Likhith · November 1, 2025 
Introduction
The NEET PG counselling process is often called the “second biggest exam” for postgraduate medical aspirants in India—only this time, it’s not tested on paper, but on clarity, strategy, and timely action. With lakhs of candidates competing across government, private, state, and central universities, even one wrong step in the choice-filling or document submission phase can put your dream seat at risk. So what’s the key to maximizing your chance of success? It starts with understanding how the counselling process—and its rules—diverge for state versus central (including deemed) universities. This blog is your all-in-one guide to these differences, packed with step-by-step breakdowns, actionable advice, and tips on how expert counselling support, like Career Plan B, can help you navigate confidently.
Overview: NEET PG Counselling — The Basics
Before diving into details, let’s recap the structure:
- NEET PG counselling decides seat allocation for MD/MS/PG Diploma/DNB courses based on rank, eligibility, and preferences.
- There are TWO parallel processes:
- Central Counselling (AIQ, Deemed, Central Universities) led by MCC (Medical Counselling Committee).
- State Counselling led by individual state authorities.
Why Are There Two Counselling Authorities?
A major reason is to ensure regional opportunity and national merit. Central counselling pools top seats across all states and central universities, leveling the field for high rankers nationwide. State counselling preserves opportunities for those with domicile or local connection, supporting local healthcare needs.
Central Universities (Including Deemed & Autonomous)
- Institutes covered: AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, BHU, AMU, Deemed universities, ESIC.
- Who applies: ANY eligible NEET-PG scorer—national competition.
- Advantages: Pan-India mobility, premier institutes, wider choice pool, more transparent process.
- Typical Challenges: Higher cut-off, greater competition, fewer reserved seats for local/domicile students.
Step-by-Step: Central (MCC) vs State NEET PG Counselling
| Feature | Central Universities (MCC) | State Universities (State Authorities) |
|---|---|---|
| Seats Covered | 50% All India Quota (AIQ), 100% central/deemed, AIIMS, JIPMER, ESIC, AFMS | 50% state quota in govt colleges, 100% in private/unaided within state |
| Application Portal | mcc.nic.in (centralized) | Individual state’s official portal (KEA, CET, DME etc.) |
| Eligibility | Indian nationals (except J&K), OCI, NRI for central/deemed | Mostly domicile required; some open for all |
| Fees | Uniform by MCC (refundable/non-refundable), higher for deemed | Varies; generally lower than central, subsidized for locals |
| Counselling Rounds | 4 rounds (Round 1, 2, Mop-up, Stray Vacancy) – identical schedule nationwide | 2–4 rounds (state-dependent & often later than MCC schedule) |
| Seat Allotment Style | Pan-India merit list; high flexibility for choice filling | Merit list within state/category, less mobility |
| Choice Filling | Can opt any state, central, deemed, ESIC, AFMS | Limited to state/private colleges in the same state |
| Reservation Policy | Central rules: EWS-10%, OBC-NCL-27%, SC-15%, ST-7.5%, PwD-5% | State-specific OBC/minority/domicile quotas apply |
State Universities & Colleges
- Who applies: Only those meeting domicile/residency norms, sometimes NRI/management quota as well.
- Colleges covered: State medical colleges (government and private).
- Advantages: Preferential access for home-state students, often lower tuition for residents, local category reservations.
- Typical Challenges: Limited to local colleges, processes/eligibility can differ dramatically between states.
Rhetorical question: Is a wider choice and more competition better—or does home advantage create the edge?
The Counselling Process: Similar Steps, Unique Nuances
Shared Steps in Both Pathways
- Online Registration:
Fill personal and academic details on the respective portal (MCC or State). - Fee Payment:
Non-refundable and refundable security deposit (varies by seat/institute type). - Choice Filling & Locking:
Candidates list institute and course preferences; choices should be carefully reviewed and locked before deadline. - Seat Allotment:
Based on NEET PG rank, category, reservation, and choices—merit-driven, but the pool of colleges differs. - Result Declaration:
Separate for each round; includes “upgradation” for subsequent rounds. - Reporting & Document Verification:
Report physically or online to the allotted college, provide necessary documents, deposit part fees, and confirm seats.
Central (MCC) Counselling: What Makes It Distinct?
- One-Stop Application: A single MCC portal covers all AIQ, deemed, and central universities—no state forms needed for these seats.
- Rounds: After two main rounds, a Mop-Up Round (unfilled/vacant seats) and a Stray Vacancy Round take place.
