India moves to one-time reporting for NEET-UG 2026

The Indian government has introduced a major reform to the national medical admissions process, eliminating the requirement for repeated physical visits to colleges for candidates seeking to upgrade their seats. The new "one-time physical reporting" framework for NEET-UG 2026 counselling was reviewed by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Wednesday, July 29, ahead of the commencement of the counselling process.

Under the revised system, candidates allotted a seat in the first or second round who wish to participate in subsequent rounds for a better option can now complete document verification and provisional admission online. This "Float" option allows them to retain their allotted seat while remaining in the counselling process. If they secure a better seat in a later round, the earlier seat is automatically released. Only those who choose the "Freeze" option to finalize a seat, or who retain a seat after the third round, must report physically to their allotted institution for final verification and fee payment.

Officials stated the change addresses significant logistical and financial burdens. Previously, every candidate had to report in person to a college even if...