Tamil Nadu NEET UG Round 2 Choice Filling has officially started on the state counselling portal (tnmedicalselection.net) conducted by the Selection Committee, Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER), Chennai. Following the conclusion of Round 1 reporting and the publication of the virtual vacancy seat matrix across Government Medical Colleges, Self-Financing Medical Colleges (Government Quota and Management Quota), ESIC Medical College, and Private Universities, eligible candidates are submitting and locking their fresh preferences for MBBS and BDS seats.
Round 2 of Tamil Nadu NEET UG counselling is a crucial phase where candidates can upgrade their Round 1 admitted seats, participate afresh after free exit, or compete for newly vacant seats created during AIQ and state seat reshuffling. To assist medical aspirants in executing their choices with zero errors, this definitive guide provides the complete official DMER schedule, category-wise security deposit rates, institutional annual fee structures (Government, 7.5% Government School Quota, Self-Financing Govt Quota, Management Quota, and NRI Quota), mandatory 5-year service bond terms, preference list architecture, and physical joining guidelines for the 2026-27 academic session.
For candidates assessing their admission probability across state and national medical colleges, utilizing the All India College Predictor Hub offers rank-wise cutoff insights. You can also review complete college profiles and infrastructure on the Explore Colleges Directory, track medical admissions news via the Medical Admissions Category, or schedule dedicated counseling via Book a Free Admission Counselling Session.
Official Tamil Nadu NEET UG 2026 Round 2 Schedule
The Selection Committee, Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER), Chennai, has notified the official timeline for Round 2 online counselling for admission to MBBS and BDS degree courses for both Government Quota (including 7.5% preferential reservation) and Management Quota (including Minority and NRI seats):
| Counselling Milestone / Activity | Commencement Date & Time | Concluding Date & Time | Official Portal / Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Registration, Payment of Fee & Security Deposit | September 7, 2026 (10:00 AM) | September 8, 2026 (Strictly up to 5:00 PM) | Online at tnmedicalselection.net |
| Publication of Vacant Seats & Virtual Vacancy Matrix | September 9, 2026 | September 9, 2026 | Official PDF Download |
| Online Choice Filling and Choice Locking Window | September 9, 2026 (2:00 PM) | September 13, 2026 (Strictly up to 2:00 PM) | Candidate Login Portal |
| Processing of Seat Allotment (Algorithmic Processing) | September 14, 2026 | September 14, 2026 | Internal DMER Processing |
| Declaration of Provisional Seat Allotment Results (Round 2) | September 15, 2026 | September 15, 2026 | Online Result Portal |
| Downloading of Provisional Allotment Order | September 15, 2026 | September 18, 2026 (Up to 3:00 PM) | Candidate Login Dashboard |
| Physical Reporting & Document Submission at Allotted Colleges | September 15, 2026 | September 18, 2026 (Strictly by 5:00 PM) | Respective Allotted Medical/Dental Colleges |
Eligibility, Candidate Categories, and Mandatory Fresh Choice Filling Rules
Under Tamil Nadu state medical counselling rules, fresh choice filling is mandatory for all participating candidates in Round 2. Choices submitted during Round 1 will not be carried over. Candidates who fail to enter and lock choices during the Round 2 window will not be considered for seat allotment, regardless of their rank on the Tamil Nadu state merit list.
Who is Eligible to Participate in Tamil Nadu Round 2?
- Group 1 (Registered Candidates Not Allotted in Round 1): Candidates whose names appeared in the state merit list and who participated in Round 1 choice filling but did not secure any seat allotment. They participate in Round 2 by submitting fresh choices without paying the registration fee again.
- Group 2 (Round 1 Admitted Candidates Opting for Upgradation): Candidates who reported to their allotted medical or dental college in Round 1, submitted original certificates, deposited tuition fees, and submitted willingness for upgradation. If upgraded to a higher preference, their Round 1 seat is automatically vacated; if not upgraded, their Round 1 seat remains intact.
- Group 3 (Round 1 Free Exit Candidates): Candidates who were allotted a seat in Round 1 but chose not to join (availed Free Exit). They can participate in Round 2 by submitting their fresh choices without any penalty.
- Group 4 (Freshly Registered Candidates for Round 2): Candidates who registered afresh during the September 7–8, 2026 window and deposited the requisite registration fee and security amount.
