Education news
NEET PG Counseling 2026: NBEMS Revises First-Year Fee Rules for AIQ Seats
· Source: Amar Ujala
NBEMS has revised the first-year course fee payment rules for candidates allotted 50% AIQ seats in NEET PG Counseling 2026. Candidates choosing the upgrade option do not need to pay the first-year fee while waiting for further rounds.
Revision in First-Year Course Fee Rules
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) have introduced key rule changes for NEET PG Counseling 2026 round 1 seat holders under the 50% All India Quota (AIQ). Candidates who opt to upgrade their seats in upcoming rounds will not have to pay the first-year course fee while awaiting upgradation. However, candidates who accept the allotted seat to take admission without opting for an upgrade must pay the first-year fee directly to the concerned NBEMS-accredited hospital or institution, not to NBEMS.
Fee Rules for Float and Freeze Options
| Option | Fee Payment Rule |
|---|---|
| Float / Upgradation | Not required to deposit the first-year fee while waiting for a seat upgrade in further rounds. |
| Freeze | Must deposit the first-year fee at the concerned accredited institution or hospital upon accepting the seat and taking admission. |
Round 1 College Reporting Dates
MCC has announced the NEET PG Counseling 2026 Round 1 seat allotment results, allocating more than 28,000 postgraduate medical seats. Candidates must report to their allotted medical colleges within the specified period.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| College Reporting Period | 26 October to 2 November 2026 |
Training Start Date and OPJR Portal Status
If a candidate is allotted an upgraded seat in subsequent counseling rounds, their training period will be counted from the date of joining the newly upgraded seat. NBEMS has also stated that the Online Portal for Joining and Registration (OPJR) will remain closed until all rounds of NEET PG 2026 counseling are completed. The portal will reopen afterward for candidates and institutions to submit joining details and necessary documents.
Next Steps for Allotted Candidates
- Review the rules for float and freeze options before completing admission.
- Ensure readiness to deposit the first-year fee at the allotted institution if freezing the seat.
- Follow official guidelines regarding fee payment and upgrade procedures if choosing the float option.
- Report to the allotted medical college between 26 October and 2 November 2026.
- Regularly check the official websites of MCC and NBEMS for updates regarding OPJR portal and documentation.
Questions
Do candidates who choose the float option need to pay the first-year fee?
No, candidates who opt for float or upgradation do not have to pay the first-year fee while waiting for a seat upgrade.
Where should candidates who freeze their seats deposit the first-year fee?
Candidates must deposit the first-year fee directly at their allotted NBEMS-accredited institution or hospital, not to NBEMS.
What are the reporting dates for NEET PG 2026 Round 1?
Allotted candidates must report to their colleges between 26 October and 2 November 2026.
When will training begin for candidates who receive an upgraded seat?
The training duration will be counted from the date the candidate joins the new, upgraded seat.
When will the NBEMS OPJR portal reopen?
The Online Portal for Joining and Registration (OPJR) will reopen after all rounds of NEET PG 2026 counseling are finished.
Written in English by Disha Stars from the Amar Ujala report (read the original in Hindi). Check dates and links on the official website before you act.
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