NEET Counselling 2025: 5 Common Mistakes That Can Cost You A Seat And How To Avoid Them

Last Updated:May 23, 2025, 09:48 IST

NEET Counselling 2025: Avoid these five costly NEET counselling mistakes to secure your dream medical college seat.

By Gaurav Tyagi

Cracking NEET is only half the battle. What follows is a high-stakes process called NEET counselling, where a single misstep can cost you your dream college or even a seat altogether. Every year, thousands of students lose out due to avoidable errors. Here are the top five mistakes candidates make during NEET counselling and how you can avoid them.

1. Choosing Colleges Without Adequate Research Or Strategy

The Mistake:
Many students select colleges based on reputation or hearsay, without considering crucial factors such as past cut-offs, fee structures, bond obligations, or accessibility.

The Fix:
Base your choices on verified data. Consult:

• Cut-off trends from previous years

• Complete fee structures, including hostel and incidental charges

• Student reviews from credible sources

Then, categorise your options as:

• Dream (slightly above your rank)

• Safe (well-suited to your rank)

• Backup (slightly below your rank)

2. Failing To Lock Choices Or Locking Them Too Early

The Mistake:
Some students either forget to lock their choices, allowing the system to auto-lock (which might not reflect true preferences), or they lock them too soon without fully exploring all options.

The Fix:
Use the entire choice-filling window wisely. Make adjustments as needed until the final day, and manually lock your choices once you’re certain. Keep a screenshot or printout as proof of submission.

3. Ignoring State Counselling Opportunities

The Mistake:
Focusing solely on the All India Quota (AIQ) and neglecting state counselling can reduce your chances, particularly if you have better odds within your home state.

The Fix:
Apply through both AIQ and your state counselling process. If eligible, consider applying through domicile-based quotas in more than one state (e.g., Delhi, Rajasthan).

Each state has different rules, cut-offs, and required documentation — familiarise yourself with these well in advance.

4. Mishandling Documents

The Mistake:
Lost, incorrect, or incomplete documents during the reporting phase can lead to seat cancellation, even if you’ve cleared the exam.

The Fix:
Prepare a comprehensive NEET Counselling Document Kit that includes:

• NEET admit card and scorecard

• Class 10 and 12 marksheets

• Category certificate (if applicable)

• Domicile certificate, birth certificate, and valid ID proof

• Passport-sized photographs

• Provisional allotment letter

Double-check whether originals, self-attested copies, or digital versions are required for each round.

5. Skipping Mop-Up and Stray Vacancy Rounds

The Mistake:
Some candidates drop out after the initial rounds, assuming they’ve lost their chance.

The Fix:
Mop-up and stray vacancy rounds often see reshuffling due to dropouts or document issues. Reputed colleges occasionally release vacant seats in these rounds.

Note that these rounds usually require fresh registration — mark the deadlines separately and stay alert.

ALSO READ: NEET UG 2025 Expected Cut-Off: Experts Predict Score Range For AIQ And AIIMS Delhi

The choices you make during NEET counselling will shape not just your college, but your career, your future, and your identity as a doctor. Stay informed, be strategic, and trust the process. Avoid panic and confusion — don’t let it undo the hard work you’ve already invested. With clarity, patience, and planning, you won’t just get a seat — you’ll earn your place in a white coat, proudly.

Remember: NEET counselling isn’t only about marks — it’s about precision, planning, and perseverance. Avoid these common mistakes by staying proactive, organised, and well-informed. Your dream college may be just one smart decision away.

(The Author is the Founder of Career Xpert. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.)

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