Nibeditaa SpeaksUnder the revised guidelines, candidates who opt to upgrade their allotted postgraduate medical seats can defer payment of the first-year course fee. Hospitals must update candidates’ joining status on the Intra-MCC portal within the prescribed deadline.
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has revised the first-year course fee rules for candidates allotted postgraduate medical seats through NEET PG 2026 counselling, providing relief to those seeking an upgrade in subsequent rounds.
Under the revised rules, candidates who wish to retain their allotted seats must pay the first-year course fee directly to the NBEMS-accredited hospital where they have secured admission. However, those who choose to participate in further counselling rounds for a possible seat upgrade will not be required to pay the first-year course fee while awaiting the outcome.
The clarification comes as the reporting and joining process for allotted candidates begins on October 26, 2026. The revised arrangement distinguishes between candidates who intend to continue with their current allotment and those who are seeking a different seat through the counselling process.
NEET PG 2026 fee rules: What candidates need to know
The revised guidelines provide two pathways for candidates after they receive a postgraduate medical seat allotment.
Candidates who are satisfied with their allotted seat and choose to retain it must pay the first-year course fee to the respective NBEMS-accredited hospital. Those who wish to seek an upgrade in a subsequent counselling round are not required to make this payment while waiting for a possible change in allotment.
The change is particularly relevant to candidates who want to keep their options open during counselling. Requiring payment before an upgrade decision could otherwise mean making a financial commitment to a seat that a candidate may eventually leave for another allotment.
Candidates should nevertheless check the official counselling instructions for the applicable reporting requirements, deadlines and conditions associated with their allotted seats.
Hospitals must update joining status on Intra-MCC portal
The revised instructions also place an important responsibility on participating hospitals. Institutions must update the reporting and joining status of allotted candidates on the Intra-MCC portal within the prescribed timeline.
Failure to update the status could result in the seat being treated as vacant and carried forward to the next counselling round.
The requirement makes timely and accurate reporting essential for both candidates and institutions. While candidates must follow the applicable admission instructions, hospitals must ensure that their records on the portal correctly reflect each candidate’s status.
An incorrect or delayed update could affect how a seat is accounted for during subsequent rounds of counselling.
What NEET PG candidates should do next
Candidates who have received an allotment should carefully review the revised fee instructions and determine whether they intend to retain their current seat or seek an upgrade.
Those choosing to retain their allotment should follow the prescribed payment and joining requirements issued by the relevant hospital. Candidates seeking an upgrade should verify the applicable counselling rules and ensure that they complete any reporting formalities required for their situation.
Hospitals, meanwhile, must update candidate status within the specified period to prevent seats from being incorrectly treated as vacant.
The revised fee arrangement is intended to clarify the financial requirements for candidates considering an upgrade. However, candidates should rely on the official NBEMS and Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) notifications for the complete rules governing their individual allotments.
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