Short answer
You can fill as many choices as you like, but list them strictly in your order of preference, because seats are allotted by merit and in the order you give, subject to availability. MCC advises filling about 30-40 choices. Once your choices are locked, they cannot be changed.
These are the rules for MCC's NEET-PG 2026 counselling, which is running now (from MCC's 2026 Information Bulletin). MCC sets the rules again each year.
Who this applies to
Candidates filling choices in MCC PG counselling (AIQ, Deemed, Central University/Institute and DNB seats)
The rule, explained
Before locking, you can modify your choices. If you don't lock them, they are locked automatically at the notified date and time. After locking you can print them, but you cannot change them, and MCC cannot unlock them.
Check your choices carefully before locking. A mistake can lead to a seat you never wanted. Don't wait until the last minute.
Fresh choice filling is done in every round of counselling.
Before choosing, confirm the fee structure and any extra fees with the colleges, especially Deemed Universities. Some All India Quota colleges may have high fees, and MCC takes no responsibility for fee information.
For a rough idea of the seat you may get, MCC points to previous years' allotment results on its website (Archives, PG). These are only indicative and carry no guarantee for the current year.
What the official document says
No, you can give as many choices as you wish. However, choices should be in order of preference, as the allotment is done on the basis of choices submitted by the qualified candidate in order of preference given by the candidate and as per availability. However, it is advisable that the participating candidates fill-in the choices up to a total of 30-40 choices.
Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), DGHS · NEET-PG (MD/MS/DNB) Counselling 2026 Information Bulletin & Counselling Scheme (cover: “PG Bulletin DRAFT – V10 05102026”), PDF page 53 (opens the official site)
Mistake in filling choices may result in allotment of a seat which you never wanted. Also, it won't be possible to unlock your choices at MCC's end.
Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), DGHS · NEET-PG (MD/MS/DNB) Counselling 2026 Information Bulletin & Counselling Scheme (cover: “PG Bulletin DRAFT – V10 05102026”), PDF page 54 (opens the official site)
Fresh choice filling can be done in every round of counselling.
Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), DGHS · NEET-PG (MD/MS/DNB) Counselling 2026 Information Bulletin & Counselling Scheme (cover: “PG Bulletin DRAFT – V10 05102026”), PDF page 59 (opens the official site)
Candidates are advised to confirm the fee structure/ any other additional fee from the colleges especially Deemed Universities before filling up choices for the same.
Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), DGHS · NEET-PG (MD/MS/DNB) Counselling 2026 Information Bulletin & Counselling Scheme (cover: “PG Bulletin DRAFT – V10 05102026”), PDF page 7 (opens the official site)