The Director General of Medical Education and Training (DGME), Uttar Pradesh, has released the UP NEET UG counselling 2026 round 1 merit list, opening the door for thousands of medical aspirants to secure seats in government and private medical and dental colleges across the state. With 31,653 candidates declared eligible for choice filling and 15,265 MBBS and BDS seats on offer in round 1, this is a critical phase for students who appeared in NEET UG 2026 and hold a valid domicile or eligibility for Uttar Pradesh state quota admission.
Round 1 seat allotment results will be published on September 7, 2026, followed by document verification and admission between September 8 and 14. Whether you are targeting a government medical college in Lucknow, Kanpur, or Varanasi, or exploring private institutions, understanding the merit list, seat matrix, fees, and choice-filling strategy is essential. This guide explains everything UP NEET candidates need to know for round 1 counselling in clear, actionable language.
What Is UP NEET UG Counselling 2026?
UP NEET UG counselling is the state-level admission process through which eligible candidates are allotted seats in MBBS, BDS, and related undergraduate medical programmes in Uttar Pradesh colleges. It is conducted by DGME UP after the National Testing Agency (NTA) declares NEET UG results and the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) completes a portion of All India Quota (AIQ) counselling.
Unlike central counselling, state counselling covers:
- State quota seats in government medical and dental colleges
- Private medical and dental college seats including management and NRI quota where applicable
- Institutional seats under Uttar Pradesh domicile and eligibility rules
Candidates must register separately on the official UP NEET portal, pay registration and security fees, get documents verified, fill college choices, and accept allotted seats within prescribed deadlines. Missing even one step can disqualify a candidate from round 1 participation.
Round 1 Merit List 2026: Key Highlights
DGME Uttar Pradesh published the round 1 merit list on September 3, 2026. The list includes candidates who successfully completed registration, paid the security deposit, and passed document verification. A total of 31,653 candidates are eligible to participate in choice filling for round 1.
How to Download the Merit List
Candidates can download the merit list PDF from the official website dgme.up.gov.in. Steps include:
- Visit dgme.up.gov.in and navigate to the NEET UG counselling 2026 section
- Click on the link for round 1 merit list or qualified candidates list
- Download the PDF and search your roll number or application ID
- Verify your name, category, NEET rank, and eligibility status
If your name appears on the merit list, you may proceed to choice filling before the deadline of September 5, 2026, by 5:00 PM. Candidates not on the list should check whether document verification is pending or whether the security deposit was not credited.
What the Merit List Indicates
The merit list is not the same as the seat allotment result. It confirms that you are eligible to fill choices. Final seat allotment depends on your NEET rank, category, reservation, college preferences, and seat availability. Higher-ranked candidates get priority during automated seat allocation on September 7.
UP NEET Counselling 2026 Round 1 Seat Matrix Explained
Along with the merit list, DGME UP released the round 1 seat matrix, detailing seat distribution across government and private medical and dental colleges in Uttar Pradesh.
Total Seats Breakdown
According to the published seat matrix for round 1:
- Total seats offered: 15,265 (MBBS and BDS combined)
- Private medical and dental colleges: 10,650 seats
- Government medical and dental colleges: 4,615 seats
This distribution reflects the large private medical education sector in Uttar Pradesh. Government seats remain highly competitive, while private colleges offer additional opportunities for candidates across a wider rank range—subject to fee and bond conditions.
Understanding the Seat Matrix PDF
The seat matrix document lists each college, course (MBBS or BDS), quota type, and number of seats available for round 1. Before filling choices, candidates should study this document carefully and note:
- College name and location (e.g., Lucknow, Allahabad, Gorakhpur, Noida)
- Seat category: General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, and sub-categories if applicable
- Quota: State quota, management quota, NRI quota
- Previous year closing ranks for reference (if provided in informational brochures)
Institutions such as AIIMS Gorakhpur and AIIMS Raebareli are often allotted through central counselling (MCC), but state counselling covers the majority of UP domicile seats in state government and private colleges. Always cross-check which seats fall under UP state counselling versus MCC to avoid duplicate or conflicting choices.
UP NEET UG Counselling 2026 Round 1: Important Dates
Staying on top of deadlines is non-negotiable. Missing the choice-filling window by even a few minutes can end your round 1 participation.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Round 1 merit list released | September 3, 2026 |
| Choice filling deadline | September 5, 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Round 1 seat allotment result | September 7, 2026 |
| Reporting and admission process | September 8–14, 2026 |
After round 1, candidates who receive allotment but wish to participate in further rounds may need to register for round 2 on upneet.gov.in, as per official notifications. Always refer to the latest notice on dgme.up.gov.in for any schedule changes.
