aim to ease the financial burden on candidates seeking seat upgradation during the counselling process. By allowing candidates to wait without paying the first-year fee immediately, NBEMS provides flexibility and reduces pressure during the highly competitive admission rounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do candidates have to pay the first-year fee if they choose to upgrade their seat?
A: No, candidates who select the 'float' or upgradation option are not required to pay the first-year fee while waiting for an upgraded seat.
Q: When must candidates who freeze their seat pay the first-year fee?
A: Candidates who freeze their seat must pay the first-year fee directly to the NBEMS-accredited institute at the time of joining.
Q: What are the reporting dates for NEET PG Counselling 2026 round 1?
A: Candidates must report to their allotted colleges from October 26 to November 2, 2026.
Q: When will the NBEMS OPJR portal open?
A: The OPJR portal will open after MCC completes all rounds of NEET PG 2026 counselling.
