UP NEET UG Counselling 2026 Guidelines Out: Registration Rules, Security Deposit, and Nodal Centre Verification for MBBS and BDS Admissions

The Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) has officially released the comprehensive counselling guidelines for students aiming to secure admission into MBBS and BDS courses across medical and dental institutions in Uttar Pradesh. With NEET UG counselling registration for the 85 percent state quota seats set to kick off soon, qualified candidates must familiarize themselves with the updated rules. 

Essential Registration Rules and Mandatory Contact Details

To initiate the counselling journey, candidates must register on the official website using a unique, active mobile number and a valid email ID. The DMER has emphasized that all vital communication, updates, and alerts regarding seat allotment will be dispatched exclusively via these channels. Additionally, participants must pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 2,000 online to successfully secure their entry into the state counselling pool.

Document Verification Process at Designated Nodal Centres

During the online registration phase, candidates are required to choose a convenient Nodal Centre for the digital verification of their academic and identity credentials. Applicants must upload mandatory documents onto the portal, including high school marksheet and certificates, intermediate mark sheets, valid category-based reservation certificates, and state domicile documents where applicable. Ensuring error-free document uploads is vital to prevent disqualification during the scrutiny stage.

Category-Wise Security Deposit Requirements

Participating in the choice-filling and seat-selection process requires candidates to submit a mandatory security deposit online before deadlines. The structured security deposit amounts vary by institution type:

• Government Medical or Dental Seats: Rs. 30,000

• Private Medical College Seats: Rs. 2,00,000

• Private Dental College Seats: Rs. 1,00,000

• Combined Government and Private Sector Seats (Medical & Dental): Rs. 2,00,000

• Dental Colleges Only (Both Government and Private): Rs. 1,00,000

Officials have clarified that these security amounts will not be adjusted against annual tuition fees. Furthermore, candidates must use their personal bank accounts for these transactions, as refunds for unallocated or successfully admitted candidates will be credited back strictly to the same account post-counselling.

Understanding the "Free Exit" Clause in Round 1

For candidates navigating the initial stage of admissions, the regulations provide a safety net known as the "Free Exit." If an applicant is allotted a seat during the first round of counselling but chooses not to accept it, they can exercise a free exit without penalty. Their security deposit will remain secure and fully refundable, enabling them to participate seamlessly in subsequent second or third rounds of counselling.