NEET UG Counselling 2026 Registration Fee: Category-wise Charges, Security Deposit, and Refund Guidelines
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has commenced the NEET UG Counselling 2026 process for admission to MBBS, BDS and BSc Nursing courses under the 15% All India Quota (AIQ), Central Universities, AIIMS, JIPMER, ESIC, AFMC (through separate process), Deemed Universities and other participating institutes. Before filling choices, candidates must complete the online registration process by paying the prescribed non-refundable registration fee along with a refundable security deposit. Understanding the fee structure is essential because the amount varies depending on the type of institution and candidate category.
The registration fee is charged for processing the counselling application and is not refunded under any circumstances. The security deposit, however, is refundable if candidates comply with MCC counselling rules. The amount of the security deposit differs significantly for All India Quota (AIQ) and Deemed University counselling, making it important for aspirants to select the correct counselling option during registration.
NEET UG Counselling 2026 Fee Structure
15% AIQ, Central Universities & Other Government Institutions
| Category | Registration Fee (Non-Refundable) | Security Deposit (Refundable) | Total Payable |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | ₹1,000 | ₹10,000 | ₹11,000 |
| SC / ST / OBC / PwD | ₹500 | ₹5,000 | ₹5,500 |
Deemed Universities
| Category | Registration Fee | Security Deposit | Total Payable |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Categories | ₹5,000 | ₹2,00,000 | ₹2,05,000 |
The above fee structure applies during MCC online registration and must be paid through the official counselling portal using online payment modes.
Registration Fee vs Security Deposit
Many candidates confuse these two payments.
Registration Fee
Mandatory for all candidates.
Non-refundable.
Paid only once during registration.
Covers counselling processing charges.
Security Deposit
Refundable, subject to MCC rules.
Acts as a commitment amount during counselling.
Refunded after counselling if applicable.
Higher for Deemed University counselling because of the larger financial commitment.
When Will the Security Deposit Be Refunded?
The security deposit is generally refunded after the counselling process concludes, provided the candidate follows the applicable MCC rules.
Candidates are typically eligible for a refund if they:
Are not allotted any seat.
Complete counselling according to MCC guidelines.
Do not violate counselling rules leading to forfeiture.
Provide correct bank account details for refund processing.
Refunds are processed electronically to the account used or specified during registration after completion of the counselling process.
When Can the Security Deposit Be Forfeited?
The refundable deposit may be forfeited in situations specified by MCC, including:
Failure to comply with counselling rules after certain allotments.
Non-joining of an allotted seat in rounds where forfeiture provisions apply.
Providing false or invalid information.
Violating the counselling guidelines notified by MCC.
Candidates should carefully read the Information Bulletin before deciding to resign, withdraw or skip reporting after seat allotment.
How to Pay the Counselling Fee
Candidates should:
Register on the official MCC counselling portal.
Complete personal and academic details.
Select the counselling category (AIQ/Deemed University as applicable).
Pay the registration fee and security deposit online.
Download the payment receipt.
Proceed to choice filling and locking.
Accepted Payment Modes
Candidates can pay the counselling fee using:
Debit Card.
Credit Card.
Net Banking.
UPI.
Other online payment options available on the portal.
Always retain the transaction receipt for future reference.
Can Candidates Participate in Both AIQ and Deemed University Counselling?
Yes.
Candidates who wish to participate in counselling for both AIQ and Deemed Universities must choose the appropriate option during registration and pay the applicable fee as prescribed by MCC. The higher Deemed University security deposit applies when opting for Deemed University counselling.
What Happens After Fee Payment?
Once payment is successful, candidates can:
Fill college choices.
Rearrange preferences.
Lock choices.
Participate in seat allotment.
Download allotment letters after result declaration.
Complete reporting and admission formalities if allotted a seat.
Common Mistakes Candidates Should Avoid
Paying under the wrong counselling category.
Assuming the registration fee is refundable.
Forgetting to save the payment receipt.
Entering incorrect bank details.
Missing choice-locking deadlines after fee payment.
Not reading MCC refund and forfeiture rules carefully.
Waiting until the last day to complete payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NEET UG counselling registration fee refundable?
No. The registration fee is non-refundable for all categories.
Is the security deposit refundable?
Yes. The security deposit is generally refundable if the candidate follows MCC counselling rules and the amount is not liable for forfeiture under the applicable guidelines.
Why is the Deemed University security deposit so high?
The ₹2,00,000 security deposit is intended to ensure serious participation in Deemed University counselling and discourage unnecessary seat blocking.
Do reserved category candidates pay a lower counselling fee?
Yes. For AIQ and Central Universities, SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates pay a lower registration fee and a reduced security deposit compared with the General/EWS category.
Can I get my security deposit back if I don't get a seat?
Generally, yes. Candidates who are not allotted any seat and comply with MCC counselling rules are eligible for a refund of the security deposit after the counselling process concludes.
Is the security deposit adjusted against college tuition fees?
No. The security deposit is separate from the admission fee and is refunded or forfeited according to MCC rules; it is not automatically adjusted against tuition fees.
Final Update
The NEET UG Counselling 2026 registration fee consists of two components—a non-refundable registration fee and a refundable security deposit. While AIQ counselling requires a comparatively lower payment, candidates opting for Deemed University counselling must pay a substantially higher refundable security deposit. Before making the payment, aspirants should carefully decide the counselling categories they wish to participate in, understand the refund and forfeiture provisions, and complete the registration well before the deadline to avoid last-minute payment issues. With the counselling process now underway, timely registration and correct fee payment are the first crucial steps towards securing an MBBS, BDS or BSc Nursing seat through MCC counselling.
