The NEET SS 2025-26 counselling cycle has reached a pivotal transition point as the first round of reporting officially concluded across most Indian states and central institutes. Following the announcement of the final seat allotment result by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) on March 18, 2026, thousands of super-specialty aspirants were required to report to their allotted colleges for document verification and admission confirmation. As of March 26, 2026, the focus has shifted from Round 1 joining to the calculation of "Clear Vacancies" that will be available for the second round of choice filling.
Across the country, premier institutions including AIIMS, JIPMER, and various state-run medical colleges are currently uploading the data of joined and non-joined candidates to the MCC portal. This synchronized effort between the All India Quota (AIQ) and state-specific authorities ensures that seats in critical branches like Cardiology, Medical Oncology, and Neurosurgery are filled efficiently without unnecessary blocking.
National and State Reporting Status
While the national reporting deadline was set for March 25, the progress varies slightly across different state counseling authorities. The following table highlights the current status of super-specialty admissions in key regions:
| Region / Authority | Allocation Focus | Current Status (as of March 26) |
| MCC (National) | AIQ DM/MCh/DrNB Seats | Round 1 Reporting Concluded; Vacancy Mapping Started |
| Tamil Nadu (DME) | 215 State-Quota SS Seats | Allotment Orders Download Ended; Reporting Finalized |
| Uttar Pradesh (DGME) | In-Service & Open SS Seats | Reporting Ongoing; Candidates Facing NOC Processing Delays |
| Maharashtra (DMER) | Super-Specialty Bond Service | Merit List Released; Preference Filling Active |
Key Challenges: NOC Delays in Uttar Pradesh
In Uttar Pradesh, several in-service candidates have reported administrative hurdles regarding the procurement of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the state health department. Since an NOC is a mandatory document for joining any super-specialty seat under the sponsored or in-service category, many doctors from the UP Provincial Medical Health Service (PMHS) have sought a brief extension of the reporting deadline. The Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME) is currently reviewing these requests to ensure that meritorious candidates do not lose their seats due to procedural delays.
Preparation for NEET SS Round 2
With the Round 1 reporting window now closed, the MCC is preparing to release the Round 2 Seat Matrix on March 28, 2026. This matrix is expected to be more robust than previous years, as it will include:
- Clear Vacancies: Seats that remained unallotted or where candidates did not report.
- Virtual Vacancies: Seats held by candidates who joined in Round 1 but have opted for an "upgradation" in Round 2.
- Newly Added Seats: Any additional seats recently sanctioned by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
Candidates are reminded that the "Free Exit" option is not available in the NEET SS counseling format. If a candidate is allotted a seat in Round 1 and does not join, their security deposit of ₹2,00,000 will be forfeited. Those who have joined but wish to participate in Round 2 for a better specialty or location must have expressed their "willingness for upgrade" during the Round 1 admission process.
Conclusion
The conclusion of Round 1 reporting on March 25 marks the end of the first phase of India's 2025-26 super-specialty admission cycle. As the MCC and state authorities like DME Tamil Nadu and DMER Maharashtra finalize their vacancy reports, candidates must prepare for the Round 2 registration and choice-filling window opening on March 28. Ensuring all eligibility documents—including the PG degree certificate and State Medical Council registration—are in order will be vital for those seeking upgrades or fresh allotments in the next round. For the most accurate vacancy data, aspirants should check the official mcc.nic.in portal regularly over the next 48 hours.