The Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 Revised Counselling Schedule has been officially published by the State Common Entrance Test Cell (State CET Cell), Maharashtra, bringing critical changes to the Centralized Admission Process (CAP) timeline for undergraduate medical (MBBS) and dental (BDS) courses across government, municipal corporation, private unaided, and minority health science institutions in the state. Following recent regulatory updates, administrative adjustments, and the brief re-opening of the online registration window, thousands of medical aspirants across Maharashtra must align their admission strategies with the updated milestones.
Navigating the undergraduate medical admission process in Maharashtra requires precise awareness of official deadlines, State Merit List (SML) rankings, college preference ordering, and document verification protocols. This comprehensive guide provides an exhaustive analysis of the Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 Revised Counselling Schedule, breaking down every critical milestone from registration closure and provisional merit list publication to option form locking, CAP Round 1 seat allotment declaration, and physical college reporting. Whether you are aiming for top-tier Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) such as Seth GS Medical College, Grant Government Medical College (JJ Hospital), and BJ Government Medical College Pune, or reputed private unaided medical institutions, this article equips you with verified facts, official regulatory guidelines, cutoff matrices, and actionable preference strategies.
Official Master Table: Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 Revised Counselling Schedule
To ensure total transparency and ease of tracking for candidates and parents, the master timeline of events issued by the State CET Cell Maharashtra for CAP Round 1 MBBS and BDS admissions is compiled below.
| Counselling Event / Milestone | Start Date | End Date / Deadline | Official Portal / Operational Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Re-opening of Online Registration & Document Upload | August 20, 2026 | August 21, 2026 (Up to 08:00 PM) | Completed online at cetcell.mahacet.org |
| Online Payment of Registration Fee | August 20, 2026 | August 21, 2026 (Up to 11:59 PM) | Payment Gateway Closed |
| Publication of Provisional State Merit List (SML) | August 23, 2026 | August 23, 2026 (By 05:00 PM) | Downloadable PDF on State CET Cell Portal |
| Submission of Objections / Grievances (if any) | August 24, 2026 (10:00 AM) | August 24, 2026 (Up to 05:00 PM) | Online Grievance Helpdesk Portal |
| Publication of Final State Merit List & Approved Seat Matrix | August 25, 2026 | August 25, 2026 (By 06:00 PM) | Official Category-wise Seat Breakdown |
| Online Choice / Preference Filling Window (CAP Round 1) | August 26, 2026 (01:00 PM) | August 29, 2026 (Up to 11:59 PM) | Online Choice Locking Window at cetcell.mahacet.org |
| Declaration of CAP Round 1 Provisional Seat Allotment Result | August 30, 2026 | August 30, 2026 (By 08:00 PM) | Candidate Login & Public PDF List |
| Downloading of Selection Letter & Fee Payment | August 31, 2026 | September 05, 2026 (Up to 05:00 PM) | Online Candidate Dashboard |
| Physical Joining & Original Document Verification at Allotted College | August 31, 2026 (10:00 AM) | September 05, 2026 (Up to 05:00 PM) | In-Person Reporting at Designated Institute |
Detailed Phase-by-Phase Timeline Analysis
Understanding how each phase of the Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 Revised Counselling Schedule operates is paramount to safeguarding your admission eligibility and avoiding disqualification. Below is an in-depth breakdown of the primary stages governing the 2026 medical state quota counselling.
1. Re-opening of Online Registration & Document Upload
The State CET Cell Maharashtra temporarily reopened the registration portal between August 20 and August 21, 2026. This extension accommodated candidate queries regarding document corrections, category updates, and fresh applications for aspirants who had missed the initial registration window. During this period, candidates submitted their NEET UG 2026 All India Rank (AIR), roll numbers, personal demographic details, academic scores (HSC / Class 12 PCB marks), and uploaded mandatory certificates including Domicile, Nationality, and Category Reservation documents at cetcell.mahacet.org.
2. Publication of Provisional State Merit List (SML)
Scheduled for release on August 23, 2026, the Provisional State Merit List assigns every registered candidate a unique State Merit List (SML) number. The SML number is the ultimate determining factor for seat allocation in Maharashtra 85% State Quota seats, taking precedence over raw All India Ranks. The provisional list displays the candidate’s name, NEET Roll Number, NEET Score, All India Rank, State Merit Rank, Category, and Eligibility Status for various quotas (e.g., State Quota, Institutional Quota, NRI Quota) on cetcell.mahacet.org.
