Counselling Process / Tamil Nadu Workflow
Tamil Nadu MBBS/BDS Counselling Workflow.
A complete, simplified breakdown of the entire process — from online application to the final stray vacancy round.
Tamil Nadu NEET UG
Counselling Flowchart
Tap any step to learn what it means. Follow the arrows to understand your path.
Payment & Docs Upload
Published
Fresh every round
Seat Allotment
Wait for Round 2
No penalty
Seat Allotment
see below ↓
Seat Allotment
Deposit is forfeited
Extra deposit: ₹5,00,000 MBBS · ₹2,00,000 BDS
The Process Breakdown
Step 1: Online Registration & Document Verification
- Visit the official Tamil Nadu Medical Counselling website.
- Register using your NEET UG Roll Number and personal details.
- Fill in the application form carefully.
- Upload all required documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay the Registration Fee and Security Deposit (if applicable).
- Submit the application before the deadline.
The Selection Committee verifies all submitted documents. A State Merit List is published based on: NEET UG Rank, Eligibility, Reservation Rules, and Special Categories (if applicable).
After the merit list is published, eligible candidates can participate in Choice Filling.
Step 2: Round 1 Choice Filling & Seat Allotment
After the merit list is published, candidates fill their preferred colleges, arrange them in order of preference, and lock their choices. The Selection Committee processes seat allotment based on NEET Rank, Reservation Category, College Preferences, and Seat Availability.
If Seat Allotted
Pay Tuition Fee (if applicable) → Download the Allotment Order → Report to the allotted college → Complete document verification → Admission Confirmed.
Upgrade Option
Candidates satisfied with admission but wishing for a better college may choose Upgradation. If a better seat is allotted in Round 2, the previous seat will automatically be cancelled. Otherwise, the existing seat remains valid.
If Seat Not Allotted
Candidates who are not allotted a seat automatically become eligible for Round 2. Fresh Choice Filling will be required as per counselling rules.
Step 3: Round 2 Counselling
Fresh Choice Filling is mandatory. Candidates must submit a new list of preferred colleges. Previous choices from Round 1 will not be considered. Seat allotment is done again based on Updated Vacancies, NEET Rank, Reservation, and Newly Submitted Choices.
Seat Allotted
Pay Tuition Fee → Download Allotment Order → Report to College → Admission Confirmed → Eligible for Round 3 Upgradation (only if permitted under current year's counselling rules).
Not Allotted
Candidate automatically proceeds to Round 3.
Step 4: Round 3 Counselling
Fresh Choice Filling is mandatory. Only the available vacant seats are displayed. Seat allotment is conducted based on Merit, Reservation, and Vacancy.
Seat Allotted
Pay Tuition Fee → Report to College → Complete Admission. Candidates must carefully review the official prospectus regarding further participation and exit rules.
Doesn't Join
Failure to join after accepting a seat may lead to forfeiture of the Security Deposit and other applicable penalties as per the current year's prospectus.
Not Allotted
Eligible for Stray Round.
Step 5: Stray Vacancy Round
This is the final stage of counselling. Only vacant seats remaining after Round 3 are available. Seat allotment is conducted by the Selection Committee.
Seat Allotted
Pay Tuition Fee → Report to College → Admission Completed.
Doesn't Join
Candidates who fail to join after accepting a seat may face penalties, including forfeiture of the Security Deposit and restrictions on participating in further counselling, as specified in the official prospectus.
Key Round-by-Round Rules
| Round | Fresh Choice Filling | Previous Choices Valid? | Free Exit | Upgrade Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registration | No | - | - | - |
| Round 1 | Yes | Yes | Yes (as per rules) | Yes |
| Round 2 | Mandatory | No | Subject to counselling rules | Limited (if permitted) |
| Round 3 | Mandatory | No | No | Usually No |
| Stray Vacancy | Conducted by Selection Committee | No | No | No |
This workflow operates as a state machine where each stage (Application → Verification → Choice Filling → Allotment → Admission) transitions to the next based on your actions and eligibility. Always verify the latest prospectus for current year rules.