Eligibility for Round 1 Choice Filling
Not every NEET qualifier can fill choices in UP counselling. Round 1 choice filling is open only to candidates who meet all of the following conditions:
- Valid NEET UG 2026 score meeting minimum qualifying percentile
- Successful UP NEET registration with payment of Rs 2,000 registration fee
- Security deposit paid as per college type preference (see below)
- Document verification completed without discrepancies
- Name listed on round 1 merit list published by DGME UP
Candidates whose documents are rejected—due to incorrect domicile certificate, category certificate issues, or mismatch in NEET and application details—must resolve grievances before the choice-filling deadline. DGME typically provides a grievance window during registration; check the portal for status updates.
Domicile and Category Requirements
Uttar Pradesh state quota seats generally require UP domicile or eligibility as defined in the official information brochure. Category certificates (OBC-NCL, SC, ST, EWS) must be issued by competent authority in the prescribed format and valid for the admission year. PwBD candidates must carry disability certificates as per MCI/NMC guidelines.
Registration Fee and Security Deposit Structure
UP NEET UG counselling 2026 involves two types of payments: a flat registration fee and a refundable security deposit that varies by the type of colleges you wish to apply to.
Registration Fee
A registration fee of Rs 2,000 is applicable for rounds 1, 2, 3, and the stray vacancy round. This fee is separate from the security deposit and is generally non-refundable.
Security Deposit Amounts
The security deposit is refundable subject to counselling rules and is paid online. Amounts for UP NEET UG 2026 counselling are:
- Government colleges only: Rs 30,000
- Private medical colleges: Rs 2,00,000
- Private dental colleges: Rs 1,00,000
- Both government and private medical/dental colleges: Rs 2,00,000
- Government and private dental colleges only: Rs 1,00,000
Candidates who have not deposited the security amount are not eligible for round 1 choice filling, even if their registration fee is paid. After payment, download and save the security deposit receipt. You may need it during reporting at the allotted college.
Refund Rules (General Guidance)
Security deposits are typically adjusted against admission fees if you accept a seat, or refunded after counselling concludes if you exit as per rules. Failure to join after seat acceptance without proper resignation may lead to forfeiture. Read the official refund policy on dgme.up.gov.in before paying.
How to Fill Choices for UP NEET Round 1 Counselling
Choice filling is the most strategic step in UP NEET counselling. The order of preferences you submit directly affects which college you may receive on September 7.
Step-by-Step Choice Filling Process
- Log in to the UP NEET counselling portal using your registration credentials
- Open the choice filling module for round 1
- Refer to the seat matrix PDF and shortlist colleges by location, fees, and past cutoffs
- Add colleges and courses in order of priority—first choice being your most preferred option
- Review the full list carefully; you can rearrange or delete choices before locking
- Lock choices before September 5, 2026, 5:00 PM
- Take a screenshot or printout of locked choices for your records
Once choices are locked, changes are usually not permitted for round 1. Treat the locking step as final.
Choice Filling Strategy Tips
Effective strategies can improve your chances of a satisfactory allotment:
- Be realistic: Place dream colleges at the top, but include safe options lower in the list
- Mix government and private: If you paid Rs 2 lakh security, you can list both; use the full list wisely
- Consider location and fees: Private MBBS fees in UP vary widely; factor in hostel and bond conditions
- Do not leave the list too short: A longer, well-ordered list reduces the risk of no allotment
- Check quota labels: Ensure you are filling under the correct category and quota
- Compare with previous cutoffs: Use last year's closing ranks as a guide, not a guarantee
Round 1 Seat Allotment Result: What to Expect on September 7
On September 7, 2026, DGME UP will publish the round 1 seat allotment result. Candidates can log in to download the allotment letter if a seat is assigned.
If You Receive a Seat Allotment
After allotment, complete the admission process between September 8 and 14, 2026:
- Download the allotment letter from the portal
- Report to the allotted college within the specified dates
- Carry original documents and photocopies for verification
- Pay the admission fee and complete formalities
- Collect the admission confirmation and receipt
Candidates allotted a seat in round 1 who wish to upgrade in round 2 must follow official instructions. Round 2 registration may be done on upneet.gov.in if you are eligible to participate further. Understand whether accepting round 1 admission affects your upgrade options—this is outlined in the counselling brochure.
If You Do Not Receive a Seat
No allotment in round 1 does not mean the end of your admission journey. You may participate in round 2 and subsequent rounds if eligible. Review which choices were too ambitious, update your strategy, and monitor seat matrix updates for vacant seats.
Government vs Private Medical Colleges in Uttar Pradesh
Understanding the difference helps you make informed choices during UP NEET counselling.
Government Medical Colleges
Government colleges offer subsidised tuition fees and strong clinical exposure through attached hospitals. With 4,615 government seats in round 1, competition is intense. Top ranks are typically required for premier institutions. Benefits include lower fees, established reputation, and often better ROI for students from middle-income families.