Understanding the “Virtual Vacancy” Concept in Round 2
In Tamil Nadu NEET counselling, seats held by candidates who joined in Round 1 and opted for upgradation are displayed as Virtual Vacancies during Round 2 choice filling. A virtual vacancy becomes an actual vacancy only if the candidate holding that seat successfully secures an upgraded seat higher up in their preference list. This mechanism prevents seat hoarding and ensures fair seat distribution across all merit tiers.
Registration Fee and Security Deposit Matrix
Candidates must deposit the applicable non-refundable registration fee and refundable security deposit as mandated by DMER Tamil Nadu:
| Counselling Quota & Seat Stream | Candidate Category / Domicile | Non-Refundable Registration Fee (₹) | Refundable Security Deposit (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government Quota (Govt Medical & Dental Colleges) | OC / BC / BCM / MBC / DNC | ₹500 | ₹30,000 |
| Government Quota (Govt Medical & Dental Colleges) | SC / SCA / ST Candidates of TN Domicile | Exempted (₹0) | ₹15,000 |
| 7.5% Preferential Reservation (Govt School Students) | All 7.5% Eligible School Candidates | Exempted (₹0) | Exempted (₹0) |
| Government Quota in Self-Financing Medical Colleges | OC / BC / BCM / MBC / DNC | ₹500 | ₹30,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| Management Quota (including Minority & NRI Seats) | All Participating Candidates | ₹1,000 | ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,00,000 |
Security Money Forfeiture Rule: If a candidate is allotted a seat in Round 2 and fails to join the allotted college by depositing the prescribed tuition fee and original certificates before September 18, 2026 (5:00 PM), their entire security deposit will be forfeited, and they will be barred from subsequent stray vacancy rounds.
Official Fee Structure 2026-27: Government, Self-Financing, and Management Quota in Tamil Nadu
The Fee Fixation Committee for Self-Financing Professional Colleges, Government of Tamil Nadu, and the Directorate of Medical Education have notified the official fee schedules for the 2026-27 academic year across all constituent categories:
1. Pure Government Medical Colleges in Tamil Nadu (Official Slabs)
Tamil Nadu features 36 premier state-run Government Medical Colleges (Madras Medical College Chennai, Stanley Medical College Chennai, Kilpauk Medical College Chennai, Chengalpattu MC, Coimbatore MC, Madurai MC, Thanjavur MC, Tirunelveli MC, Mohan Kumaramangalam MC Salem, KAP Viswanatham MC Trichy, etc.) and 1 ESIC Medical College (KK Nagar, Chennai).
| Institution Type | Tuition Fee (₹/yr) | Special Fee & Misc Charges (₹/yr) | Caution Deposit (Refundable) (₹) | Total Annual Payable Fee (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All 36 Government Medical Colleges (MBBS) | ₹4,000 | ₹8,610 | ₹1,000 | ₹13,610 (approx ₹18,073 with Univ fee) |
| ESIC Medical College, KK Nagar, Chennai | ₹1,00,000 | ₹10,000 | ₹5,000 | ₹1,15,000 |
| Tamil Nadu Government Dental College, Chennai (BDS) | ₹2,000 | ₹8,610 | ₹1,000 | ₹11,610 |
| Government Dental College, Cuddalore (BDS) | ₹2,000 | ₹8,610 | ₹1,000 | ₹11,610 |
2. 7.5% Preferential Reservation for Government School Students
Under the Tamil Nadu Admission to Undergraduate Medical Degree Courses on preferential basis to students of Government Schools Act, candidates who studied from Class 6 to 12 in Tamil Nadu Government Schools and qualify for NEET UG receive 100% Free Medical Education:
- Tuition Fee: ₹0 (Fully subsidized and reimbursed by the Government of Tamil Nadu).
- Hostel & Mess Charges: ₹0 (Fully paid by the state government directly to the college).
- Books & Equipment Charges: Fully covered under the state scholarship scheme.
- Scope: Applies to all 7.5% seats in Government Medical Colleges, Self-Financing Medical Colleges, and Private Universities.
