The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has extended the registration and choice-filling deadlines for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Super Speciality (NEET SS) counselling round 2 for 2026. This extension allows candidates more time to register, pay fees, and select their preferred seats. Additionally, 153 vacant in-service super speciality seats from Tamil Nadu have been added to the round 2 seat matrix following a Supreme Court directive. Meanwhile, eight seats from five institutes across India have been withdrawn from the counselling process.
Understanding NEET SS Counselling and Its Importance
NEET SS is a national-level entrance exam for admission to super speciality medical courses in India. The counselling process, managed by the MCC, allocates seats to qualified candidates based on their ranks and preferences. The process is divided into multiple rounds, with candidates registering, paying fees, filling choices, and locking them before seat allotment results are announced. Timely completion of these steps is crucial for securing a seat in desired institutions.
The addition or withdrawal of seats during counselling can significantly impact candidates’ chances, especially in competitive specialties. The recent Supreme Court order influenced the restoration of Tamil Nadu’s in-service seats, which had been previously withheld. This move aims to ensure fair representation and opportunities for candidates from that state.
Key Dates and Seat Changes in Round 2 Counselling
- Registration deadline extended to August 5, 2026, at 3 pm.
- Payment of counselling fees must be completed by August 5, 6 pm.
- Choice filling is open until August 6, 2 pm, with choice locking available from August 5, 8 pm to August 6, 2 pm.
- Seat allotment will be processed on August 6, with results announced on August 7.
- Candidates allotted seats must report to their respective institutes between August 8 and August 12, 2026.
The seat matrix now includes 153 additional vacant in-service super speciality seats from Tamil Nadu, reinstated after the Supreme Court’s July 28, 2026 ruling in the Tamil Nadu Medical Officers Association case. Candidates can select these seats during the ongoing choice-filling period.
Conversely, eight seats have been withdrawn from the round 2 seat matrix following requests from participating institutes. These seats, all under the Open category of the All India quota, are from the following institutes and courses:
- Government Medical College, Jammu – 2 seats in DNBSS Neurology
- Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital, Chennai – 2 seats in DNBSS Neonatology
- Ivy Health and Life Sciences, Mohali – 1 seat in DNBSS Cardiology
- Shree Krishna Hospital, Karamsad – 2 seats in DNBSS Neurology
- Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi – 1 seat in DNBSS Surgical Oncology
MCC has instructed all participating institutes to consider weekends and public holidays as working days to ensure the counselling process finishes on schedule.
What the Seat Changes Mean for NEET SS Candidates
The restoration of Tamil Nadu’s 153 in-service seats expands opportunities for candidates, particularly those from the state or those eligible for in-service quotas. This development could ease competition slightly by increasing the total seats available in round 2. Candidates who had previously missed out on these seats now have a chance to compete for them.
On the other hand, the withdrawal of eight seats reduces options in specific specialties and institutions. Candidates aiming for those particular seats will need to adjust their preferences accordingly. The MCC’s extension of deadlines provides additional time to reconsider choices and strategize seat selection.
Overall, these updates reflect the dynamic nature of medical counselling, where legal rulings and institutional decisions can alter seat availability. Candidates are advised to stay informed and complete all counselling steps within the revised timelines to maximize their chances of securing a super speciality seat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Until when can candidates register for NEET SS 2026 round 2 counselling?
A: Registration is open until 3 pm on August 5, 2026.
Q: How many Tamil Nadu seats were added to the round 2 seat matrix?
A: A total of 153 vacant in-service super speciality seats from Tamil Nadu were added following a Supreme Court order.
Q: What should candidates do if their preferred seats were withdrawn?
A: Candidates should revise their choices during the extended choice-filling period and select from the remaining available seats.
