The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has released the reservation policy for admissions to MBBS, BDS, and BSc Nursing programs through the NEET UG 2026 counselling process. This policy applies to the All India Quota (AIQ) and central medical institutions, following government norms to ensure fair representation of various social groups.
The reservation system aims to provide equitable access to medical education for candidates from different categories, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes - Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).
Understanding the Reservation Framework for NEET UG 2026
Reservation policies in India are designed to address historical social inequalities by allocating a percentage of seats in educational institutions to underrepresented groups. For NEET UG 2026, the MCC follows the central government’s directives for the All India Quota and central medical colleges. Meanwhile, state quota seats are governed by the respective state or union territory’s reservation rules.
The reservation categories include:
- General-Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS): 10% of seats reserved.
- Other Backward Classes - Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL): 27% of seats reserved.
- Scheduled Caste (SC): 15% of seats reserved.
- Scheduled Tribe (ST): 7.5% of seats reserved.
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): 5% horizontal reservation across all categories.
Horizontal reservation means PwBD candidates can avail benefits within their respective vertical categories, such as SC, ST, OBC, or General.
Key Details and Requirements for Reservation Benefits
Candidates seeking reservation benefits must provide valid documentation as per government guidelines. The MCC mandates the following:
- OBC-NCL candidates must submit a valid certificate aligned with the latest government rules.
- SC and ST candidates need to furnish valid caste certificates consistent with current regulations.
- PwBD candidates must meet eligibility criteria under the National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.
- PwBD applicants must present a Unique Disability ID (UDID) card or an official disability certificate during counselling.
For admissions to AIIMS, PwBD candidates undergo evaluation by the institute’s medical board to assess the extent of disability in accordance with the RPwD Act guidelines.
The MCC emphasizes that any candidate found submitting false or incorrect documents to claim reservation benefits will be disqualified from the admission process.
How This Reservation Policy Affects Medical Aspirants
The reservation policy plays a crucial role in shaping the medical education landscape by promoting inclusivity and diversity. It ensures that students from marginalized communities have better access to medical courses, which can help address healthcare disparities in the country.
For candidates, understanding the reservation criteria and documentation requirements is essential to navigate the counselling process smoothly. The policy also highlights the importance of transparency and verification to maintain fairness.
State quota admissions follow separate reservation rules, so aspirants should check their respective state policies in addition to the AIQ guidelines. This dual system allows for tailored approaches to meet regional social dynamics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What percentage of seats is reserved for OBC-NCL candidates in NEET UG 2026?
A: OBC-NCL candidates have 27% of seats reserved in MBBS, BDS, and BSc Nursing courses under the All India Quota and central institutions.
Q: How is the PwBD reservation applied in NEET UG admissions?
A: PwBD candidates receive a 5% horizontal reservation, meaning they can avail this benefit within their respective category (General, SC, ST, or OBC), subject to eligibility and proper certification.
Q: What happens if a candidate submits false documents to claim reservation?
A: The MCC will exclude any candidate found using fake or incorrect documents from the entire admission process, ensuring the integrity of the reservation system.
