Short answer
The refundable security deposit is Rs 25,000 for UR/EWS candidates and Rs 10,000 for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates in the All India Quota, and Rs 2,00,000 for all candidates for Deemed Universities. It is forfeited if you don't join a seat allotted in Round 2 or a later round, or if your admission is cancelled for any reason. Not reporting to a Round 1 seat is a 'free exit'.
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 registering for MCC PG counselling (All India Quota and Deemed University seats)
The rule, explained
On top of the deposit you pay a non-refundable registration fee: Rs 1,000 (UR/EWS) or Rs 500 (SC/ST/OBC/PwD) for AIQ, and Rs 5,000 for Deemed Universities.
The deposit is forfeited if you are allotted a seat in Round 2 or a later round (Round 3, Stray Vacancy or further rounds) and do not report or join. It is also forfeited if your admission is cancelled after allotment for any reason, for example because you gave wrong information at registration or could not produce the required documents.
Not reporting to a Round 1 seat as a Freeze candidate counts as a 'free exit', an option available only in Round 1, and you can take part in Round 2 with your earlier registration.
Refunds start only after all rounds are complete. The Financial Custodian starts the refund within 15 days of MCC's notification and completes it within 30 days. The money goes back only to the account or card it was paid from, so keep that account active. MCC does not pay interest on the deposit.
What the official document says
Also, the Security Deposit will be forfeited if the admission gets cancelled due to any reason.
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)
Where a Candidate has been allotted a seat in Round 2 or subsequent rounds (round3, stray vacany/further rounds) and does not report/joins at the allotted college to complete the admission process.
Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), DGHS · NEET-PG (MD/MS/DNB) Counselling 2026 Information Bulletin & Counselling Scheme (cover: “PG Bulletin DRAFT – V10 05102026”), PDF page 52 (opens the official site)
If a candidate does not report at the allotted institute in Round-1 freeze category, this will be considered as 'Free Exit'(option available only in Round-1).
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)
The Financial Custodian will initiate the refund of security deposit within 15 days of such notification and complete within 30 days of such notification.
Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), DGHS · NEET-PG (MD/MS/DNB) Counselling 2026 Information Bulletin & Counselling Scheme (cover: “PG Bulletin DRAFT – V10 05102026”), PDF page 61 (opens the official site)
NO. MCC will not pay interest on the refundable security deposit.
Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), DGHS · NEET-PG (MD/MS/DNB) Counselling 2026 Information Bulletin & Counselling Scheme (cover: “PG Bulletin DRAFT – V10 05102026”), PDF page 62 (opens the official site)