Short answer
Choice locking finalises your list of choices. Saved choices can be changed until they are locked; once locked, they cannot be changed or unlocked, even by MCC. If you forget to lock, your submitted choices are locked automatically as per the schedule.
Based on MCC's UG Counselling 2026 Information Bulletin (revised 20.08.2026). The 2027 bulletin hasn't been published yet — rules can change, so check it when it is.
Who this applies to
Candidates filling choices in MCC NEET-UG counselling
The rule, explained
During the choice-locking period you lock your choices to get a printout of them. If the system locks them for you, you can still take a printout after locking.
Check your choices carefully before locking. Once locked, they can't be changed even if you made a mistake, and this may result in allotment of a seat you never wanted.
Each round needs its own choices. For Round 2, if you don't submit fresh choices during the choice-filling period, you are not considered for allotment in that round and keep the seat you already joined, if any.
What the official document says
If a candidate does not lock the choice submitted by him/her, they will be automatically locked as per schedule.
Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), DGHS · Revised UG Counselling 2026 Information Bulletin dated 20.08.2026 (NEET-UG MBBS/BDS/B.Sc. Nursing), PDF page 58 (opens the official site)
Please note that the choices once locked cannot be unlocked even by MCC
Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), DGHS · Revised UG Counselling 2026 Information Bulletin dated 20.08.2026 (NEET-UG MBBS/BDS/B.Sc. Nursing), PDF page 58 (opens the official site)
As per schedule after locking of choices by the system, you will be able to take a printout of your submitted choices.
Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), DGHS · Revised UG Counselling 2026 Information Bulletin dated 20.08.2026 (NEET-UG MBBS/BDS/B.Sc. Nursing), PDF page 61 (opens the official site)
If candidate does not submit fresh choice(s) during choice filling period, the candidate will not be considered for allotment of seat during Round- 2 and will retain the already allotted (joined) seat, if any.
Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), DGHS · Revised UG Counselling 2026 Information Bulletin dated 20.08.2026 (NEET-UG MBBS/BDS/B.Sc. Nursing), PDF page 59 (opens the official site)