NEET UG 2025 Choice Filling and Locking: NEET UG 2025 counselling is a very important step for students who have qualified for the NEET exam and wish to take admission to medical or dental colleges across India. Once the results are declared, students must register for the counselling process conducted by MCC for All India Quota and by respective state authorities for state quota seats.
One of the key steps in this process is choice filling and locking, where students choose their preferred colleges and courses. Making smart and well-researched choices during this step increases the chances of getting a good seat.
In this blog, we will guide you through the complete process of NEET UG 2025 choice filling and locking.
NEET UG 2025 Counselling Schedule: Important Dates
The counselling process is expected to start in late July or early August 2025. Students must keep checking the official website for exact dates. Here’s what you can expect:
- Registration starts: Last week of July.
- Choice filling and locking begins: Last few days of July.
- Last date to lock choices: First week of August.
- Seat allotment result: First or second week of August.
- Reporting to college: After allotment.
It’s very important to stick to these dates. Missing any deadline can lead to losing your seat.
What is NEET UG 2025 Choice Filling and Locking?
Choice filling means selecting the colleges and courses you wish to apply for. You are allowed to choose multiple options and arrange them in order of preference.
Choice locking means finalizing your list. Once locked, your list cannot be changed. If you don’t lock your choices yourself, the system will automatically lock them on the last date. It is better to lock them manually so that you have full control.
Step-by-Step Process to Fill and Lock Choices
Follow these simple steps to fill and lock your choices:
- Visit the official counselling website (MCC for AIQ or your state website).
- Log in using your NEET roll number and password.
- Go to the choice-filling section.
- Select colleges and courses from the available list.
- Arrange them in order of preference (your top choice should be at the top).
- Review your list carefully.
- Click on ‘Lock Choices’ once you are sure.
- Download the confirmation page as proof.
The authorities should do the process effectively. Once locked, you cannot change your choices.
Key Points to Remember Before Locking Choices
- You can add, delete, or rearrange choices before locking.
- Once the choices are locked, no changes can be made.
- Lock choices manually to avoid system-generated errors.
- Download and keep a copy of the locked list for future use.
- Make sure your internet connection is stable while locking.
Tips to Fill College and Course Preferences Wisely
Here are some helpful tips:
- Start from top choices: List your dream college first.
- Be realistic: Include colleges where your NEET rank fits the past cutoffs.
- Include safe options: Have a few colleges where you are likely to get admission.
- Check college details: Know the location, fees, and facilities.
- Don’t rush: Take your time to research and decide.
A smart list of choices improves your chances of getting a better seat.
What Happens After Locking Choices?
Once choices are locked, the counseling authority uses your NEET rank and preferences to allot a seat. You must wait for the result for a few days after the locking ends.
If you are allotted a seat, you have two options:
- Accept the seat and report to the college.
- Decline the seat and wait for the next round.
If you don’t get a seat in Round 1, you can try in Round 2 or further rounds.
NEET UG 2025 Seat Allotment and Reporting Process
After locking choices, the seat allotment result will be declared. If you get a seat:
- Download the allotment letter.
- Report to the college within the given time.
- Carry all original documents and certificates.
- Pay the required fee and confirm your admission.
If you don’t report within the time, your seat will be cancelled and passed on to someone else.
Refund and Withdrawal Rules After Seat Allotment
If you are not allotted any seat, your security deposit will be refunded after counseling ends.
If you are allotted a seat but you don’t report, the deposit might be forfeited.
If you join a college but later withdraw, the refund depends on the rules of that college or university. Always read the refund policies carefully before making any decisions.
Round-Wise Overview of Counselling Process
The counselling process usually happens in the following rounds:
- Round 1—First chance to fill and lock choices.
- Round 2—For students who didn’t get a seat or want to upgrade.
- Mop-Up Round—For remaining seats after Round 2.
- Stray Vacancy Round—Final chance; no fresh registration.
You can participate in later rounds if you didn’t get a seat or didn’t accept the earlier one.
Final Tips for Successful NEET UG 2025 Choice Filling and Locking
Good planning can increase your chances of getting a seat in your preferred college.
- Start preparing early for choice filling.
- Keep all documents ready in one place.
- Check the official website regularly for updates.
- Don’t share your login details with anyone.
- Discuss with parents or mentors before final locking.
- Use all your options wisely and do not leave the list empty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I change my choices after locking?
No, once you lock your choices, they are final. You cannot add, delete, or rearrange them. So, review your list carefully before clicking the lock button.
Q2. What if I forget to lock my choices?
If you forget to lock your choices, the system will automatically lock your last saved choices at the end of the deadline. So, make sure your saved list is correct.
Q3. Can I skip Round 1 and join in Round 2?
Yes, you can skip Round 1 and participate in Round 2. However, seats fill quickly, so it’s better to take part in Round 1 for better chances.
Q4. Is choice filling compulsory for NEET counselling?
Yes, choice filling is mandatory. Without filling in your preferences, you will not be considered for seat allotment, and you’ll miss the chance to get admission in any college.
Q5. Will my seat be cancelled if I don’t report on time?
Yes, if you don’t report to the allotted college within the given time, your seat will be cancelled. Always follow the reporting schedule strictly to avoid losing your seat.