3. Self-Financing Medical Colleges (Government Quota vs Management Quota)
There are 20+ reputed Self-Financing Medical Colleges affiliated with The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (PSG Institute of Medical Sciences Coimbatore, Karpaga Vinayaga Maduranthakam, Velammal Madurai, Trichy SRM, Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Siruvachur, KMCH Coimbatore, Tagore Chennai, Panimalar Chennai, Annapoorna Salem, Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi, etc.).
| College / Seat Stream | Quota Category | Annual Tuition Fee (₹) | Annual Hostel & Mess (₹) | Total Annual Package (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSG Institute of Medical Sciences, Coimbatore | Govt Quota (State Merit) | ₹4,50,000 | ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,00,000 | ₹6,00,000 – ₹6,50,000 |
| PSG Institute of Medical Sciences, Coimbatore | Management Quota | ₹13,50,000 – ₹15,00,000 | ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,00,000 | ₹15,00,000 – ₹17,00,000 |
| Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Medical Sciences | Govt Quota (State Merit) | ₹4,35,000 | ₹1,25,000 – ₹1,75,000 | ₹5,60,000 – ₹6,10,000 |
| Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Medical Sciences | Management Quota | ₹13,50,000 – ₹15,00,000 | ₹1,25,000 – ₹1,75,000 | ₹14,75,000 – ₹16,75,000 |
| Velammal Medical College, Madurai | Govt Quota (State Merit) | ₹4,40,000 | ₹1,30,000 – ₹1,80,000 | ₹5,70,000 – ₹6,20,000 |
| Velammal Medical College, Madurai | Management Quota | ₹13,50,000 – ₹15,00,000 | ₹1,30,000 – ₹1,80,000 | ₹14,80,000 – ₹16,80,000 |
| KMCH Institute of Health Sciences, Coimbatore | Govt Quota (State Merit) | ₹4,50,000 | ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,00,000 | ₹6,00,000 – ₹6,50,000 |
| KMCH Institute of Health Sciences, Coimbatore | Management Quota | ₹14,50,000 – ₹15,00,000 | ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,00,000 | ₹16,00,000 – ₹17,00,000 |
| Self-Financing Colleges (All Institutes) | NRI Quota (MBBS) | ₹24,50,000 – ₹27,00,000 | ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,50,000 | ₹26,00,000 – ₹29,50,000 |
| Private Universities (e.g. Srinivasan Medical College) | Management Quota | ₹16,20,000 | ₹2,00,000 – ₹2,50,000 | ₹18,20,000 – ₹18,70,000 |
4. Self-Financing Dental Colleges (BDS) in Tamil Nadu
For dental surgery admissions, Self-Financing Dental Colleges operate under Fee Fixation Committee limits:
| Dental Institution Stream | Annual Tuition Fee (₹) | Hostel & Mess Charges (₹/yr) | Total 4-Yr BDS Tuition (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Financing Dental Colleges – Govt Quota (BDS) | ₹2,50,000 | ₹75,000 – ₹1,00,000 | ₹10,00,000 |
| Self-Financing Dental Colleges – Management Quota (BDS) | ₹6,00,000 | ₹75,000 – ₹1,00,000 | ₹24,00,000 |
| Self-Financing Dental Colleges – NRI Quota (BDS) | ₹9,00,000 | ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,25,000 | ₹36,00,000 |
Mandatory Compulsory Service Bond and Discontinuation Penalty
The Government of Tamil Nadu enforces strict service bond commitments to support rural healthcare infrastructure:
- Bond Duration: 5 Years of mandatory service in Government healthcare institutions across Tamil Nadu upon completion of MBBS and rotational internship.
- Bond Penalty Amount: ₹5,00,000 (Rupees Five Lakhs) for non-fulfillment of compulsory rural service.
- Course Discontinuation Penalty: If a candidate leaves or discontinues their MBBS seat after the completion of the 2nd Round counselling cut-off date, they must pay a discontinuation penalty of ₹10,00,000 (Rupees Ten Lakhs) for MBBS or ₹5,00,000 for BDS, as per DMER Tamil Nadu regulations.
- Execution of Bond: The bond must be submitted on non-judicial stamp paper attested by a Notary Public during physical reporting at the allotted college.
Step-by-Step Guide to Tamil Nadu Round 2 Choice Filling & Locking
To successfully fill, modify, and lock your college preferences on tnmedicalselection.net, follow this validated procedure:
- Portal Login: Visit tnmedicalselection.net, select “UG NEET 2026 Online Counselling”, and enter your Login ID / Application Number / Email and Password.