3. Final State Merit List & Approved Category Seat Matrix
Following the resolution of candidate grievances on August 24, the State CET Cell will publish the Final State Merit List alongside the Official Approved Seat Matrix on August 25, 2026. The Seat Matrix details the exact distribution of MBBS and BDS seats across all participating colleges, classified by constitutional reservation categories (SC, ST, VJ-NT, OBC, EWS), special reservation quotas (Defense, PwD, MKB), gender-wise seat allocations, and regional quotas (Home District / Rest of Maharashtra).
4. Online Choice / Preference Filling Window (CAP Round 1)
Operating from August 26 to August 29, 2026, the option form filling window represents the most critical phase of the counselling process. Candidates must log into the CET Cell portal at cetcell.mahacet.org and select their preferred medical and dental colleges by entering specific 4-digit or 5-digit Choice Codes. Candidates can enter an unlimited number of college preferences. It is mandatory to lock choices before 11:59 PM on August 29, 2026; un-locked choices will automatically freeze based on the last saved preferences.
5. Declaration of CAP Round 1 Seat Allotment Result
On August 30, 2026, the CET Cell will officially declare the CAP Round 1 Seat Allotment Result. The allotment algorithm processes candidates’ State Merit Ranks against their locked preference lists and seat availability across institutes. Candidates will receive allotment notifications on their registered mobile numbers and can log into their dashboards at cetcell.mahacet.org to download the official Provisional Selection Letter.
6. Allotment Letter Download, Physical Joining & Document Submission
From August 31 to September 05, 2026, candidates allotted seats in CAP Round 1 must physically report to the designated medical or dental college. To complete admission, candidates must present all original documents for verification, pay the prescribed tuition and development fees via Demand Draft (DD) or online transfer, and submit the Status Retention Form if they wish to confirm their seat without upgrading in subsequent rounds.
Category Reservation & Quota Breakdown in Maharashtra Medical Admissions
Medical admissions in Maharashtra operate under a structured reservation framework regulated by state legislative policies and social welfare department guidelines. The 85% State Quota seats in both Government and Private unaided colleges are distributed according to constitutional and special reservation percentages.
| Reservation Category Code | Category Description | Constitutional Quota Percentage (%) | Mandatory Document Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| SC | Scheduled Caste | 13.0% | Caste Certificate, Caste Validity Certificate |
| ST | Scheduled Tribe | 7.0% | Tribe Certificate, Tribe Validity Certificate |
| VJ / DT-A | Vimukta Jati / Denotified Tribes (A) | 3.0% | Caste Certificate, Validity Certificate, Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) |
| NT-B (NT-1) | Nomadic Tribes (B) | 2.5% | Caste Certificate, Validity Certificate, Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) |
| NT-C (NT-2) | Nomadic Tribes (C) | 3.5% | Caste Certificate, Validity Certificate, Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) |
| NT-D (NT-3) | Nomadic Tribes (D) | 2.0% | Caste Certificate, Validity Certificate, Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) |
| OBC | Other Backward Classes | 19.0% | Caste Certificate, Validity Certificate, Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) |
| EWS | Economically Weaker Section | 10.0% | State EWS Certificate (Financial Year 2025-26 format) |
| PWD | Persons with Disability | 5.0% (Horizontal) | Disability Certificate from Designated MCC Center |
| DEF-1 / DEF-2 / DEF-3 | Defense Personnel Quota | 5.0% (Horizontal) | Defense Service Certificate & Domicile of Parent |
| MKB | Maharashtra-Karnataka Border Area | 0.5% | MKB Domicile & Mother Tongue Certificate |
Approved Seat Matrix & Intake: Top Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) in Maharashtra
Maharashtra boasts some of India’s top-ranked Government Medical Colleges (GMCs). Tuition fees in Government institutions are regulated uniformly by the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER), Maharashtra (currently approx. ₹1,30,000 to ₹1,45,000 per annum including development and admission fees).
