Introduction
Waiting for that coveted MD/MS seat, many candidates are caught off guard by registration fees, security deposits, and refund policies. But—did you know that a smart understanding of the fee structure can help avoid costly mistakes and smoothen your path to a top medical college? In 2025, NEET PG applicants must carefully compare the fees and processes of All India Quota (AIQ) and State Quota counselling. With hundreds of crores riding on medical admissions annually, optimizing this crucial step can make all the difference. This blog will unravel every nuance, clarify confusing terms, and help you avoid common pitfalls—whether you’re aiming for a central seat or your home state college.
What Is NEET PG Counselling?
NEET PG counselling is the national-level process for allocating MD, MS, and PG diploma seats, conducted:
- By the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC): For 50% AIQ, Central Universities, Deemed Universities, AFMS, and ESIC seats.
- By State Authorities: For the remaining 50% of seats under state quota, each state has its own portal and rules.
Overview of Counselling Rounds
Both AIQ and state quotas offer up to 4 rounds (including mop-up and stray vacancy). Each round requires separate registration, fee payment, and choice filling.
Breaking Down the NEET PG Counselling Fee Structure
Types of Fees Charged
- Non-refundable Fee: Paid for registration; not returned even if no seat is allotted.
- Refundable Security Deposit: Returned if the candidate does not take a seat or withdraws after proper procedure.
AIQ Fee Structure (2025)
Category | Non-Refundable (₹) | Refundable Deposit (₹) |
General | 1,000 | 25,000 |
SC/ST/OBC/PwD | 500 | 10,000 |
Deemed University Fee Structure
Category | Non-Refundable (₹) | Refundable Deposit (₹) |
All Categories | 5,000 | 2,00,000 |
State Counselling Fees
State quotas have their own fee rules, which typically range as follows:
- Registration Fees: ₹1,000–₹2,000 for most categories.
- Security Deposit: ₹10,000–₹30,000, depending on the state, category, and college type.
For example, UP State Counselling charges ₹2,000 for registration and ₹30,000 as a security deposit for government seats.
How Fees Differ: State Counselling vs AIQ
Key Differences
Aspect | AIQ / Central / Deemed Universities | State Counselling |
Registration Authority | MCC (Centralized) | Individual State Authorities |
Fee Structure | Standard nationwide | Varies by state and category |
Refund Process | Via MCC (online) | State authorities, timelines vary |
Choice Locking | MCC portal | State portal |
Eligibility (Domicile) | Open to all | State domicile requirements |
Rhetorical Question: Does Paying More Mean Better Seat Chances?
Not necessarily! While deemed universities have higher deposits, the choice of quota and college may depend more on your score, category, and flexibility during counselling.
Step-by-Step: How to Pay NEET PG Counselling Fees
- Register on MCC or State Portal: Use valid email and mobile for login creation.
- Fill Application: Enter personal and academic details.
- Fee Payment: Pay using net banking, debit, or credit card.
- Save Receipt: Always save proof of payment for future reference.
- Choice Filling: Only after fee payment, add and lock preferred colleges/specialties.
Important Points to Remember
- Fees are mostly paid online; cash is not accepted.
- Security deposit is refunded only if no seat is allocated—accepting a seat means forfeiture of refund if withdrawn later.
- Deemed University and ESIC/AFMS have the highest security deposits of ₹2 lakh.
- Missing payment deadlines can lead to disqualification for that round.
Real-World Example
Dr. Aditya’s Counselling Journey:
Aditya qualified NEET PG 2025 with 510 marks. He registered for both AIQ and his home state’s counselling, carefully paid fees on each portal, locked his choices, and monitored refund timelines. Despite shifting plans during mop-up, his refusal of one allotted seat ensured his security deposit returned within six weeks—highlighting the importance of reading instructions thoroughly.
How Career Plan B Helps with NEET PG Counselling Fees
At Career Plan B, our mission is simple: Right to Quality Education and Career, hence Quality Life! With over 15 years in medical admissions counseling, we support candidates with:
- Personalized Fee Guidance: Helping you budget for both AIQ and state rounds.
- Refund Support: Clear timelines and documentation for security deposit returns.
- Domicile & Eligibility Checks: Avoiding expensive mistakes during registration and seat choices.
- Alerts for Deadlines: Ensuring you never miss payment or choice locking windows.
- Pro Tips on Fee Optimization: Which rounds maximize chances with minimal outlay.
Because our not-for-profit expertise means unbiased, data-driven support, every candidate can navigate complex payment rules confidently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Are NEET PG counselling fees refundable if no seat is allotted?
Yes—the security deposit is refundable if you do not accept a seat in the round. However, registration fees are always non-refundable.
2. Do AIQ and state quota have different fee structures?
Absolutely. AIQ fees are standardized nationally, while state quotas vary, often based on institute type and domicile eligibility.
3. What is the highest security deposit for NEET PG counselling?
Deemed universities require ₹2 lakh refundable security deposit, the highest among all quotas.
4. How quickly are counselling fee refunds processed?
Most refunds are processed within 4–6 weeks via the mode of original payment, but timelines can vary by authority and round.
5. Are there penalties for not joining the allotted seat after acceptance?
Yes. If you accept a seat and later withdraw, the security deposit may be forfeited. Read all instructions before agreeing to terms.
6. Can Career Plan B help clarify hidden or complex fee rules?
Definitely. From explaining deposit policies to tracking refund status, Career Plan B offers personalized support for medical aspirants.
Conclusion
Navigating NEET PG counselling fees isn’t just about paying up—it’s about understanding deposit rules, refund conditions, and choosing the most affordable path to your dream PG seat. Whether applying for AIQ, central, or state quotas, vigilance at every step can save money and headaches. For expert guidance and stress-free admissions, reach out to Career Plan B and empower your medical career with confidence. The next chapter in your journey deserves clarity, preparedness, and support—why settle for less when the right advice is just a call away?