Likhith · November 22, 2025 
Introduction
Missed out on a seat in the main counselling rounds of NEET PG? Or wondering if the mop-up round could be your golden chance? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of medical graduates wait for the mop-up round as their final opportunity to grab a postgraduate seat.
But here’s the catch—not everyone is eligible to participate in NEET PG mop-up counselling. Rules set by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and state counselling authorities decide who gets in and who doesn’t. Knowing these rules in advance can save you time, money, and disappointment.
In this blog, we’ll break down:
- What the mop-up round is and why it matters
- Who is eligible to apply in NEET PG mop-up counselling
- Who is strictly barred from participating
- Key differences between central and state mop-up rounds
- Common FAQs students ask before registration
By the end of this guide, you’ll have complete clarity on whether you qualify for the mop-up round and what steps to take next.
What is the NEET PG Mop-Up Round?
The mop-up round is essentially the third and final stage of NEET PG counselling, conducted after the first two rounds. It is designed to fill leftover or vacant PG medical seats in various universities, deemed institutions, and government/private colleges.
Think of it as the “last call” in admissions before stray vacancy rounds begin. For candidates who couldn’t secure a seat earlier—or didn’t participate at all—it often becomes the last big chance to enter a postgraduate program through NEET PG.
Who Can Apply for the NEET PG Mop-Up Round?
1. Candidates not allotted seats in Round 1 or Round 2
If you registered and participated in the earlier rounds but didn’t get a seat, you’re eligible for the mop-up round.
2. Fresh registrants
Candidates who skipped Round 1 and Round 2 for any reason can join directly in mop-up counselling. A fresh registration process is usually open at this stage.
3. Resigned candidates (from earlier rounds)
If you were allotted a seat in Round 1 or 2 but later resigned within the official deadline, you can still apply for the mop-up round.
4. Deemed University aspirants
All candidates targeting seats in deemed universities (private deemed medical colleges across India) are eligible to register for mop-up.
5. Vacant category seat aspirants
Those eligible for OBC, SC, ST, EWS, or PwD categories can try in mop-up if reserved category seats remain unfilled.
Who Cannot Apply for the NEET PG Mop-Up Round?
While mop-up participation looks tempting, MCC has put strict boundaries:
1. Candidates allotted seats in Round 2 (and didn’t resign on time)
If you got a PG seat during Round 2 counselling and failed to resign within the prescribed cut-off date, you are not eligible for mop-up.
2. Candidates holding joined/confirmed seats
Once you join and confirm a seat in Round 1 or 2 (by reporting physically to the allotted college), you’re out of mop-up counselling.
3. Candidates allotted seats in state Round 2
Just like MCC, state counselling bodies restrict Round 2 allottees from entering their mop-up pool.
4. Candidates not qualified in NEET PG
This one is obvious but important—only NEET PG-qualified candidates can participate; simply writing the exam isn’t enough.
Central Mop-Up vs State Mop-Up Rounds
It’s common for students to get confused between the All India Mop-Up Round (MCC) and State Mop-Up Rounds. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Criteria | Central Mop-Up (MCC) | State Mop-Up |
|---|---|---|
| Conducted by | MCC (Directorate General of Health Services) | Individual State Counselling Authorities |
| Types of Colleges | Deemed Universities, Central Universities, AIQ | Government and Private Colleges in the State |
| Seat Availability | Leftover AIQ + Deemed University seats | Unfilled State Quota seats |
| Eligibility | Same as national rules | Aligned to national rules but varies state-to-state |
| Registration | Separate, fresh registration on MCC portal | Separate registration via respective state portal |
Important Rules Every Candidate Must Keep in Mind
- No seat blocking: If you confirm a seat in round 2, you can’t later “try luck” in mop-up.
- Fresh registration mandatory: Even if you registered earlier, mop-up requires a new application.
- Forfeit clause: If you exit with an allotted seat late in the process, your security deposit may be forfeited.
- Stray vacancy difference: Stray vacancy is different from mop-up. It is usually conducted directly by colleges to fill their leftover seats after mop-up.
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.
With over 15 years of trusted experience, Career Plan B is your not-for-profit partner—focused only on your best possible outcome, not commissions or preferences.
FAQs on NEET PG Mop-Up Round
1. Is mop-up round applicable for both All India Quota (AIQ) and state quota?
Yes, both MCC and state authorities conduct mop-up rounds separately.
2. Can I register for mop-up if I didn’t appear in Round 1 or Round 2?
Yes, fresh candidates can directly register for mop-up.
3. What happens if I am allotted a seat in a mop-up- but don’t join?
If you don’t join after allotment, you may lose your security deposit and be ineligible for further counselling (including stray rounds).
4. Are deemed universities only filled through mop-up?
No, but mop-up is a major stage when deemed university seats are offered.
5. If I resign after Round 2 seat allotment, can I apply for mop-up?
You can only apply if you resigned within the stipulated MCC deadline. Otherwise, you’re disqualified.
Conclusion
The NEET PG mop-up round can be your gateway to a postgraduate seat if you’ve missed earlier chances. But eligibility is strict—you qualify only if you have not secured or retained a seat in Round 2.
If you’re unsure about your case, always refer to the official MCC or state counselling notifications for precise details. At Career Plan B, we guide students at each step of NEET PG counselling—making sure they understand eligibility rules, deadlines, and strategies to maximize their chances.
The takeaway? Don’t wait until the last minute. Check your eligibility early, register on time, and keep a clear plan for mop-up counselling.