| College Code | Institute Name & Location | Total Approved MBBS Intake | 85% State Quota Seats | 15% AIQ Seats (MCC) | Expected State Merit Rank (General Open) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1101 | Seth GS Medical College & KEM Hospital, Mumbai | 250 | 212 | 38 | SML 1 – 180 |
| 1102 | Grant Government Medical College & JJ Hospital, Mumbai | 250 | 212 | 38 | SML 181 – 450 |
| 1201 | BJ Government Medical College, Pune | 250 | 212 | 38 | SML 200 – 550 |
| 1103 | Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College (Sion), Mumbai | 200 | 170 | 30 | SML 400 – 750 |
| 1104 | Topiwala National Medical College (Nair), Mumbai | 150 | 127 | 23 | SML 600 – 950 |
| 1301 | Government Medical College (GMC), Nagpur | 250 | 212 | 38 | SML 700 – 1200 |
| 1202 | Government Medical College (GMC), Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | 200 | 170 | 30 | SML 1100 – 1600 |
| 1203 | Dr. Vaishampayan Memorial Govt Medical College, Solapur | 200 | 170 | 30 | SML 1800 – 2400 |
| 1302 | Indira Gandhi Government Medical College (IGMC), Nagpur | 200 | 170 | 30 | SML 1500 – 2100 |
| 1204 | RCSM Government Medical College, Kolhapur | 150 | 127 | 23 | SML 2200 – 2900 |
Approved Seat Matrix & Fee Structure: Top Private Medical Colleges in Maharashtra
Private Unaided Medical Colleges in Maharashtra offer admission across 85% State Quota (General & Reserved Categories) and 15% Institutional/NRI Quota. Annual fees in private colleges are fixed by the Fee Regulating Authority (FRA), Maharashtra. Below is the approved seat and fee matrix for leading private institutions.
| College Code | Institute Name & Location | Total Approved Intake | Annual Open Merit Fee (FRA Approved) | Annual OBC / EWS Concession Fee | Annual SC / ST Fee (Govt Reimbursed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1115 | KJ Somaiya Medical College & Research Centre, Mumbai | 100 | ₹11,50,000 | ₹6,25,000 | ₹0 (Exam/Nominal fees only) |
| 1216 | MIMER Medical College, Talegaon, Pune | 150 | ₹10,20,000 | ₹5,60,000 | ₹0 (Exam/Nominal fees only) |
| 1116 | Terna Medical College, Navi Mumbai | 150 | ₹8,90,000 | ₹4,85,000 | ₹0 (Exam/Nominal fees only) |
| 1315 | NKP Salve Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur | 200 | ₹10,80,000 | ₹5,90,000 | ₹0 (Exam/Nominal fees only) |
| 1218 | Dr. Vithalrao Vikhe Patil Foundation Medical College, Ahmednagar | 150 | ₹10,40,000 | ₹5,70,000 | ₹0 (Exam/Nominal fees only) |
| 1219 | Dr. Vasantrao Pawar Medical College, Nashik | 150 | ₹9,80,000 | ₹5,35,000 | ₹0 (Exam/Nominal fees only) |
| 1220 | Kashibai Navale Medical College, Narhe, Pune | 150 | ₹13,50,000 | ₹7,20,000 | ₹0 (Exam/Nominal fees only) |
| 1415 | ACP M Medical College, Dhule | 100 | ₹9,50,000 | ₹5,10,000 | ₹0 (Exam/Nominal fees only) |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill & Lock Preferences on cetcell.mahacet.org
Completing the preference form accurately between August 26 and August 29, 2026 is vital. Follow these verified step-by-step instructions to ensure error-free preference locking:
Step 1: Candidate Authentication & Dashboard Access
- Visit the official portal: cetcell.mahacet.org.
- Select CAP Portal (A.Y. 2026-27) and click on NEET UG 2026 Medical Admission.
- Log in using your Application Number, Password, and Security Captcha.
Step 2: Preference Selection & College Ordering
- Navigate to the Fill Option Form tab on cetcell.mahacet.org.
- Select the course preference order (e.g., MBBS first, followed by BDS if applicable).
- Browse participating institutions by region (Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad, Nagpur, Amravati) or management type (Government, Corporation, Private Unaided).
- Add desired colleges to your preference list. Ensure that higher preference numbers (e.g., Choice No. 1, 2, 3) are assigned to your most preferred institutions.
Step 3: Sequence Review & Logic Check
- Never list a college you are unwilling to join: If allocated your Preference No. 1, it is mandatory to join; failure to join results in complete forfeiture from subsequent CAP rounds.
- Review Fee Structures: Ensure private medical college fees align with your budget before adding them to your preference list.
Step 4: OTP Verification & Final Locking
- Click on Validate Preferences.
- Click Lock Option Form.
