Bihar UGMAC 2026 Counselling Schedule: Registration Opens August 10 for MBBS & BDS

The Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (BCECEB) has released the Under Graduate Medical Admission Counselling (UGMAC) 2026 schedule on its official portal at bceceboard.bihar.gov.in. Registration and choice filling for Round 1 and Round 2 begin on 10 August 2026, opening the state-level admission window for NEET UG 2026 qualified candidates seeking seats in MBBS, BDS, B.V.Sc. & A.H., and B.F.Sc. programmes across Government and private institutions in Bihar.

If you cleared NEET UG 2026 and hold a domicile or eligibility claim for Bihar state quota seats, this counselling is your primary route to medical, dental, veterinary, and fisheries colleges within the state. The board has already published the seat matrix (7 August 2026), and the full prospectus is available under the UGMAC-2026 section. This guide explains eligibility, dates, fees, choice filling strategy, document requirements, and round-wise rules written for students and parents navigating Bihar medical admissions for the first time.

What Is Bihar UGMAC 2026?

UGMAC stands for Under Graduate Medical Admission Counselling. Conducted by BCECEB the same authority behind state engineering and pharmacy entrance processes covered on our BCECE exam resource page UGMAC allocates undergraduate seats in health-science programmes based on NEET UG merit.

Unlike a separate entrance test, UGMAC is a counselling and seat allotment process. Your NEET UG 2026 All India Rank (AIR), category, and filled College-course preferences determine where you are offered admission. BCECEB prepares a UGMAC rank card from NTA data shared with the Bihar Health Department, subject to court orders, MCC rules, and state reservation policy.

Programmes Covered Under UGMAC 2026

• MBBS Government medical colleges (Patna Medical College, IGIMS Patna, AIIMS-linked ESIC Bihta, and 10 others) and 14 private medical colleges including Katihar Medical College, Narayan Medical College Sasaram, and Netaji Subhash Medical College Bihta
• BDS Patna Dental College (government) and three private dental colleges including Buddha Institute of Dental Science Patna and Sarjug Dental College Darbhanga
• B.V.Sc. & A.H. Bihar Veterinary College Patna and College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Kishanganj
• B.F.Sc. College of Fisheries, Kishanganj

Candidates comparing veterinary pathways nationally often review allied programmes at institutions such as the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (CVAS), Bikaner to understand course structure though UGMAC seats are strictly for Bihar-affiliated colleges listed in the official notice.

Who Is Eligible for Bihar UGMAC 2026 Counselling?

To participate, you must meet these core conditions:

• NEET UG 2026 qualification You must have appeared in and qualified NEET UG 2026 conducted by NTA
• Online registration within the window Complete application, fee payment, and choice locking as per the published schedule
• Category and quota compliance Reservation claims (BC, EBC, SC, ST, EWS, DQ/PwBD, NRI, Minority, Ward quota) must match valid certificates uploaded during registration or seat allotment
• State rules Domicile, education, and age criteria are detailed in the UGMAC-2026 Prospectus (Para 3 for reservation rules)

Reserved-category candidates who filled unreserved codes in NEET for private college preference remain eligible for private MBBS/BDS seats in Bihar. NRI quota applicants must select "NRI" during registration and upload MCC-prescribed documents including passport, NRI certificate from embassy/consulate, and sponsorship affidavit with NRE bank passbook details.

Special Quota Document Requirements

Upload these at registration if applicable:

• DQ (PwBD) certificate From authorised nodal centres only, as per UGMAC prospectus Annexure or NEET bulletin format, plus UDID card and affidavit
• NRI certificate Issued by competent authority (embassy/India consulate)
• Minority certificate From proper issuing authority for minority quota seats
• Ward quota certificate Must be issued by the Registrar of Bihar Animal Sciences University for veterinary/fisheries ward seats

Bihar UGMAC 2026 Counselling Schedule: Important Dates

Mark these dates immediately. BCECEB will not reopen registration after deadlines, and late payment failures can disqualify your candidature entirely.

Round 1 and Combined Registration (Rounds 1 & 2)

Round 2 Counselling Dates

BCECEB has announced four online counselling rounds in total. Round 3 and stray vacancy round schedules will follow through separate advertisements. No fresh registration is permitted for Round 2 only candidates who registered between 10 and 14 August 2026 can proceed.

Registration Fees and Security Deposit

Payment is online only via debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI. Processing charges apply additionally. The counselling fee is non-refundable.

Counselling Registration Fee

• Rs. 1,200 UR, EWS, BC, EBC categories (government colleges); all categories for private medical/dental colleges
• Rs. 600 SC, ST, DQ categories (government medical/dental/veterinary/fisheries colleges only)

Refundable Security Deposit

• Government medical/dental/veterinary/fisheries colleges: Rs. 10,000 (UR/EWS) / Rs. 5,000 (SC/ST/BC/EBC)
• Private medical colleges: Rs. 2,00,000 (all categories)
• Private dental colleges: Rs. 50,000 (all categories)
• B.V.Sc./B.F.Sc. self-financed seats: Additional Rs. 50,000 security deposit where applicable

Before selecting private institutions, verify fee structures on the BCECEB website and individual college portals. Private MBBS annual fees in Bihar can run into lakhs; the board explicitly states it does not resolve fee disputes. Students evaluating dental options elsewhere for example, comparing clinical exposure at a dental college in Kota should still prioritise Bihar seat matrix data when filling UGMAC choices.