- Mobility: Rankers can secure top seats in any state or central institute—no domicile restriction.
- Transparency: Uniform rules, ranks published openly, no local quota manipulation.
Typical Example
A candidate from Kerala can, in theory, get MD Medicine at AIIMS Delhi or PGI Chandigarh if their NEET PG rank is high, through the central process.
State Counselling: The Local Advantage With Unique Rules
- Multiple Portals: Each state opens its own website, timetable, and application process—deadlines and required documents may differ.
- Eligibility: Domicile or residency proof is usually mandatory (e.g., minimum years of schooling/residence).
- Private College Seats: Major share of private/unaided college seats also filled through state lists, with some exceptions for NRI/Management quotas.
- Rostering & Reservations: State-specific OBC, minority, service, or rural quotas can apply.
- Penalty & Bond Policy: Bond and penalty rules often diverge – some states mandate rural service/compulsory posting post-PG.
Typical Example
A Maharashtra domiciled doctor may secure a subsidized MS seat at a top Mumbai college that is off-limits to other non-domicile applicants.
Major Differences at a Glance
| Parameter | Central (MCC) | State Counselling |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Institutes | Nationwide coverage: All central/deemed medical colleges, AIIMS, JIPMER, ESIC, AFMS | State government colleges and private institutions within state only |
| Eligibility/Reservation | National scope, central category reservations (OBC-27%, EWS-10%, SC-15%, ST-7.5%), open to all NEET qualifiers | State domicile requirements, local quotas, state-specific reservation percentages |
| Process Uniformity | Standardized by MCC across all states, uniform documentation and procedures | State-dependent processes, varying rules, timelines, and documentation requirements |
| Opportunities | Larger pool, more competitive, transparent merit-based selection, pan-India mobility | Localized opportunities, often safer for domicile candidates, lower competition in some states |
How Career Plan B Can Help
Navigating NEET PG counselling is often a marathon of forms, choices, and deadlines—not to mention stress and information overload. That’s where expert counseling by Career Plan B makes the difference.
- Personalized Guidance: Custom counseling to match specific goals—whether targeting AIIMS, state quotas, deemed universities, or private options.
- Domicile/Difference Decoding: Clarifies eligibility for local vs national seats so that candidates don’t waste forms, time, and money.
- Timely Alerts & Deadline Reminders: Prevents last-minute misses on round updates or document uploads.
- Psychometric Testing & Trend Analysis: Recommends best-fit branches and institutions, using career assessments and the latest cut-off stats.
- Unbiased, Not-for-Profit Approach: Ensures every piece of advice is in the student’s best interest, not driven by college tie-ups or hidden agendas.
- FAQ/Query Support: All doubts about bonds, fees, or eligibility answered—often with insights from years of counseling similar cases.
“Career Plan B helped me secure a seat in my home state after missing a central round deadline. Their up-to-date alerts, document guidance, and non-biased advice got me through the maze!” – Dr. Supriya, PG Aspirant 2024
Have any doubts?
📞 Contact our expert counsellor today and get all your questions answered!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I apply for both state and central NEET PG counselling?
Yes, eligible candidates often participate in both, maximizing their seat choices. Deadlines can overlap—track carefully.
2. What documents are required for each?
Certificates proving NEET result, MBBS degree, internship, registration, photo ID, reservation status, and essential domicile proofs for state rounds.
3. Are private medical colleges only covered in state counselling?
Most private seats are state-allocated, but some deemed universities and national institutes (like AIIMS) take students via MCC.
4. If I get a seat in AIIMS, JIPMER, or a state college, must I join?
Not necessarily—candidates may decline and participate in further rounds elsewhere, subject to rules of “free exit” and penalties after certain rounds.
5. Do all states have the same bond or penalty rules for post-PG service?
No, service bond, rural obligation, and penalty rules differ by state—know the details for each preference.
6. How does Career Plan B’s counseling change the game?
It turns a confusing, rule-heavy process into a calm, step-wise strategy—reducing mistakes and stress, so results match potential.
Conclusion: Choose Wisely, Act Confidently
Success in NEET PG is about more than marks—it’s about clarity, timing, and knowing the subtle process differences between central and state university counselling. With so many rules, exceptions, and moving parts, the right expert backing helps families and aspirants turn opportunity into results. Want every round, option, and seat covered with zero regret? Connect with Career Plan B and take a confident, informed leap forward in your medical career.