- Enter the One-Time Password (OTP) dispatched to your registered mobile number and email ID.
- Download and print the Choice Locking Acknowledgement Receipt containing your timestamped choice codes.
Rules of Seat Acceptance: Freeze, Betterment (Float), and Exit Regulations
Once the CAP Round 1 Allotment Result is declared on August 30, 2026, candidates must select one of the following official seat acceptance pathways during physical reporting between August 31 and September 05, 2026:
Option A: Seat Acceptance with Status Retention (Freeze)
- Applicability: Candidates who are fully satisfied with their allotted college and wish to secure admission without participating in future rounds.
- Procedure: Report to the college, verify original documents, pay full tuition fees, and complete the official Status Retention Form (Annexure-U).
- Outcome: The candidate is excluded from CAP Round 2 and Round 3 upgrade pools.
Option B: Seat Acceptance with Betterment (Float)
- Applicability: Candidates who wish to secure their Round 1 seat as a safety net while remaining eligible for higher-preference colleges in CAP Round 2.
- Procedure: Report to the allotted college, verify original documents, pay annual tuition fees, but DO NOT submit the Status Retention Form.
- Outcome: The candidate holds the Round 1 seat securely. If upgraded in Round 2, the Round 1 seat is automatically cancelled and reallocated to another candidate; if not upgraded, the Round 1 seat remains intact.
Option C: Non-Joining (Free Exit in Round 1)
- Applicability: Candidates who do not wish to join the allotted Round 1 college.
- Procedure: Simply do not report to the college between August 31 and September 05.
- Outcome: Under State CET Cell regulations for CAP Round 1, candidates who fail to report retain eligibility to participate in CAP Round 2 by submitting fresh preferences, without financial penalty.
Mandatory Original Document Verification Checklist for College Reporting
Candidates reporting to their allotted MBBS/BDS institutes between August 31 and September 05, 2026 must present the following original documents along with two sets of self-attested photocopies:
- NEET UG 2026 Admit Card (Issued by NTA)
- NEET UG 2026 Official Scorecard / Rank Letter
- State CET Cell Online Application Form Copy (Printout from cetcell.mahacet.org)
- Provisional Allotment Letter (Downloaded from cetcell.mahacet.org)
- Class 10 (SSC) Passing Certificate & Marksheet (Proof of Date of Birth)
- Class 12 (HSC) Marksheet & Passing Certificate (Proof of PCB 50% eligibility for Open / 40% for Reserved)
- Domicile Certificate issued by Competent Authority of Maharashtra State
- Indian Nationality Certificate (Passport, School Leaving Certificate specifying Nationality, or Domicile)
- Caste Certificate (For SC/ST/VJ-NT/OBC candidates, issued by Maharashtra State)
- Caste Validity Certificate (Mandatory for all reserved category seats)
- Non-Creamy Layer Certificate (NCL) valid up to March 31, 2027 (For VJ-NT/OBC categories)
- Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Eligibility Certificate for FY 2025-26
- Medical Fitness Certificate (As per Annexure-W format signed by a registered medical practitioner)
- Aadhaar Card Copy and PAN Card Copy of Candidate & Parent
- College Leaving / Transfer Certificate (TC) and Migration Certificate
- Defense / PwD / MKB / Orphan Certificates (If claiming horizontal reservation)
- Demand Draft (DD) for prescribed college tuition and development fees drawn in favor of the institute
- Status Retention Form (Optional, only if opting for complete freeze)
Common Pitfalls to Avoid During Preference Filling and Reporting
- Missing the Locking Deadline: Failing to lock choices before 11:59 PM on August 29 will cause the portal to lock your last auto-saved draft. Always manually lock and download the receipt.
- Assigning High Preferences to Low-Choice Colleges: If you place a lower-tier college as Choice No. 1 and get allotted, you are automatically frozen and cannot participate in subsequent betterment rounds.
- Ignoring Fee Structures of Unaided Colleges: Adding private medical colleges without reviewing their annual FRA-approved fees can result in financial strain or forfeiture upon seat allocation.
- Not Submitting Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) or Validity Certificates: Category candidates who fail to present Caste Validity or valid NCL certificates during document verification are automatically converted to Open Category, invalidating category-based seat allotments.
Questions and Answers
Q1: Is the Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 CAP Round 1 seat allotment result declared today?
