The Supreme Court is currently pending a decision on petitions regarding the alleged paper leaks in NEET UG 2024. The hearing will take place on July 18 before a bench of the Indian Supreme Court, presided over by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud. As a result of the court's decision, NEET-UG counselling is anticipated to begin in the third week of July. This information was included in an affidavit filed by the central government with the Supreme Court, which also contains a report from IIT Madras on the NEET results. The government has stated that any candidate found to be involved in fraudulent activities will have their candidature cancelled.

The central government has announced that during the NEET UG counselling process, students will have the opportunity to change seats according to their preferences chosen in the first and second rounds. The counselling will consist of a total of four rounds. If any seats are cancelled before the third round, it will not impact the overall counselling and seat allocation process. The complete schedule of NEET UG counselling will be available on the MCC's website at mcc.nic.in.

Key Dates and Process

The NEET UG 2024 counselling procedure will start in mid-July after the seat matrix is finalized. Here's what candidates can expect:

• First Round: The initial round will open the gateway for candidates to select their preferred colleges and courses. This round is crucial as it sets the stage for the entire counselling process.
• Second Round: Candidates who do not secure a seat in the first round or wish to upgrade their choice will have another opportunity. The second round often witnesses a significant reshuffling as students aim for their top preferences
• Mop-Up Round: The mop-up round is designed to fill any remaining vacancies after the first two rounds. This is a critical phase for candidates who are yet to secure a seat.
• Stray Vacancy Round: This final round aims to fill any remaining vacant seats, ensuring that all available seats are occupied.

The third round of NEET UG counselling 2024 is anticipated to commence in September. The vacant seats can still be allocated in subsequent rounds if a candidate's seat is cancelled after this round. Candidates who have already been assigned seats in the earlier rounds are not eligible to participate in the subsequent rounds.

Eligibility and Participation

Only candidates who have qualified for the NEET UG 2024 exam by scoring above the cutoff mark are eligible to participate in the counselling process. For the most recent updates and schedules, candidates should regularly monitor the official MCC website and other authoritative sources.

What to Expect:

• Seat Matrix Finalization: By the third week of July, the seat matrix will be finalized, detailing the number of seats available in each college and course.
• Counselling Schedule: Shortly after the seat matrix is released, the MCC will publish the detailed counselling schedule and information bulletin on their official portal.
• Documentation: Candidates must ensure they have all necessary documents ready, including NEET UG 2024 scorecards, admit cards, and other relevant certificates.
• Choice Filling: This phase allows candidates to list their preferred colleges and courses. It's crucial to prioritize choices wisely based on individual preferences and rank.
• Seat Allotment: Seats will be allotted based on the choices filled by the candidates and their NEET rank. Candidates will need to confirm their acceptance and complete the admission process within the given timelines.

Tips for Candidates

• Stay Informed: Regularly check the official MCC website for updates. Having timely information is essential for making informed decisions.
• Be Prepared: Have all documents in order to avoid last-minute hassles. Double-check requirements well in advance.
• Plan Choices Carefully: Analyze past trends, college reputation, and course preferences to make strategic choices during the counselling process.
• Seek Guidance: Utilize resources such as CareerXpert for professional counselling and guidance to navigate the process effectively.

The NEET UG 2024 counselling process is an important step in fulfilling your medical career aspirations. A candidate can secure their desired seat in the medical field with proper preparation and timely action. I look forward to further updates and wish all aspiring doctors and dentists the best of luck!