Short answer
If you opt for upgradation and MCC upgrades you in Round 2, your Round 1 seat is cancelled automatically and given to someone else, and you must join the Round 2 seat. If you are not upgraded, you keep your Round 1 seat.
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 holding a Round 1 seat in MCC PG counselling who opt for upgradation ('Float' candidates)
The rule, explained
While you wait, your Round 1 seat is shown to others in Round 2 as a 'virtual vacancy'. It is allotted to someone else only if you vacate it or are upgraded.
If you are upgraded, the Round 1 seat is cancelled immediately and you have no claim on it. You must get a relieving letter generated online from your Round 1 college before joining the new one. If you don't join the Round 2 seat in time, your refundable security deposit is forfeited.
After joining the Round 2 seat, you can again opt for upgradation in Round 3.
If you change your mind and want to keep your Round 1 seat, don't fill fresh choices for Round 2; the earlier seat will be retained.
Float candidates of Round 1 or Round 2 who are not upgraded must report in person to their college after the Round 3 result.
What the official document says
In case candidate is allotted seat during the Round-1 of allotment process and his choice is upgraded in Round-2, the seat allotted during the first round will be automatically cancelled immediately (and allotted to somebody else eligible as per merit) and candidate will have to join the college / seat allotted during second round.
Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), DGHS · NEET-PG (MD/MS/DNB) Counselling 2026 Information Bulletin & Counselling Scheme (cover: “PG Bulletin DRAFT – V10 05102026”), PDF page 56 (opens the official site)
However, such seats will be allotted in Round 2 if the allottee of Round 1 vacates/upgrades in Round 2.
Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), DGHS · NEET-PG (MD/MS/DNB) Counselling 2026 Information Bulletin & Counselling Scheme (cover: “PG Bulletin DRAFT – V10 05102026”), PDF page 8 (opens the official site)
No, Float candidates will have to get a relieving letter generated on- line from the earlier institute/college (of ROUND-1), before they can join the next college/institution.
Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), DGHS · NEET-PG (MD/MS/DNB) Counselling 2026 Information Bulletin & Counselling Scheme (cover: “PG Bulletin DRAFT – V10 05102026”), PDF page 58 (opens the official site)
Mandatory reporting for all allotted candidates of Round 3 and Float Candidates of Round 1 / Round 2 who did not get upgradation.
Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), DGHS · NEET-PG (MD/MS/DNB) Counselling 2026 Information Bulletin & Counselling Scheme (cover: “PG Bulletin DRAFT – V10 05102026”), PDF page 12 (opens the official site)