NEET Counselling 2021 – The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the gateway for aspiring doctors in India.
Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), it serves as the single entrance examination for MBBS and BDS courses across the country.
Once results are declared, the next crucial phase begins—NEET counselling.
The NEET 2021 counselling process played a vital role in shaping the careers of thousands of medical aspirants.
This article offers an in-depth overview of NEET Counselling 2021, including procedures, key dates, seat allotment, and final admission.
Understanding NEET Counselling
NEET counselling is the process through which students are allotted seats in medical and dental colleges across India based on their NEET scores, reservation criteria, and preferences.
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) handles counselling for All India Quota (AIQ) seats and central institutions, while state counselling authorities manage counselling for state quota seats.
Key Changes in NEET Counselling 2021
The 2021 counselling process brought several notable changes:
- Four Rounds of AIQ Counselling: MCC extended counselling to four rounds—Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up Round, and Stray Vacancy Round.
- No Return of Seats to States: Previously, unfilled AIQ seats were returned to states. In 2021, unfilled seats continued to be filled through the extended rounds.
- Introduction of Mop-Up for BDS/AYUSH: Additional rounds ensured higher seat utilisation in dental and AYUSH courses.
- Mandatory Reporting: Candidates failing to report after seat allotment were barred from further counselling rounds, ensuring more commitment and reducing vacant seats.
NEET Counselling Authorities
NEET counselling is divided between:
MCC (Medical Counselling Committee):
15% All India Quota seats in government medical/dental colleges.
100% seats in deemed universities, AIIMS, JIPMER, ESIC, and AFMC.
State Authorities:
85% of state quota seats in government colleges.
100% of seats in private colleges within the state.
Each state has its counselling body (e.g., KEA for Karnataka, BCECEB for Bihar).
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in NEET 2021 counselling, candidates had to:
- Qualify NEET 2021.
- Register online through MCC or respective state counselling websites.
- Submit necessary documents (NEET scorecard, marksheets, ID proof, etc.).
- Fulfill domicile/reservation criteria for state counselling.
Step-by-Step Counselling Procedure
1. Registration
Candidates had to register on the MCC or state counselling websites.
This included submitting personal and academic details and paying the required fees.
2. Choice Filling and Locking
Students selected their preferred colleges and courses.
The system allowed modifications until the locking deadline.
3. Seat Allotment
Based on NEET scores, category, and preferences, seats were allotted through computerised systems.
4. Reporting to Allotted College
Candidates had to report to the allotted college for document verification and fee submission.
5. Upgradation and Further Rounds
Candidates who were not satisfied with their allotted seats could opt for an upgrade in the next round.
Reservation Policy
NEET 2021 counselling adhered to the central reservation policy:
- SC: 15%
- ST: 7.5%
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 27%
- EWS: 10%
- PwD: 5% horizontal reservation in each category
States followed their own reservation policies based on local government rules.
Deemed and Central Universities
Counselling for seats in deemed universities, AIIMS, JIPMER, and other central institutions was handled by MCC.
These institutes had higher fees and were open to candidates from across India.
For example:
AIIMS Delhi remained one of the most sought-after colleges.
JIPMER Puducherry and JIPMER Karaikal offered unique opportunities in medical education.
State Counselling Highlights
Each state had its own process and quirks. Some notable points include:
- Tamil Nadu: Implemented 7.5% horizontal reservation for government school students.
- Maharashtra: Allowed a mix of offline and online verification.
- Karnataka: Introduced new security measures in document verification.
- West Bengal: Provided an online grievance redressal system for counselling issues.
Common Challenges Faced
NEET 2021 counselling wasn’t without hurdles:
- Technical Glitches: Several candidates faced issues during registration and choice locking.
- Seat Allotment Errors: Some mismatches in seat allocation had to be corrected manually.
- Document Issues: Missing or incorrect documents led to disqualification in some cases.
- Pandemic Delays: Travel restrictions and COVID protocols delayed reporting and verifications.
Tips for Future Aspirants
- Stay Updated: Regularly check official MCC/state counselling websites for updates.
- Keep Documents Ready: Prepare all necessary documents, including photographs, scorecards, and IDs.
- Be Realistic with Choices: Prioritise based on NEET rank, previous year cutoffs, and personal preferences.
- Do Not Miss Deadlines: Even a single missed deadline can lead to disqualification.
- Consult Experts: Use helplines, mentors, or guidance counsellors for informed decision-making.
Conclusion
The NEET Counselling 2021 process marked a major milestone in India’s medical education landscape.
With an increased number of rounds and better seat utilization strategies, it aimed to provide a fair and transparent path for deserving candidates.
However, the process also highlighted the need for improved infrastructure and better coordination, especially in times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.
For future aspirants, being well-prepared, proactive, and informed remains the key to securing a seat in a reputed medical institution.