State vs Central Counselling: Where Should You Focus More?

If you’ve qualified NEET 2025, congratulations — but the real battle begins now: MBBS counselling.

Many students and parents are confused about whether to focus more on central (MCC) counselling or state counselling. In this blog, we’ll explain the key differences and guide you on where to focus your time and energy.

🔍 What is Central (MCC) Counselling?

Central counselling is conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) through www.mcc.nic.in. It is also called All India Quota (AIQ) counselling.

✅ Seats Covered Under MCC:

• 15% All India Quota seats in all government colleges

• 100% seats in Deemed Universities

• AIIMS and JIPMER Institutes

• Central universities (e.g., BHU, AMU)

• ESIC colleges

💰 Fee Range:

• Government colleges (AIQ): ₹10,000 – ₹1 lakh/year

• Deemed universities: ₹15–₹40 lakh/year (for NRI/management seats)

🏛️ What is State Counselling?

Every state conducts its own counselling for 85% of seats in government colleges and 100% of seats in private medical colleges located in that state.

You can apply to multiple states depending on domicile rules and open state policies.

✅ State Counselling Covers:

• Government medical colleges (85% seats)

• Private medical colleges

• NRI/management quota seats (in many states)

Example: For Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Rajasthan, or Uttar Pradesh — state counselling handles all college admissions (except AIQ).

📊 State vs Central Counselling: Key Differences

🎯 So, Where Should You Focus More?

✅ Focus on Central Counselling (MCC) If:

• You want to study in AIIMS, JIPMER, or top Deemed Universities

• You are not bound by domicile and want national options

• You have a strong NEET score (500+ for AIQ, 300+ for Deemed/NRI)

✅ Focus on State Counselling If:

• You want affordable fees in government colleges

• You have state domicile or access to open state quotas

• You want to apply for private/NRI quota seats

• You want to increase your chances by applying in multiple states (where eligible)

🔁 Best Strategy: Apply in Both!

Why limit yourself?

• Apply for AIQ and Deemed Universities via MCC

• Simultaneously register for 2–3 state counselling portals (like Rajasthan, Punjab, Karnataka, etc.)

• Track all deadlines using MBBS counselling notification software like MCMF's NAS tool

This maximizes your seat options and gives you a strong backup plan if one route doesn’t work out.

🧠 Pro Tip: Watch Out for Clashing Dates!

Some students lose good seats because MCC and State rounds overlap. Always:

• Check result and reporting dates carefully

• Freeze a seat only when you’re sure

• Take expert counselling if confused

Final Verdict: It’s Not Either/Or – It’s Both

Both State and Central counselling play important roles in MBBS admission. Your strategy should depend on:

✅ Your NEET score
✅ Budget (Govt vs Private)
✅ Domicile eligibility
✅ College preferences

A smart, multi-counselling approach gives you the best shot at getting into a good MBBS college in 2025.

FAQs

Q. Can I participate in both MCC and State counselling?
Yes, you can apply in both. Just manage deadlines carefully.

Q. Are Deemed Universities better than private colleges in state counselling?
Depends on the college. Some Deemed universities have better infrastructure but higher fees.

Q. Which are the best open states for counselling?
Rajasthan, Karnataka, UP, and Punjab allow non-domicile students for private/NRI seats.

Need help tracking counselling dates and documents?

👉 Try MCMF’s MBBS Counselling Updates Software