How to Avoid Losing Your NEET PG Security Deposit: Smart Counselling Strategies

Introduction

Every year, thousands of NEET PG aspirants end up unintentionally forfeiting their security deposit—sometimes due to confusion, incomplete withdrawals, or misunderstandings of counselling rules. Losing this amount can be frustrating, especially after months of exam preparation.

So, how can you avoid this pitfall during NEET PG counselling in 2025?

In this blog, we’ll help you understand why deposits are collected, when they’re forfeited, and the smart steps you can take to retain your amount. Whether you’re participating in MCC or state-level rounds, this guide will ensure you navigate the process confidently—and safeguard your finances.

Understanding the NEET PG Security Deposit

The NEET PG security deposit is a refundable amount paid by candidates during the registration process for AIQ (All India Quota), Deemed Universities, or State Counselling Authorities.

This deposit serves as a safeguard to ensure candidates participate sincerely and don’t block seats unnecessarily.

• For AIQ/Government seats: ₹25,000 for general candidates, ₹10,000 for SC/ST/OBC/PwD.
• For Deemed/Central Universities: ₹2,00,000 for all categories.

The amount is refunded to the candidate after counselling, subject to non-violation of withdrawal and participation conditions.

Why Do Candidates Lose Their Deposit?

Candidates typically lose their NEET PG deposit due to procedural mistakes or misconceptions. Here are the most common causes:

1. Failure to join the allotted college:
   If you are allotted a seat but do not report or complete admission formalities within the deadline, your deposit is automatically forfeited.
2. Not actively participating after registration:
   Paying the registration fee and not filling choices in subsequent rounds is counted as “non-participation,” leading to deposit loss in some cases.
3. Improper withdrawal or absence in mop-up rounds:
   Failing to withdraw correctly before the final round or skipping allotted seat verification can result in the forfeiture of your security money.
4. Joining and then leaving a seat after Round 2 (AIQ counselling):
   As per MCC rules, once you accept a seat and join, leaving it after the second round or mop-up round forfeits your deposit, and you become temporarily ineligible for further rounds.
5. Not adhering to State vs. AIQ guidelines:
   Candidates participating in both MCC and State Counselling may lose their deposit if they fail to follow one authority’s exit and reporting schedule properly.

How to Ensure You Don’t Lose Your Deposit

Avoiding financial loss primarily depends on planning, timely action, and awareness of MCC rules. Here’s a detailed strategy:

1. Register Wisely — Understand Your Category

Before paying, decide your participation scope.

• If you aim for AIQ or government quota seats only, the ₹25,000/₹10,000 bracket suffices.
• If Deemed Universities are also on your list, pay ₹2,00,000 after evaluating affordability and interest.

This avoids unnecessary risk exposure in rounds with higher deposits.

2. Always Fill Preferences for Every Round

Never complete registration and then skip choice filling.
Choices reflect your active participation—missing them can make your candidature inactive and your deposit non-refundable.

3. Follow Exit Rules Correctly

Understand the three types of exits under MCC:

• Free Exit (After Round 1): You can exit without losing your deposit.
• Exit with Forfeiture (After Round 2): Leaving or not joining after Round 2 leads to forfeiture.
• Ineligible Exit (After Mop-Up/Stray Rounds): Failing to report or join after acceptance forfeits deposit and blocks you from certain future rounds.

Always exercise exit options in the official portal before deadlines.

4. Withdraw from MCC if You Join State or Deemed College

Once you decide to join a seat through state counselling, withdraw formally from MCC before the next round. This helps you retain your deposit.

5. Retain Proof of Reporting and Admission

Keep scanned copies of your acknowledgement slip from the reporting centre or college. This acts as formal documentation in case of refund disputes with MCC or DGHS.

6. Track Refund Timelines

Refunds are processed automatically to the same account used for registration.
Typically:

• Processing starts 15–30 days after counselling concludes.
• Use your MCC login to check refund status.
  If delayed, contact the official refund grievance cell with your transaction ID.

Common Myths About NEET PG Security Deposits

Myth 1: The deposit is non-refundable.
Fact: It is fully refundable if you follow the counselling protocols properly.

Myth 2: Registering for multiple rounds guarantees refund.
Fact: Refund depends on compliance—merely participating is not enough if you skip reporting.

Myth 3: Refunds are manual.
Fact: Refunds are automatic; they go to your registered account without need for extra forms or applications.

Myth 4: Deposit loss can be appealed.
Fact: Once forfeited under official rules, appeals rarely restore the amount. Hence, preventive action is crucial.

Real-World Example

In 2024, many aspirants lost deposits because they failed to withdraw from MCC before joining state-quota seats. For instance, a candidate allotted an AIQ seat in Round 2 joined a private college under a state quota without MCC withdrawal. Result: ₹25,000 forfeited automatically.

By contrast, students who used the Free Exit provision after Round 1 retained their deposits effortlessly. This highlights how simple procedural awareness can save thousands of rupees.

Quick Checklist to Protect Your Deposit

• Participate actively in every round.
• Use the free exit only during Round 1 if unsure.
• Withdraw properly before joining any other counselling.
• Keep acknowledgement slips of reporting.
• Review refund timelines post-counselling.
• Avoid duplicate or false registrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the NEET PG security deposit refunded?
Usually, within 15–30 days after counselling concludes, directly to the paid account.

2. If I don’t get a seat, will I get a refund?
Yes, if you haven’t violated any counselling participation rules.

3. What happens if I accept a Round 2 seat and later withdraw?
You lose the deposit and become ineligible for further rounds.

4. Can I use the same deposit for both MCC and State Counselling?
No, each has a separate registration and deposit mechanism.

5. How can I report a refund delay?
Contact the official counselling authority (MCC or State Directorate) with your login credentials and transaction details.

6. Does Career Plan B provide counselling guidance for this process?
Yes, Career Plan B offers one-on-one NEET PG counselling support to help aspirants make informed choices and avoid deposit losses.

Conclusion

Losing your NEET PG security deposit is not about luck—it’s about awareness and timely decision-making. By understanding withdrawal rules, actively participating in counselling, and following official guidelines precisely, you can save both your seat and your money.

If you find the counselling maze overwhelming, Career Plan B can help you navigate it confidently with structured guidance and real-time updates so you never risk forfeiting your hard-earned deposit again.