Ritik Kumar · November 1, 2025 
Introduction
Planning your postgraduate medical journey in India? With more than 2.4 lakh students competing for about 74,000 PG seats in 2025, securing a seat at your preferred college hinges on timely participation in NEET PG counselling. But when does AIQ and State Quota counselling start? How do the steps unfold, and what mistakes should you avoid? This data-driven guide untangles the timeline and process so you can take strategic action and avoid last-minute stress.
NEET PG 2025 Counselling: Why Timing Matters
Missing a counselling deadline could mean losing your chance at a coveted medical seat. With thousands chasing the same goal, every detail counts—especially the key dates, eligibility, and sequence of events.
Key Statistics
- Over 2.4 lakh NEET PG aspirants in 2025.
- Approximately 74,306 MD/MS/DNB seats available nationwide.
- MCC (Medical Counselling Committee) conducts AIQ rounds online.
- Most state quota rounds start soon after AIQ registration.
NEET PG Counselling 2025 Timeline: All India Quota (AIQ) & State Quota
Tentative Dates Overview
| Event | Expected Date (2025) |
|---|---|
| NEET PG Result Declaration | 1st week of September |
| MCC AIQ Round 1 Registration | 3rd week of September |
| AIQ Choice Filling & Locking | 3rd – 4th week of September |
| AIQ Round 1 Seat Allotment | Last week of September |
| AIQ Reporting to College | Early October |
| AIQ Round 2 Registration | Mid October |
| AIQ Mop-Up Round | November |
| AIQ Stray Vacancy Round | December |
| State Quota Registration | Usually late September to October |
All India Quota (AIQ) Counselling: Key Events
NEET PG AIQ counselling, managed centrally by the MCC, includes 4 main rounds:
- Round 1: Registration, choice filling, seat allotment, reporting.
- Round 2: Fresh registration (if not already done), choice filling, upgradation possible.
- Mop-Up Round: For Deemed/Central universities, DNB, and ESIC institutions.
- Stray Vacancy Round: Final chance for vacant seats, usually December.
Eligible candidates register and fill choices online—no physical presence required.
State Quota PG Counselling: How and When Does It Start?
After MCC announces AIQ results, each state begins its own PG counselling for the remaining 50% seats. Deadlines and processes differ by state, but most begin registrations between late September and October, soon after AIQ seat allotment. States like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi will release detailed schedules on respective DME or state health authority websites.
Rhetorical Question
Confused about whether to apply through AIQ or State Quota? Why not maximize your chances by registering for both—if eligible?
NEET PG Counselling 2025: Step-by-Step Registration Process
For MCC AIQ Counselling
- Visit the official MCC website (mcc.nic.in).
- Register using your NEET PG roll number, valid email, and mobile.
- Pay the registration fee online.
- Fill and lock your preferred colleges and PG courses before the deadline.
- Await seat allotment; results are released round-wise.
- Report physically to your allotted institute for document verification and joining.
State Quota Registration
- Monitor notifications on your state’s counselling portal.
- Most states require fresh registration even if you applied for AIQ.
- Procedure involves filling preferences, uploading documents, payment, and seat choice locking.
- Reporting standards may differ—some allow for online document verification before physical joining.
Differences Between AIQ and State Quota Counselling
| Feature | AIQ (All India Quota) | State Quota |
|---|---|---|
| Seats Covered | 50% of Govt. PG seats, 100% Central/Deemed/DNB | 50% of state seats |
| Conducted By | MCC (DGHS, MoHFW) | State Health Authority |
| Registration Website | mcc.nic.in | State DME/Health Portal |
| Rounds | 4 (including mop-up + stray) | Varies: 2–4 rounds |
| Eligibility | Open to all NEET PG qualified | Domicile/MBBS from State |
| Fees | Uniform | State-specific |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When will NEET PG AIQ counselling begin in 2025?
Most sources report that AIQ Round 1 registration will start in the third week of September 2025. Final dates will be announced on mcc.nic.in.
2. How do state quota counselling timelines differ from AIQ?
State quota rounds usually commence within days after the AIQ seat allotment result and can vary by state. Check your respective DME or health authority portal for exact dates.
3. Can I participate in both AIQ and State Quota counselling?
Yes, eligible candidates are encouraged to apply to both to maximize their chances of getting preferred PG seats, provided they meet state eligibility criteria.
4. What documents do I need for reporting at the allotted institute?
Key documents include NEET PG admit card and scorecard, MBBS degree, internship completion certificate, MCI/state registration, valid ID, and reservation certificates if applicable.
5. What happens if I miss a deadline during counselling?
Missing key dates could mean disqualification for that round, so set reminders and monitor official websites daily during September–October.
6. How can Career Plan B help with counselling and choices?
Career Plan B offers expert, unbiased guidance for medical aspirants, ensuring timely registration, logical choice selection, and personalized insights into PG admissions—maximizing the odds of success.
Conclusion
Making sense of NEET PG counselling timelines is the secret to securing your ideal postgraduate seat in 2025. With AIQ slots filling up as early as September and state portals opening soon after, your window to act is short—don’t lose it to confusion or procrastination. Keep track of official updates on mcc.nic.in and relevant state portals, assemble your documents early, and be strategic with your choices.
Ready for hassle-free NEET PG counselling experience? Connect with Career Plan B for personalized advice, expert timelines, and support at every step. Your right to a quality medical career starts now—act wisely and act on time!
