State vs. All India Quota in NEET PG Round 3 and Mop-Up Round: What You Must Know

Introduction

Every year, over 2 lakh doctors appear for the NEET PG exam in pursuit of limited postgraduate medical seats. Yet, when the counseling process reaches Round 3 and Mop-Up round, confusion often sets in. Should you focus on the All India Quota (AIQ) seats or go with your State Quota counseling? What happens if you participate in both? Can a better option open up later?

Many candidates face dilemmas at this stage, especially when shifting strategies between AIQ and State counseling could mean the difference between a dream specialty and a compromise seat. This blog will unpack the differences, overlaps, and strategies of choosing between AIQ and State quotas during Round 3 and Mop-Up rounds—and most importantly, help you make more informed decisions.

Understanding AIQ and State Quota

What is the All India Quota (AIQ)?

The All India Quota reserves 50% of total PG seats in government medical colleges (except in some states like J&K). It is managed by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC). These seats are open to candidates across India, making the competition broader.

What is the State Quota?

The State Quota reserves the remaining 50% of seats in government colleges, plus all seats in private colleges are filled through State authorities. Each state runs its own PG medical counseling process, and eligibility is determined largely by state domicile rules.

In short, AIQ = central pool of seats, while State Quota = local state authority seats.

Round 3 in NEET PG Counseling

How does AIQ Round 3 work?

• Conducted by MCC at the national level.
• Candidates who didn’t get allotted in Round 1 or Round 2, or those who did not opt-out, can participate.
• Fresh choices can be filled, but once allotted, seats must be joined or you lose eligibility.
• Upgrading is still an option in this round.

How does State Round 3 work?

• Known as an extended round for state counseling.
• Conducted if seats remain vacant after State Round 2.
• Domicile rules still apply, so only candidates from that state (or eligible under state rules) can apply.
• Some states integrate Mop-Up into Round 3, while others conduct both separately.

Mop-Up Round Explained

What is the Mop-Up round for AIQ?

• Held by MCC, but limited only for Deemed Universities in PG courses.
• Government AIQ seats rarely move to Mop-Up because most are filled earlier.
• Candidates can compete at a national level for leftover Deemed seats, often with higher fees.

What is the Mop-Up round for State Quota?

• Conducted by State authorities for leftover government and private seats.
• Domicile candidates have a strong chance here, particularly in private colleges.
• Often, this round fills newly added or reverted seats, giving late opportunities to candidates.

Key Differences Between AIQ vs. State in Round 3 and Mop-Up

Which One Should You Focus On?

Ask yourself: Where are your best chances?

• Are you a higher ranker aiming at top government colleges? AIQ Round 3 can still secure you a quality seat.
• Are you a mid to lower ranker with domicile benefits? Your realistic chance may lie in your State’s Mop-Up round.
• Are you flexible about fees and locations? Then Deemed University seats in AIQ Mop-Up may be your window.

What if you participate in both simultaneously?

Yes, you can register for both AIQ and State Counselling. However, once a seat is allotted and joined under one authority, you cannot continue in another, so choose carefully.

Case Example

Dr. A, AIR 12,000, based in Tamil Nadu, had slim chances of getting MD General Medicine under AIQ in Round 3. By betting on the State Mop-Up round, he secured a seat under Tamil Nadu quota, whereas AIQ would have pushed him to a private deemed seat with higher fees.

Strategic Tips for Round 3 and Mop-Up

1. Keep all options open – Register for both AIQ and State Counselling if eligible.
2. Prioritize realistically – Don’t always chase “dream” branches; balance rank, budget, and availability.
3. Understand bond and service rules – Especially in state quota seats, additional service bonds may apply.
4. Track seat matrix updates – Vacant and reverted seats often change dynamics at the last moment.
5. Consult credible sources – Platforms like Career Plan B regularly analyze cutoffs and counseling scenarios to help students strategize correctly.

How Career Plan B Supports Every Step

• Personalized Counseling: In-depth one-on-one counseling to align specialization, college choices, and career goals.
• Timeline & Reminder Service: Never miss a deadline—receive timely reminders and updates about institute-wise counseling calendars.
• Document Checklist & Verification: Guidance to prepare all required documentation, reducing stress on D-day.
• Preference Analysis: Analysis of seat trends, cut-offs, and college quality to build a winning choice list.
• Mock Counseling & Strategy: Practice sessions to simulate real counseling—boosting your confidence, reducing errors.
• Support for Appeals/Technical Issues: Help in resolving portal issues, appeals, or queries with admission authorities.

Have any doubts?
📞 Contact our expert counsellor today and get all your questions answered!

FAQs

1. Can I participate in both AIQ and State Mop-Up rounds?
Yes, but if you accept a seat in one, you cannot continue in the other.

2. Are Deemed University seats available in State Mop-Up?
No, Deemed seats under Mop-Up are handled by MCC centrally, not through states.

3. What happens if I don’t join my allotted seat in Round 3?
You usually lose your eligibility for further rounds in that counseling stream.

4. Do private colleges under state Mop-Up require domicile?
In most states, yes, but a few allow management quota seats for outside candidates.

5. Which round gives better chances for MD/MS clinical seats?
State Mop-Up often yields better chances for domicile candidates, while AIQ is more competitive.

Conclusion

Deciding between All India Quota and State Quota in NEET PG Round 3 and Mop-Up is not just a matter of preference—it’s about strategy, eligibility, and long-term planning. AIQ keeps your options open nationwide but comes with higher competition. State rounds, on the other hand, reward domicile candidates with realistic opportunities, especially in government and private seats.

Your best move? Keep multiple doors open, analyze the seat matrix carefully, and seek expert guidance if needed. The right decision at this stage could be the turning point for your medical career.