UP NEET UG Counselling 2026 Merit List is the official rank list that determines admission to MBBS and BDS seats in government and private medical colleges across Uttar Pradesh. Published by the Directorate General of Medical Education and Training (DGME UP) on the official portal at upneet.gov.in, the state merit list ranks all registered candidates based on their NEET UG score and state eligibility criteria. In this updated guide, you will find the latest circular on the Round 2 merit list postponement, step-by-step instructions to download the official PDF, Round 1 cutoff closing ranks, security deposit rules, and expert choice-filling advice for the upcoming rounds.
Latest status — verified on September 17, 2026: DGME Uttar Pradesh has issued an official notice (Letter No. ME-3/2026/1692) postponing the UP NEET UG 2026 Round 2 State Merit List and the online choice-filling process until further notice due to unavoidable administrative circumstances. Registered candidates who paid their security deposit do not need to register again and should monitor upneet.gov.in for the revised schedule.
Quick Facts: UP NEET UG 2026 Merit List and Counselling
Here is a quick summary of the essential counselling and merit list parameters verified directly from the official DGME UP admission brochures.
| Counselling Element | Official Authority Specification | Key Details for Students |
|---|---|---|
| Counselling Authority | Directorate General of Medical Education and Training (DGME UP) | State regulatory body for medical and dental education in UP |
| Official Web Portals | upneet.gov.in and dgme.up.gov.in | Portals for registration, merit lists, choice filling, and results |
| Current Admission Status | Round 1 Concluded / Round 2 Postponed | Round 2 merit list publication and choice filling on hold |
| Document Type | State Merit List (Combined PDF) | Contains State Rank, Roll Number, Name, NEET Score, and Category |
| Seats Covered | 85% State Quota MBBS/BDS | Government medical colleges and 100% private medical/dental seats |
| Security Deposit: Government Colleges | Rs. 30,000/- (Refundable) | Mandatory for candidates choosing Government MBBS/BDS seats |
| Security Deposit: Private Medical Colleges | Rs. 2,00,000/- (Refundable) | Mandatory for candidates applying for Private MBBS colleges |
| Security Deposit: Private Dental Colleges | Rs. 1,00,000/- (Refundable) | Mandatory for candidates applying for Private BDS colleges only |
| Last Verified Date | September 17, 2026 | Verified against DGME UP Circular No. ME-3/2026/1692 |
Source: DGME Uttar Pradesh Official Counselling Framework
Official Update on UP NEET UG 2026 Round 2 Merit List Postponement
The UP NEET UG Counselling 2026 Merit List for Round 2 was originally scheduled to be published on September 17, 2026, followed by online choice filling from September 17 to September 19, 2026. However, through an urgent notification issued by the Directorate General of Medical Education and Training, the entire Round 2 schedule has been temporarily suspended.
According to official Letter No. ME-3/2026/1692, the state merit list and choice filling have been deferred due to administrative reasons. This postponement allows the counselling board to update the seat matrix with newly approved medical seats and reconcile registration data across categories.
Here is what candidates who registered for Round 2 need to understand right now:
- No Re-Registration Needed: If you successfully completed your registration and paid the mandatory security deposit (Rs. 30,000 for Government, Rs. 2,00,000 for Private MBBS, or Rs. 1,00,000 for Private BDS), your payment and registration remain completely secure. You will not have to register or pay again.
- Choice Filling Window Deferred: No choices can be filled or locked until the revised state merit list is officially uploaded to upneet.gov.in.
- Fresh Merit List Incoming: Once the technical review is completed, DGME UP will release the revised Round 2 State Merit List with updated state ranks.
If you want to review the full college availability across state colleges while waiting, check our complete guide to the UP NEET UG Seat Matrix 2026 to see total intake across government and private institutions.
How to Download the UP NEET UG State Merit List PDF
Checking your state rank on the official merit list is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps when the document is made live on the official portal:
- Open your web browser and visit the official Uttar Pradesh counselling website at upneet.gov.in.
- Navigate to the “News & Events” or “Notifications” section on the homepage.
