NIMCET counselling moves fast. In 2026 it began the day after the result and finished with a special round less than four weeks later. This page is just the timeline, round by round, with the one deadline in each round that matters most.
Before Round 1
| Event | 2026 date | Deadline that matters |
|---|---|---|
| Result | 29 June | Download your rank card |
| Counselling registration and choice filling | 30 June 10 AM – 3 July 5 PM | Register and pay ₹1,000 |
| Automatic choice locking | 3 July, 5 PM | Choices are frozen at this time |
Key point: in 2026 choices locked automatically at 5 PM on 3 July. Whatever was saved at that moment was used for every round.
Round 1
| Event | 2026 date |
|---|---|
| Allotment | 6 July, 6 PM |
| Reporting and seat acceptance fee | 7 July – 10 July, 5 PM |
Deadline that matters: paying the ₹10,000 seat acceptance fee and responding by 10 July. This is also when you choose to freeze, float or withdraw.
Round 2
| Event | 2026 date |
|---|---|
| Allotment and upgrades | 11 July, 6 PM |
| Reporting and partial admission fee (fresh allottees) | 13 July – 15 July, 5 PM |
Deadline that matters: if you were allotted a seat for the first time in Round 2, complete reporting by 15 July.
Round 3
| Event | 2026 date |
|---|---|
| Allotment and upgrades | 16 July, 6 PM |
| Reporting and partial admission fee | 17 July – 20 July, 5 PM |
Deadline that matters: 20 July for the partial admission fee.
Special round
| Event | 2026 date |
|---|---|
| Vacant seats announced | 21 July, 6 PM |
| Special round registration and choices | 22 July 10 AM – 24 July 5 PM |
| Allotment | 25 July, 6 PM |
The special round has its own registration, so check the vacancy list and register again if you want to take part.
Physical reporting
From 27 July 2026, candidates reported at their allotted institutes according to each institute's schedule. Bring original documents; this is where eligibility and category certificates are verified.
How to stay on top of it
- Set alarms for 6 PM on each allotment day.
- Keep the seat acceptance fee ready before Round 1.
- Read the counselling instructions published on the official portal; the procedure is explained in more detail in our counselling guide.
- Keep an eye on the full NIMCET calendar if you are planning the whole year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does NIMCET counselling start?
In 2026, counselling registration opened on 30 June, the day after the result.
How many rounds are there in NIMCET counselling?
Three rounds, followed by a special round for vacant seats, in 2026.
Can I change my choices after locking?
In 2026, choices were locked automatically at 5 PM on 3 July and used for all rounds.
Is there a separate registration for the special round?
Yes. In 2026 the special round had its own registration and choice-filling window.