How UGMAC Seat Allotment Works

Seat allotment follows a merit-cum-choice algorithm:

1. BCECEB publishes UGMAC rank cards based on NEET UG AIR and eligibility scrutiny
2. Your locked preferences are processed against available seats in your category and quota
3. Provisional allotment is displayed on the counselling portal
4. You upload scanned original documents in PDF for online verification
5. You declare willingness as Freeze (accept seat) or Float (seek upgrade in next round)

Freeze vs Float: What Should You Choose?

Freeze means you accept the allotted seat and must visit the institute physically within the scheduled dates with original documents for final admission. Missing this window cancels your seat.

Float lets you keep eligibility for a better seat in the next round without visiting the current institute. Online document verification still occurs. Round 1 float candidates get a free exit option (3–4 September 2026) without forfeiting security deposit if they decline the Round 1 seat.

Round 1 admitted freeze candidates who wish to resign must visit the institute and obtain a system-generated resignation slip signed by the principal. Float candidates can surrender seats online within prescribed periods Round 2 surrender may forfeit the security deposit.

Choice Filling Strategy for NEET Candidates

Choice filling is where most students win or lose their preferred college. Treat it as seriously as the NEET exam itself.

Before You Fill Choices

• Download and study the seat matrix posted on 7 August 2026
• Read the UGMAC-2026 Prospectus reservation rules (Para 3)
• Check private college fee schedules high fee colleges should appear lower if affordability is a concern
• Cross-check your NEET category code against Bihar reservation categories
• Ensure mobile number and email match NEET registration OTP authentication is mandatory and changes are not allowed

Smart Ordering Tips

• List colleges in true preference order, not rank guesswork alone the system allots the highest preference you qualify for
• Mix realistic and aspirational choices: place reachable government seats early, then private backups
• For MBBS, include both government colleges (lower fees, high competition) and private options if budget allows
• Do not leave choices unlocked auto-lock happens after the deadline, but manual locking with OTP confirmation is safer
• Print your choice slip after locking for personal records

Understanding what a five-and-a-half-year medical degree involves helps you set realistic expectations. Our MBBS course guide outlines curriculum structure, internship requirements, and career paths that apply whether you join Patna Medical College or a private institute like Himalaya Medical College Paliganj.

Documents Required for UGMAC 2026

At Registration (If Applicable)

• Passport-size photograph and signature (scanned as per portal specifications)
• DQ, NRI, Minority, or Ward quota certificates where claimed

After Seat Allotment (Upload + Physical Verification)

• NEET UG 2026 admit card and score card
• UGMAC 2026 rank card
• Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets, certificates, or admit cards
• Residential (domicile) certificate
• Caste certificate or EWS certificate
• Aadhaar card
• UGMAC confirmation page printout
• Six passport-size photographs (same as NEET admit card)
• Private college-specific documents as listed on college websites
• Biometric identification report form and check slip
• DQ candidates: merged PDF of UDID card, affidavit, and authorised DQ certificate

Participating Government Medical Colleges in Bihar

Bihar offers 12 government MBBS institutions through UGMAC. The complete list includes Patna Medical College, IGIMS Patna, Darbhanga Medical College, Nalanda Medical College, A.N.M. Medical College Gaya, J.L.N. Medical College Bhagalpur, S.K. Medical College Muzaffarpur, Government Medical College Bettiah, B.M.I.M.S. Pawapuri Nalanda, Jannayak Karpoori Thakur Medical College Madhepura, ESIC Medical College Bihta, and Government Medical College Purnea. Government seats carry significantly lower tuition than private colleges, making them the top target for high-rank NEET scorers with valid state quota eligibility.

Private Medical and Dental Colleges Under UGMAC

Bihar's 14 private medical colleges include Katihar Medical College, Mata Gujari Memorial Medical College Kishanganj, Narayan Medical College Sasaram, Lord Buddha Koshi Medical College Saharsa, Madhubani Medical College, Netaji Subhash Medical College Bihta, Shri Narayan Medical Institute Saharsa, R.D.J.M Medical College Muzaffarpur, Himalaya Medical College Paliganj, Mahabodhi Medical College Gaya, SCMC and SPN Hospital Khagaria, Virat Institute of Medical Science East Champaran, Buddha Hospital and Research Institute Gaya, and Shrinivas G Educational and Research Institute Chapra.