- Verify Security Deposit Payment: Ensure your dashboard confirms the payment of the requisite security deposit. If not paid during the registration window, choice filling will remain locked.
- Access Choice Filling Portal: Click on “Fill Choices”. The system will display all available medical and dental colleges mapped to your eligible quota, reservation community, and virtual vacancy matrix.
- Add College Choices in Strategic Order: Click “Add” next to each college. Carefully distinguish between Government Medical Colleges, Self-Financing Govt Quota seats (₹4.35L – ₹4.50L/yr), and Self-Financing Management Quota seats (₹13.50L – ₹15.00L/yr).
- Reorder Choices: Use the “Move Up”, “Move Down”, or “Re-number” functions to arrange your preferred colleges in strict descending order of priority.
- Save Draft Intermittently: Click “Save Choices” frequently after adding every 3–5 colleges to avoid session timeout errors.
- Lock Choices with OTP: Review your choices and click “Lock Choices”. Enter the One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your registered mobile number and email ID before September 13, 2026 (2:00 PM). Print at least 3 copies of the “Locked Choice Slip” for physical reporting.
Recommended Preference Order Architecture for Tamil Nadu Round 2
To maximize admission outcomes and ensure financial safety, admission analysts recommend structuring your preferences in this sequential hierarchy:
- Tier 1 (Top Government Medical Colleges in Chennai): Madras Medical College (MMC) Chennai > Stanley Medical College Chennai > Kilpauk Medical College Chennai.
- Tier 2 (Top Established Zonal Govt Medical Colleges): Coimbatore Medical College > Madurai Medical College > Thanjavur Medical College > Chengalpattu Medical College > Tirunelveli Medical College > Mohan Kumaramangalam MC Salem.
- Tier 3 (Other District Govt Medical Colleges & ESIC): ESIC Medical College KK Nagar Chennai > KAPV Trichy > Vellore MC > Tiruvannamalai MC > Dharmapuri MC > Villupuram MC > Sivagangai MC > Newer Govt Medical Colleges (Virudhunagar, Dindigul, Namakkal, Nilgiris, Tiruppur, Ramanathapuram, Krishnagiri, etc.).
- Tier 4 (Premier Self-Financing Colleges – Govt Quota @ ₹4.35L – ₹4.50L/yr): PSG Institute of Medical Sciences Coimbatore > Karpaga Vinayaga Maduranthakam > Velammal Medical College Madurai > KMCH Coimbatore > Trichy SRM > Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Siruvachur.
- Tier 5 (Self-Financing Colleges – Management Quota @ ₹13.50L – ₹15.00L/yr): PSG IMS (Mgmt Quota) > KMCH (Mgmt Quota) > Velammal (Mgmt Quota) > Karpaga Vinayaga (Mgmt Quota). (Select only if family budget permits ~₹15 Lakhs/year).
- Tier 6 (Dental Admissions – BDS): Tamil Nadu Govt Dental College Chennai > Govt Dental College Cuddalore > Top Self-Financing Dental Colleges (Govt Quota BDS).
Physical Reporting and Document Verification at Allotted Colleges
Candidates allotted a seat in Round 2 must download their Provisional Allotment Order from the candidate portal between September 15 and September 18, 2026 (up to 3:00 PM) after paying the prescribed tuition fee online, and report to their allotted colleges by September 18, 2026 (strictly by 5:00 PM).
Mandatory Document Checklist for Physical Reporting
Candidates must bring all original certificates along with three sets of self-attested photocopies:
- NEET UG 2026 Admit Card and Scorecard / Rank Letter.
- Provisional Allotment Order issued by the Selection Committee, DMER Chennai (Round 2).
- Printed Copy of Locked Choice Submission Slip (Round 2).
- Tuition Fee Payment Receipt (downloaded from portal).
- Class 10th (SSLC) Mark Sheet and Passing Certificate (Date of Birth Proof).
- Class 11th (HSC First Year) Mark Sheet.
- Class 12th (HSC Second Year) Mark Sheet and Passing Certificate.
- Nativity / Domicile Certificate of Tamil Nadu (along with Parent Nativity Certificates / Aadhaar / Ration Card if applicable).
- Community Certificate (BC / BCM / MBC / DNC / SC / SCA / ST) issued by the competent Revenue Authority of Tamil Nadu.