Answer: No, the CAP Round 1 seat allotment result is not declared today. According to the revised schedule issued by the State CET Cell Maharashtra, the CAP Round 1 provisional seat allotment result will be published on August 30, 2026. Current milestones include the Provisional State Merit List on August 23 and Choice Filling from August 26 to August 29, 2026 on cetcell.mahacet.org.
Q2: What is the official website to check the Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 Revised Counselling Schedule?
Answer: The official portal for all medical and dental admission updates, seat matrices, merit lists, and allotment results in Maharashtra is cetcell.mahacet.org. Candidates should avoid third-party portals and verify dates exclusively on the CET Cell website.
Q3: When will the Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 State Merit List (SML) be released?
Answer: The State CET Cell Maharashtra will publish the Provisional State Merit List on August 23, 2026 on cetcell.mahacet.org. Following grievance resolutions, the Final State Merit List and approved category seat matrix will be published on August 25, 2026.
Q4: When does option filling for Maharashtra MBBS/BDS CAP Round 1 start and end?
Answer: Preference (choice) filling for CAP Round 1 opens on August 26, 2026 at 01:00 PM and closes on August 29, 2026 at 11:59 PM on cetcell.mahacet.org. Candidates must submit and lock their college choices online during this window.
Q5: Can I participate in Maharashtra NEET UG counselling if I did not register during the initial window?
Answer: Candidates were given a final opportunity during the reopened registration window from August 20 to August 21, 2026. Only candidates who successfully submitted their online application and paid the registration fee before August 21, 2026 on cetcell.mahacet.org are included in the State Merit List for CAP Round 1.
Q6: What is the reporting deadline for colleges allotted in CAP Round 1?
Answer: Candidates allotted seats in CAP Round 1 must physically report to their respective colleges between August 31, 2026 and September 05, 2026 (up to 05:00 PM) for document verification and fee payment.
Q7: What happens if I am allotted my First Preference (Choice No. 1) in CAP Round 1?
Answer: If a candidate is allotted their Choice No. 1, admission is compulsory. The seat is automatically frozen, and the candidate must report to the institute to complete admission. Failure to join results in disqualification from subsequent regular CAP rounds.
Q8: How does the Betterment option work in Maharashtra medical counselling?
Answer: Betterment allows a candidate to accept their allotted Round 1 seat by paying fees and verifying documents at the college without submitting the Status Retention Form. This retains the Round 1 seat while allowing the candidate to compete for higher preferences in CAP Round 2.
Q9: Are private medical college fees in Maharashtra eligible for scholarship reimbursements?
Answer: Yes, state-domiciled candidates belonging to SC, ST, VJ-NT, OBC, and EWS categories admitted through CAP rounds in private unaided medical colleges are eligible for partial or full tuition fee reimbursement from the Social Welfare Department of Maharashtra as per government norms.
Q10: Is NEET UG mandatory for BDS admission in Maharashtra?
Answer: Yes, NEET UG 2026 is the sole qualifying entrance examination for admission to both MBBS and BDS courses across all government, private, and deemed medical institutions in Maharashtra.
Q11: What is the difference between All India Rank (AIR) and State Merit List (SML) rank?
Answer: All India Rank (AIR) is your overall national position assigned by NTA, whereas State Merit List (SML) rank is assigned by State CET Cell Maharashtra among state-domiciled registered candidates. All 85% State Quota allotments in Maharashtra are made strictly according to SML ranks.
Q12: Where can candidates track medical counselling updates alongside engineering admissions in Maharashtra?
Answer: Medical admissions are tracked on cetcell.mahacet.org, while engineering admissions under DTE Maharashtra operate on fe2026.mahacet.org. For national medical counselling under the 15% All India Quota, visit mcc.nic.in. Explore more updates in our Medical Admissions Section and Engineering Section.
Conclusion & Next Steps for Aspirants
The Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 Revised Counselling Schedule establishes a clear and structured pathway for medical admissions across the state. With the Provisional Merit List releasing on August 23 and Choice Filling running from August 26 to August 29, candidates must utilize this period to thoroughly evaluate college preferences, verify document readiness, and analyze seat matrices.
Mark August 30, 2026 on your calendar for the official declaration of the CAP Round 1 Seat Allotment Result. Ensure all original documents and demand drafts are prepared well in advance of the reporting window (August 31 to September 05). For continuous updates, real-time merit list alerts, and choice filling assistance, regularly monitor the official CET Cell portal at cetcell.mahacet.org.