The State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, has commenced the crucial online choice-filling process for Round 1 of NEET UG 2025 counselling. This phase, which officially began on August 6 following the release of the provisional merit list, is a decisive step for thousands of aspirants seeking admission to MBBS and BDS courses across Maharashtra's government, private, and deemed medical and dental colleges. The last date to fill and submit preferences is August 9, 2025, giving candidates a limited window to make their final selections.
The choice-filling process is conducted entirely online through the state's official counselling portal. Aspirants who have successfully registered and have their names on the provisional merit list are eligible to participate in this round. The system will use the candidates' preferences, their NEET UG 2025 score, state merit rank, and the seat matrix to determine the seat allotment.
Maharashtra NEET UG 2025 Round 1 Counselling Schedule
Aspirants must adhere to the following key dates to ensure their participation is not forfeited:
- Publication of Provisional Merit List: The merit list for MBBS and BDS courses was released on August 6, 2025.
- Online Choice-Filling: The preference filling period is from August 6, 2025, to August 9, 2025. Candidates are strongly advised to fill their choices carefully.
- CAP Round 1 Selection List: The seat allotment result for CAP Round 1 is scheduled to be declared on August 11, 2025.
- Physical Reporting and Admission Confirmation: Successful candidates who are allotted a seat must report to their respective colleges between August 12 and August 17, 2025. This period is for document verification, fee payment, and completing the necessary admission formalities.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Choice-Filling
Filling the preference form is a strategic exercise that can significantly impact an aspirant's chances of securing a desired seat. Candidates should follow these steps:
- Log in to the Portal: Access the State CET Cell's official website and log in using your NEET UG credentials and registration number.
- Access Preference Form: On the dashboard, find and click on the "Preference Form" or "Choice Filling" tab.
- Create a Prioritized List: The portal will display a list of all participating colleges and courses. Candidates should have a pre-prepared list of their preferred options in a descending order of priority, from their most desired college to the ones they would accept. There is no limit to the number of choices that can be filled. It is advisable to list as many colleges as possible to increase the probability of getting a seat.
- Save and Lock Choices: After filling the choices, candidates must save them. The system will also provide an option to "lock" the choices. Once choices are locked, they cannot be changed. If a candidate does not lock their choices, the system will automatically lock them at the August 9 deadline.
Documents Required for Reporting
Aspirants should prepare all the necessary documents for the physical reporting phase, which will take place next week. Candidates must carry the original copies of all documents, along with one set of self-attested photocopies. The essential documents include:
- NEET UG 2025 Admit Card and Scorecard
- NEET UG 2025 Application Form
- Provisional Allotment Letter (downloaded from the website after the result)
- Nationality Certificate/valid Indian Passport
- Domicile Certificate of Maharashtra
- Class 10th and 12th Marksheets and Passing Certificates
- Caste Certificate and Caste Validity Certificate (if applicable)
- Non-Creamy Layer Certificate (if applicable, for VJ, NT, and OBC categories)
- EWS Certificate (if applicable)
- Medical Fitness Certificate
- Aadhaar Card
This phase of the counselling process is a pivotal moment for aspiring medical students in Maharashtra. Careful and strategic choice-filling is essential to secure a seat in a preferred college.