- Look for the notification link titled “UP State Merit List of NEET-UG 2026 MBBS/BDS (Round 2 / Round 1)”.
- Click on the link to download the combined state merit list PDF file directly to your device.
- Open the downloaded PDF file using a PDF reader and press
Ctrl + F(on computers) or use the search icon (on mobile phones). - Type your NEET UG Roll Number, Application Number, or your full name in the search box to find your record.
- Verify your details including your State Merit Rank, All India Rank (AIR), NEET Marks, Category, Sub-Category, and Domicile Status.
- Save and print a copy of the merit page for your personal counselling records.
| PDF Column Header | What It Means in Plain English | Action Required by Student |
|---|---|---|
| State Rank | Your position among all eligible candidates within Uttar Pradesh | Used as the primary rank for state seat allocation in all rounds |
| NEET Roll Number | Your 10-digit roll number issued by NTA for NEET UG 2026 | Must match your original NEET UG admit card and scorecard |
| Candidate Name | Your full name as registered in Class 10 records and NEET portal | Check spelling carefully to prevent reporting discrepancies |
| NEET Marks | Your total marks obtained out of 720 in the NEET UG exam | Verify that your score matches your official NTA scorecard |
| NEET AIR | Your All India Rank declared on your NTA scorecard | Used by the system to resolve any state-level ties |
| Category / Sub-Category | Your reserved category (UR, OBC, SC, ST, EWS) and sub-quota (NCC, Ex-Army, PwD, Freedom Fighter) | Verify that your reservation benefit is recorded accurately |
| UP Domicile Status | Whether you are recognized as a permanent resident of Uttar Pradesh | Determines eligibility for 85% state quota government MBBS seats |
Source: DGME UP Candidate Merit Evaluation Guidelines
Difference Between State Merit List and Seat Allotment Result
Many students and parents get confused between the state merit list and the seat allotment letter. Here is the simple distinction:
The State Merit List is a master ranking list of all candidates who registered for counselling in Uttar Pradesh. It only confirms that your documents and score have been verified and tells you where you stand in the state merit order. It does not mean you have been allotted a college seat.
The Seat Allotment Result is published after candidates lock their college choices online. The computer algorithm takes your state rank, your filled college preferences, reservation category, and seat availability, and assigns you a specific seat in a college. You then download your allotment letter and report to the nodal center for admission.
Security Deposit and Fee Rules in UP NEET UG Counselling
Uttar Pradesh has strict rules regarding the payment and refund of the counselling security deposit. Understanding these rules protects you from accidental financial losses:
- Government Medical and Dental Colleges: You must deposit Rs. 30,000/- online. If you are allotted a government MBBS or BDS seat and you complete admission, this amount is adjusted in your college fees or refunded to your bank account.
- Private Medical Colleges (MBBS): You must deposit Rs. 2,00,000/- online. This permits you to fill choices for both government colleges and private medical colleges.
- Private Dental Colleges (BDS Only): You must deposit Rs. 1,00,000/- online if you only wish to apply for private BDS seats.
Let us look at a simple student math comparison: If Student A pays Rs. 2,00,000 and is allotted a private medical seat in Round 2 but decides not to join, their security deposit of Rs. 2,00,000 will be forfeited by DGME UP. But if Student A participates in Round 1 and uses the Free Exit rule before the notified Round 1 deadline, their deposit remains intact. In Round 2, there is no free exit without forfeiture.
For candidates planning private college budgets, review the approved college fees in our detailed guide on UP Private Medical Colleges MBBS Fee Structure 2026 to calculate exact 4.5-year tuition, hostel, and mess expenses.
