NEET-PG
NEET-PG Counselling: All India Quota vs State Quota Explained
Understand how NEET-PG counselling splits seats between the All India Quota and state quotas, who handles each, and how the rounds work.
MedNext Editorial Team | Jul 19, 2026 | 8 min read
NEET-PG Counselling: All India Quota vs State Quota Explained
Understand how NEET-PG counselling splits seats between the All India Quota and state quotas, who handles each, and how the rounds work.
After you qualify NEET-PG, a seat is not allotted automatically. Seats are filled through counselling, which is split into two main streams. The All India Quota (AIQ) and central institution seats are run by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) at mcc.nic.in, while state quota seats are run by each State Counselling Authority. You can register for both.
What NEET-PG counselling actually is
NEET-PG is the qualifying exam, but qualifying only makes you eligible to take part in counselling. Counselling is the structured, round-based process through which postgraduate medical seats (MD, MS and diploma courses) are allotted based on your rank, your choices and seat availability. No seat is handed out at the moment you clear the exam.
The seats available across the country are divided so that a share goes to the All India Quota and the rest goes to the individual state quotas. Because two different types of authority manage these streams, it helps to understand each one separately before you fill any preferences.
Who runs each stream
The two streams are handled by different bodies, and this is the single most important thing to get right.
- **All India Quota (AIQ) and central institutions:** managed by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) through the official portal mcc.nic.in. This stream also covers seats in central universities, deemed universities, and certain central institutions.
- **State quota:** managed by each State Counselling Authority through its own state portal. Every state or union territory runs its own counselling for the seats reserved for that state.
Because the two run separately, you register, pay, choose colleges and lock choices on two different portals if you want to take part in both. Watching only one portal means you can miss the other.
The split between AIQ and state quota
The total pool of PG seats is divided so that a portion is contributed to the All India Quota and the remaining seats stay with the states as state quota. The AIQ stream lets candidates compete for seats across India without domicile being the deciding factor, while state quota seats are meant primarily for candidates connected to that state.
The exact share of seats given to AIQ versus what a state retains is set by the authorities and can differ, so treat the official notices as the source of truth. Do not assume a fixed percentage. Check the current split on mcc.nic.in and on your state authority's portal each cycle.
Eligibility: domicile is the key difference
The main eligibility difference between the two streams is domicile.
- **AIQ:** open to eligible candidates from across India. Your home state generally does not restrict you from competing for AIQ seats anywhere in the country.
- **State quota:** usually requires you to meet that state's domicile or eligibility conditions, such as residence, or completing your MBBS from a college in that state. Each state defines its own rules.
This is why many candidates register for AIQ and for their own state quota at the same time. AIQ widens your reach nationally, while your home state quota gives you access to seats tied to your domicile. Always read the eligibility clauses in the official information bulletin for each stream, because the conditions are set by the respective authority.
The general multi-round flow
Both AIQ and state counselling typically run over several rounds. While exact names and timelines vary, the general shape is similar.
- **Registration and fee payment:** you create an account on the relevant portal and pay the counselling or security fee.
- **Choice filling and locking:** you list colleges and courses in your order of preference, then lock your choices.
- **Seat allotment:** the authority runs a round and allots seats based on rank, preferences and availability.
- **Reporting and joining:** if allotted, you report to the college and complete admission formalities, or you may choose to upgrade in a later round depending on the rules.
- **Later rounds and mop-up:** remaining or vacated seats are offered in subsequent rounds, including a mop-up round and, where applicable, a stray vacancy round.
Each round has its own rules on upgrading, resignation and fee forfeiture, and these can change between cycles. Read the round-specific notice before you lock anything.
Key facts at a glance
NEET-PG counselling is how postgraduate seats are allotted after you qualify the exam. Seats are split into two streams. The All India Quota (AIQ) and central institution seats are managed by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) at mcc.nic.in. State quota seats are managed by each State Counselling Authority through its own portal. A share of the total seats goes to AIQ, and the rest stays with the states. AIQ is open to candidates across India, while state quota seats usually need you to meet that state's domicile or eligibility rules. Candidates can register for both AIQ and their home state, and many do. Both streams run over multiple rounds: registration, choice filling and locking, allotment, reporting, and later mop-up rounds. Exact seat shares, dates and fees change each cycle, so always confirm current details on mcc.nic.in and your state authority's portal.
How to prepare while counselling is on
Counselling rewards a clear plan. Keep a shortlist of colleges and courses ranked by your own priorities before choice filling opens, so you are not deciding under time pressure. Track both the MCC portal and your state portal, since their schedules run independently.
Strong ranks come from consistent preparation across the whole blueprint. MedNext Academy supports this with over 50,000 practice MCQs, 410 chapters across 19 subjects, and a reference library covering over 1,800 drugs, so you can revise weak areas efficiently between exam attempts. Confirm the current NEET-PG exam pattern, marks and marking scheme on the official NBEMS portal at natboard.edu.in before you plan your preparation, as these details are set by the authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between All India Quota and state quota in NEET-PG?
The All India Quota (AIQ) lets you compete for a share of seats across India, and it is managed by the Medical Counselling Committee at mcc.nic.in. State quota covers the seats a state keeps for its own eligible candidates, and each State Counselling Authority runs it on its own portal. The main practical difference is domicile: AIQ is open nationally, while state quota usually needs you to meet that state's residence or eligibility rules.
Who conducts NEET-PG counselling?
Two types of body conduct it. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) conducts the All India Quota and central institution counselling through mcc.nic.in. Each state or union territory has its own State Counselling Authority that conducts counselling for its state quota seats. You deal with MCC for AIQ and with your state authority for state quota.
Can I register for both AIQ and state quota counselling?
Yes. You can register for the All India Quota through the MCC portal and for your state's quota through the state authority's portal at the same time. Doing both is common because AIQ widens your reach across India while your home state quota gives you access to seats tied to your domicile. You register, pay and fill choices separately on each portal.
How many rounds are there in NEET-PG counselling?
Both AIQ and state counselling generally run over several rounds, which usually include early allotment rounds followed by a mop-up round and, where applicable, a stray vacancy round. The exact number of rounds and their rules can change each cycle, so confirm the current schedule on mcc.nic.in and your state authority's portal rather than assuming a fixed number.
Where do I check the exact seats, dates and fees for NEET-PG counselling?
Always check the official portals for current specifics. For the All India Quota and central institutions, use the MCC portal at mcc.nic.in. For state quota, use your State Counselling Authority's official portal. Seat shares, schedules and fees are set by these authorities and change from cycle to cycle, so treat their notices as the source of truth.
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