Frequently Asked Questions About NEET PG Mop-Up Round Process

Introduction

After the first and second rounds of NEET PG counselling, many students often have unanswered questions about the mop-up round. This round can feel like a final lifeline for aspirants who did not secure a seat earlier or want to try for better options. Yet, misunderstandings about eligibility, procedure, and seat allotment rules leave students anxious and uncertain.

Did you know that in 2024, around 15-20% of NEET PG aspirants were allotted seats through mop-up counselling? Clearly, this phase plays a pivotal role in shaping careers. But how exactly does it work, who can participate, and what are the rules to keep in mind?

In this blog, we’ll break down the most commonly asked questions about the NEET PG mop-up round, covering eligibility, registration, fees, seat allotment, and withdrawal policies—so that you move forward with clarity and confidence.

What is the NEET PG Mop-Up Round?

The mop-up round is the counselling conducted after the second round to fill vacant or reverted postgraduate medical seats. These may include:

• Seats left unfilled in Round 2
• Seats returned by state counselling authorities to MCC (for All India quota)
• Seats vacated due to withdrawals, resignations, or non-joining candidates

Essentially, the mop-up round ensures that no seat goes to waste and aspirants get one last fair chance.

Who is Eligible for the Mop-Up Round?

Eligibility is one of the most common concerns. Generally, the following candidates are allowed to participate:

• Those who did not get a seat in Round 1 or 2
• Those who registered earlier but were not allotted a seat
• Candidates who were allotted a seat but did not join (depending on specific rules)

Not eligible:

• Candidates who joined a seat after Round 2 of MCC counselling
• Those who did not register previously at all (fresh registration usually opens but with restrictions)

How to Register for the Mop-Up Round?

Registration for the mop-up round is conducted online through the MCC portal. The steps usually include:

1. Fresh Registration (if applicable): Candidates may be required to register anew by paying counselling fees.
2. Choice Filling: Submit preferred colleges and courses within the stipulated window.
3. Lock Choices: Confirm and lock the final list of preferences before the deadline.
4. Seat Allotment: Wait for MCC to declare the result based on AIR, category, and seat availability.

Tip: Always keep a screenshot/printout of your locked choices, as it avoids last-minute confusion.

What is the Counselling Fee for NEET PG Mop-Up Round?

The fee structure usually remains the same as earlier rounds, which includes:

• Non-refundable registration fee (amount varies for government, deemed, or private seats)
• Refundable security deposit (returned if the candidate does not take a seat or completes the admission process properly)

The amount may differ between All India Quota, Deemed Universities, and private colleges. Always check the latest MCC notification for accuracy.

Are State Mop-Up Rounds Different from MCC Mop-Up?

Yes, there’s an important distinction:

• MCC Mop-Up Round: Conducted for All India Quota (50%), Central Universities, Deemed Universities, and AIIMS/JIPMER.
• State Mop-Up Round: Conducted separately by state counselling authorities for state quota PG seats.

Some candidates may be eligible for both depending on withdrawal rules, but one must carefully check announcements for timelines and restrictions.

Can I Participate if I Already Have a Seat?

This depends on when and where you were allotted the seat:

• If you joined a seat in Round 1 and upgraded in Round 2 – Not eligible.
• If you joined a seat in Round 2 – Not eligible.
• If allotted but didn’t join – Usually eligible (but penalties may apply in some states).
• If never allotted any seat earlier – Fully eligible.

Always verify with the latest MCC or state authority notifications, as rules could change year to year.

What Happens After Mop-Up Allotment?

Candidates allotted a seat in mop-up counselling need to:

1. Download the allotment letter from the MCC portal.
2. Report physically to the allotted college with original documents.
3. Complete admission procedures including tuition fee payment.

Failure to report within the timeframe can lead to cancellation and forfeiture of the security deposit.

What About the Stray Vacancy Round?

If seats remain vacant after mop-up, they are filled through an institutional or stray vacancy round. Key points:

• No fresh registration is allowed—only candidates already registered with MCC can participate.
• The counselling authority shares candidate lists with respective colleges.
• Admissions are offered at the college level, strictly based on merit.

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!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I upgrade my seat in the mop-up if I already have one?

No, once you’ve joined a seat in Round 2, you cannot upgrade or participate in mop-up.

2. Is the registration fee refundable if I don’t get a seat?

The security deposit is refundable; however, the registration fee is non-refundable.

3. Do I need to register again if I already registered in Round 1?

Typically, yes. Candidates need to complete fresh mop-up registration and choice filling.

4. Are mop-up results declared online?

Yes, results are published on the official MCC portal, and allotment letters can be downloaded directly.

5. Can I directly approach colleges during mop-up?

No, direct admissions are not allowed during mop-up. However, for stray vacancy rounds, colleges may be admitted from MCC’s eligible list.

6. What documents are required for mop-up admission?

Usual documents include NEET PG admit card, result scorecard, allotment letter, MBBS certificate, internship completion certificate, ID proof, category certificate (if applicable), and fee receipts.

Conclusion

The NEET PG mop-up round is not just a backup—it’s often the decisive opportunity for many medical aspirants. Understanding the exact eligibility, steps, and rules can save you from preventable mistakes like ineligibility or fee forfeiture.

If you’re still unsure about the process, guidance from professionals can make a huge difference. At Career Plan B, we help medical aspirants navigate NEET PG counselling with personalized strategies, step-by-step support, and clarity in decision-making.

Remember, every round is an opportunity. Approach the mop-up with clear choices, timely action, and the right information—because your future specialization depends on it.