Overview of Medical Colleges and Seat Types in Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh features one of the largest medical education networks in India, comprising top autonomous institutes, state government medical colleges, and well-established private medical universities.
| College Category | Prominent Participating Colleges | Estimated Annual Tuition Fee Range | Admission Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier State Government Colleges | KGMU Lucknow, GSVM Kanpur, RMLIMS Lucknow, SNMC Agra, MLNMC Prayagraj, LLRM Meerut, BRD Gorakhpur | Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 42,000 per year | UP Domicile required for 85% State Quota |
| Newly Established Autonomous GMCs | GMC Ayodhya, GMC Basti, GMC Bahraich, GMC Firozabad, GMC Shahjahanpur, GMC Deoria, GMC Mirzapur, GMC Ghazipur | Rs. 36,000 to Rs. 40,000 per year | UP Domicile required for 85% State Quota |
| Top Tier Private Medical Colleges | Sharda University Greater Noida, SRMS Bareilly, Hind Institute Lucknow, Saraswathi Hapur, Muzaffarnagar Medical College | Rs. 11,50,000 to Rs. 13,80,000 per year | Open to all Indian students (No UP domicile required) |
| Minority Private Medical Colleges | Era Lucknow Medical College (Muslim Minority), Career Institute Lucknow (Muslim Minority), FH Medical College Agra | Rs. 14,00,000 to Rs. 16,50,000 per year | 50% minority reservation, 50% open to all candidates |
| Government and Private Dental Colleges | Faculty of Dental Sciences KGMU Lucknow, Saraswati Dental Lucknow, ITS Dental Muradnagar, Subharti Dental Meerut | Rs. 30,000 (Govt) to Rs. 3,50,000 (Private) per year | Govt seats need UP Domicile; Private BDS open to all |
Source: DGME UP Official Fee Orders and College Seat Directory
Round 1 Merit List and Cutoff Analysis
In Round 1 of UP NEET UG counselling, over 25,000 candidates featured in the state merit list. Because Uttar Pradesh private medical colleges are open to non-domicile candidates from all states, high competition was observed across both government and top private colleges.
| Candidate Category (Govt 85% Quota) | Round 1 Closing NEET Marks (Approx.) | Round 1 Closing State Merit Rank | Round 2 Expected Movement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unreserved / Open (UR) | 650 – 655 Marks | State Rank 2,800 – 3,100 | Expected drop of 3 to 6 marks in new GMCs |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 648 – 652 Marks | State Rank 3,150 – 3,400 | Expected drop of 4 to 7 marks in Round 2 |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 646 – 650 Marks | State Rank 3,250 – 3,550 | Expected drop of 4 to 6 marks in Round 2 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 525 – 535 Marks | State Rank 9,800 – 10,400 | Expected drop of 8 to 12 marks in Round 2 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 360 – 375 Marks | State Rank 17,500 – 18,500 | Expected drop of 10 to 15 marks in Round 2 |
Source: UP NEET UG Round 1 Closing Data Analysis
Students who missed government medical college seats by narrow margins in Round 1 can also explore top Ayurvedic and Homeopathic colleges in the state by reviewing our guide on BAMS Colleges in UP to check expected cutoff marks and annual fees.
Step-by-Step Choice Filling Strategy for UP NEET UG Round 2
When DGME UP opens the online choice filling portal following the revised merit list announcement, candidates must follow a smart preference locking approach:
- Step 1: Preference Ordering by Quality, Not Marks: Always list colleges in genuine order of clinical exposure, patient bed occupancy, infrastructure, and location. Never place an inferior college higher simply because you think your marks match it.
- Step 2: No Limit on Number of Choices: DGME UP allows you to fill as many college choices as you want. Fill all government colleges first, followed by private colleges that strictly fit your family budget.
- Step 3: Verification of Hidden College Fees: Before locking private medical colleges, check the official fee circular for mandatory hostel rent, security deposit, and examination charges. Do not rely on verbal coaching estimates.
- Step 4: Mandatory Choice Locking: You must click the “Lock Choices” button and enter your password before the deadline. In Uttar Pradesh counselling, unlocked choices are not automatically locked in some rounds and can lead to disqualification from allotment.
- Step 5: Download the Locked Choice Slip: Always print and save the PDF copy of your locked choices with the official timestamp and security hash.