Private Medical Colleges
Private colleges account for 10,650 seats in round 1—a significant share of UP's medical education capacity. Fees are higher, and some colleges may have management or NRI quota seats with separate fee structures. Candidates should verify NMC recognition status, hospital bed strength, faculty details, and bond or service obligations before listing a private college high on their preference list.
Documents Required for UP NEET Counselling and Admission
Keep the following documents ready in original and photocopy formats:
- NEET UG 2026 admit card and scorecard
- UP NEET counselling registration printout and fee receipts
- Security deposit payment receipt
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates
- Transfer, migration, and character certificates (if required)
- Domicile certificate of Uttar Pradesh
- Category certificate (OBC-NCL, SC, ST, EWS) if applicable
- PwBD certificate if applicable
- Photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, or other accepted ID)
- Passport-size photographs
- Allotment letter (after seat allotment)
Discrepancies between NEET application details and counselling documents are a common reason for admission delays. Verify spelling of name, date of birth, and category before reporting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During UP NEET Round 1
- Missing the choice-filling deadline: Set reminders for September 5, 5 PM
- Not locking choices: Saving preferences without locking may invalidate participation
- Insufficient security deposit: Pay the correct amount based on college types you target
- Ignoring document verification status: Check portal daily until verified
- Listing only top colleges: Include backup options across rank ranges
- Confusing MCC and UP counselling: Do not accept conflicting seats across counselling bodies
- Skipping admission reporting dates: September 8–14 window is mandatory for allotted candidates
How UP NEET Counselling Differs From MCC All india Quota Counselling
Many students confuse state counselling with central counselling. Understanding the difference prevents costly errors such as accepting two seats or missing a deadline on the wrong portal.
MCC (All india Quota) Counselling
The Medical Counselling Committee conducts admission for All India Quota seats, deemed universities, central universities, and AIIMS institutions. Registration happens on mcc.nic.in. AIQ seats in government colleges across India—including a 15% quota in state government medical colleges—are filled through MCC, not DGME UP.
UP State Counselling (DGME)
DGME Uttar Pradesh handles the remaining 85% state quota seats in UP government colleges plus nearly all private medical and dental college seats for domicile-eligible candidates. You must register separately, pay UP-specific fees, and follow UP-specific dates even if you already participated in MCC counselling.
Actionable tip: Maintain a single tracking sheet with both MCC and UP NEET deadlines, registration IDs, and choice-lock dates. If you accept a seat in one counselling body, immediately check whether you must resign from the other to stay compliant with admission regulations.
Category-Wise Reservation and Rank Considerations
Seat allotment in UP NEET counselling follows category-wise reservation rules notified by the state government for the admission year. General category candidates compete for unreserved seats, while OBC-NCL, SC, ST, and EWS candidates are considered within their respective reserved pools where seats are earmarked in the seat matrix.
Your effective rank for allotment depends on your category rank and the seats available under that category in each college. A candidate ranked 15,000 in the general category may not secure the same college as an OBC candidate at a different rank, because closing ranks vary by category and college type. Always refer to the category column in the seat matrix when building your preference list.
PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) candidates should verify horizontal reservation applicability and ensure medical fitness certificates meet NMC standards for MBBS admission. Incomplete disability documentation is a frequent cause of admission cancellation at the reporting stage.
What Happens After Round 1: Rounds 2, 3, and Stray Vacancy
UP NEET counselling typically continues with multiple rounds. Candidates who did not get a seat, or those seeking upgrade, may register for round 2 on the official portal. The same Rs 2,000 registration fee structure applies across rounds 1, 2, 3, and stray vacancy round, though security deposit rules may vary for subsequent participation.
Stray vacancy round addresses remaining unfilled seats after main rounds. It is often the last opportunity for MBBS and BDS admission in the state for the academic session. Monitor dgme.up.gov.in and upneet.gov.in for notifications.
For postgraduate aspirants who complete MBBS through UP counselling, the next major milestone is NEET PG, which governs admission to MD, MS, and diploma programmes nationwide.
Conclusion
The release of the UP NEET UG counselling 2026 round 1 merit list marks a decisive stage for more than 31,000 qualified candidates competing for 15,265 MBBS and BDS seats across Uttar Pradesh. With choice filling open until September 5, 2026, seat allotment on September 7, and admissions from September 8 to 14, every eligible candidate should act promptly: verify merit list status, study the seat matrix, lock informed choices, and prepare documents for reporting.
Success in UP NEET counselling combines preparation, realistic strategy, and attention to official deadlines. Use trusted resources such as CollegeDwar for exam and course guidance, rely only on dgme.up.gov.in for official notices, and approach choice filling with a clear plan. Whether your goal is a government seat or a private college that fits your budget, round 1 is your first major opportunity to begin a career in medicine through Uttar Pradesh's state counselling process.