- Bonafide Certificate from Class 6th to 12th from Government Schools (Mandatory for 7.5% preferential quota candidates).
- Special Category Certificate (Differently Abled / Ex-Servicemen / Sports as applicable).
- Transfer Certificate (TC) and Conduct Certificate from the school/institution last attended.
- Eligibility Certificate from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (for CBSE / ICSE / Other State Board candidates).
- 5-Year Compulsory Service Bond on Non-Judicial Stamp Paper (attested by Notary).
- Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar Card / Passport / Voter ID / Driving License).
- Ten passport-size color photographs (identical to the photo on NEET Admit Card).
- Relieving / Admission Cancellation Certificate from Round 1 college (for upgraded candidates).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tamil Nadu NEET UG Round 2 Choice Filling
Q1: What are the choice filling dates for Tamil Nadu NEET UG Round 2 counselling?
Answer: The online choice filling and locking window on tnmedicalselection.net is open from September 9, 2026 (2:00 PM) to September 13, 2026 (2:00 PM).
Q2: Is fresh choice filling mandatory in Tamil Nadu Round 2?
Answer: Yes, fresh choice filling is 100% mandatory for all candidates participating in Round 2. Any choices filled during Round 1 are permanently deleted by the system. If you do not fill fresh choices, you will not be considered for Round 2 seat allotment.
Q3: What is the annual tuition fee for Government Medical Colleges in Tamil Nadu?
Answer: The annual tuition fee for all 36 Government Medical Colleges in Tamil Nadu is ₹13,610 per year (Tuition fee of ₹4,000 plus special fees, library, caution deposit, and university charges, totaling approx ₹18,073 in the first year).
Q4: What is the fee structure for 7.5% Government School students in Tamil Nadu?
Answer: Candidates admitted under the 7.5% Government School preferential reservation receive 100% free medical education. Tuition fee, hostel fee, and mess charges are completely waived and paid by the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Q5: What is the annual tuition fee for Government Quota seats in Self-Financing Medical Colleges?
Answer: The annual tuition fee for Government Quota seats in Self-Financing Medical Colleges (PSG IMS, Karpaga Vinayaga, Velammal, KMCH, Trichy SRM, etc.) is fixed by the Fee Fixation Committee between ₹4,35,000 and ₹4,50,000 per year.
Q6: What is the annual tuition fee for Management Quota seats in Tamil Nadu private medical colleges?
Answer: The annual tuition fee for Management Quota MBBS seats in Self-Financing Medical Colleges is ₹13,50,000 to ₹15,00,000 per year (and up to ₹16,20,000 for private university institutions), excluding hostel and mess charges.
Q7: How much security deposit is required for Tamil Nadu Round 2 choice filling?
Answer: For Government Quota, the security deposit is ₹30,000 (₹15,000 for SC/SCA/ST). For Management Quota, the security deposit is ₹1,00,000 to ₹2,00,000. It is refundable if no seat is allotted or adjusted against tuition fees upon admission.
Q8: When will the Tamil Nadu NEET UG Round 2 seat allotment result be declared?
Answer: The provisional seat allotment result for Tamil Nadu NEET UG Round 2 will be declared on September 15, 2026, on tnmedicalselection.net.
Q9: What is the service bond requirement for Government Medical Colleges in Tamil Nadu?
Answer: Candidates admitted to Government Medical Colleges must execute a compulsory 5-year rural service bond to serve in Tamil Nadu state healthcare facilities with a penalty of ₹5,00,000 for non-compliance.
Q10: What is the discontinuation penalty in Tamil Nadu NEET counselling?
Answer: If a candidate discontinues or leaves their MBBS seat after the completion of the 2nd Round counselling cut-off date, they must pay a discontinuation penalty of ₹10,00,000 (Rupees Ten Lakhs) as per DMER rules.
Q11: What happens to my Round 1 seat if I get upgraded in Round 2?
Answer: If you are allotted an upgraded higher preference seat in Round 2, your Round 1 seat is automatically cancelled and allotted to another candidate. You must collect your original certificates and report to the newly allotted college before September 18, 2026 (5:00 PM).
Q12: What happens if I am allotted a seat in Round 2 and do not join?
Answer: If you are allotted a seat in Round 2 and fail to join by September 18, 2026, your entire security deposit will be forfeited, and you will be barred from subsequent stray rounds.