For BDS, private options include Mithila Minority Dental College Darbhanga, Buddha Institute of Dental Science Kankarbagh Patna, and Sarjug Dental College Laheriasarai Darbhanga. Always cross-check seat availability in the official matrix before prioritising any institute in your choice list.

Private medical colleges 14 in total expand seat availability for mid-rank candidates willing to pay higher fees. The board notes that private institution fees remain governed by an interim Patna High Court order (CWJC No. 12651/2025) until a final judgment is passed.

Students researching hospital-linked medical education models such as those at the Sudha Medical College and Hospital, Kota can use that knowledge to evaluate clinical training quality, but UGMAC choices must stick to Bihar-listed colleges only.

Round-Wise Rules Every Candidate Must Know

• Single registration window: Register once between 10–14 August 2026 for both Round 1 and Round 2 allotment
• No Round 2 fresh registration: Late applicants cannot join after 14 August
• Choice editing in Round 2: Unallotted Round 1 candidates may revise choices; allotted Round 1 candidates cannot remove their allotted choice but may float for upgrade
• Document re-upload: Once uploaded, documents carry forward across rounds unless discrepancies are flagged
• Security deposit refund: Refunded after all rounds conclude if no seat taken, or after admission process completion as per rules
• Failed transactions: Re-pay immediately if amount debited but not reflected the board will not accept incomplete applications
• Round 3 mandatory physical admission: All Round 3 allotted candidates must report to the institute with originals and fees

Common Mistakes to Avoid During UGMAC Counselling

• Waiting until 14 or 17 August for registration or choice locking banking or portal failures on the last day cannot be reversed
• Using a mobile number different from NEET registration OTP will fail and updates are not permitted
• Uploading blurred or incorrect category certificates leads to seat cancellation during verification
• Choosing private colleges without confirming total fee liability including security deposit forfeiture rules
• Forgetting to lock choices after saving unsaved preferences may auto-lock, but manual locking confirms your intent
• Ignoring free exit dates if you want to skip a Round 1 seat and participate fresh in Round 2
• Missing physical reporting dates as a freeze candidate seat cancellation is automatic

Bihar Reservation Policy in UGMAC 2026

Seat allocation in UGMAC follows Bihar's reservation framework as outlined in Prospectus Para 3. Categories include BC (Backward Class), EBC (Extremely Backward Class), SC, ST, and EWS. Selecting the correct category during registration is critical mismatched caste or income certificates discovered during verification can cancel your allotment even after a provisional seat is shown.

Special quotas operate alongside horizontal reservations. DQ (PwBD) seats require certificates from nominated nodal centres only. Minority quota seats in institutions such as Mithila Minority Dental College need valid minority certificates from authorised authorities. Ward quota for veterinary and fisheries programmes demands a certificate from the Registrar of Bihar Animal Sciences University. NRI quota follows MCC guidelines dated 27 May 2026, including passport validation and NRE account sponsorship proof.

Candidates claiming multiple quotas should upload every applicable document at the correct stage. Incomplete uploads are among the leading causes of seat cancellation in Bihar medical counselling each year.

UGMAC vs MCC NEET Counselling: Key Difference

NEET UG counselling happens at two levels. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) handles All India Quota (AIQ), deemed universities, central institutions, and some national seats. Bihar UGMAC handles state quota seats in Bihar government and private medical, dental, veterinary, and fisheries colleges.

You may participate in both MCC and state counselling, but you can hold only one admission at a time. If allotted a seat in MCC Round 1 and Bihar UGMAC Round 1, follow surrender rules carefully to avoid security deposit forfeiture or admission cancellation across portals.

How to Stay Updated on Bihar UGMAC 2026

• Official website: bceceboard.bihar.gov.in
• Helpdesk email: helpdesk.bceceboard@bihar.gov.in
• Payment query contact: bangalorepgsd@billdesk.com or 0612-2220230
• Download prospectus, seat matrix, and college-wise fee PDFs from the UGMAC-2026 portal section
• Check registered email and SMS for choice lists sent before allotment results

BCECEB reserves the right to amend prospectus conditions before counselling. Always verify dates against the latest advertisement (Adv. No. BCECEB(UGMAC)-2026/01, dated 7 August 2026).

Conclusion

Bihar UGMAC 2026 counselling is now live from 10 August 2026, giving NEET-qualified students a structured path to MBBS, BDS, B.V.Sc. & A.H., and B.F.Sc. seats across 12 government medical colleges, 14 private medical colleges, one government dental college, three private dental colleges, and veterinary/fisheries institutes in the state. Success depends on timely registration by 14 August, careful choice filling locked by 17 August, accurate document uploads, and informed freeze/float decisions after Round 1 results on 20 August.

Download the prospectus, study the seat matrix, pay fees early, and order your preferences strategically. Whether you target Patna Medical College or a private institute in Gaya or Saharsa, completing every portal step before midnight deadlines is non-negotiable. For broader context on Bihar entrance processes, visit our BCECE page and for programme-level clarity on your five-year medical journey, explore the MBBS course overview alongside this counselling guide.