Document Verification at Nodal Centers
Candidates allotted a seat in UP NEET UG counselling must report in person to their designated Government Medical College Nodal Center with original certificates and two sets of self-attested photocopies:
- NEET UG 2026 Admit Card and Official Scorecard.
- UP NEET UG 2026 Registration Slip and Allotment Letter downloaded from upneet.gov.in.
- Security Deposit Payment Receipt (Rs. 30,000 / Rs. 2,00,000 / Rs. 1,00,000).
- Class 10 High School Certificate and Marksheet (for Date of Birth proof).
- Class 12 Intermediate Marksheet and Passing Certificate.
- UP State Domicile Certificate (issued by authorized Tehsildar/Sub-Divisional Magistrate).
- Category Certificate (OBC, SC, ST, EWS) issued on the prescribed state government format for the current financial year.
- Sub-Category Certificate (NCC, Ex-Serviceman, Freedom Fighter, PwD) if applicable.
- Valid Government Photo Identity Card (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or Passport).
- 8 to 10 Passport Size Photographs matching the photo used on the NEET application form.
- Bank Draft for Tuition Fee made in favor of the designated Director General Medical Education account.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the UP NEET UG 2026 Round 2 state merit list released?
Answer: No, the Round 2 State Merit List has been officially postponed by DGME UP through Letter No. ME-3/2026/1692 until further notice due to administrative reasons. A revised schedule will be published on upneet.gov.in.
Q2: Do I need to pay the security deposit again for Round 2 if I already registered in Round 1?
Answer: No, candidates who already paid their mandatory security deposit (Rs. 30,000 for Government or Rs. 2,00,000 for Private MBBS) in Round 1 do not have to pay again. Your deposit remains valid for Round 2 and subsequent rounds.
Q3: Where can I check the official UP NEET UG merit list PDF?
Answer: You can download the official merit list PDF directly from the UP NEET UG counselling portal at upneet.gov.in under the News & Events notification board.
Q4: Can non-domicile students from other states apply for private medical colleges in Uttar Pradesh?
Answer: Yes, all private medical and dental colleges in Uttar Pradesh are open to candidates from across India regardless of state domicile. Only 85% state quota seats in government medical colleges require UP domicile.
Q5: What is the security deposit amount for private MBBS colleges in Uttar Pradesh?
Answer: The mandatory refundable security deposit for participating in private MBBS college counselling is Rs. 2,00,000/-. This fee must be paid online through the official upneet.gov.in portal before choice filling.
Q6: Does appearing in the UP NEET UG state merit list guarantee an MBBS seat?
Answer: No, the state merit list only confirms your eligibility and state rank. Seat allotment depends on your merit rank, the preferences you fill during choice locking, category quotas, and seat availability.
Q7: Is choice locking mandatory in UP NEET UG counselling?
Answer: Yes, choice locking is strictly mandatory in Uttar Pradesh counselling. If you fail to lock your choices using your OTP/password before the deadline, your saved choices will not be evaluated for seat allotment.
Q8: What happens if I do not join the seat allotted to me in Round 2?
Answer: If you are allotted a seat in Round 2 and fail to complete admission at the designated nodal center, your security deposit (Rs. 30,000 or Rs. 2,00,000) will be forfeited by the counselling authority.
Q9: How can I apply for seat upgradation from Round 1 to Round 2?
Answer: Candidates who completed admission in their Round 1 allotted college can opt for upgradation on the upneet.gov.in portal and submit fresh higher preferences during the Round 2 choice filling window.
Q10: Which official website publishes all authentic circulars for medical admission in UP?
Answer: The primary official websites are upneet.gov.in for interactive counselling and dgme.up.gov.in for policy notifications and government fee regulatory orders.
Sources Checked and Editorial Verification
- Directorate General of Medical Education and Training (DGME UP) Official Counselling Portal
- DGME Uttar Pradesh Departmental Government Portal
- UP NEET UG Official Circulars and Merit Archive
Update Policy: This page will be revised immediately when the Directorate General of Medical Education and Training (DGME UP) releases the revised Round 2 schedule or new official merit list notices.