NEET UG 2025 Round 3: 363 NRI conversions; seat matrix revised

(INDIA) The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has approved NRI conversions for 363 candidates ahead of Round 3 of NEET UG 2025 MBBS and BDS counselling, following a detailed document check and compliance with updated rules issued by the Ministry of External Affairs. The move, announced on October 14, 2025, reshapes the competition for NRI quota seats just as the choice filling and locking window closes on October 16, 2025, with seat allotment results due on October 18, 2025. The MCC also revised the Round 3 seat matrix again, adding and removing seats based on new approvals and court orders — a change that may shift cut-offs in several colleges and states.

NRI conversions: overview and categories

According to the MCC notice, the provisional NRI conversions list includes:

• 40 candidates under Priority 1 (NRI candidates and children of NRIs)
• 323 candidates under Priority 2 (first-degree and second-degree relatives of NRIs)

Candidates must present original documents at the time of reporting to the allotted college. If the documents do not match the standards or fail verification, the allotment will be cancelled. MCC says it applied stricter checks this round to prevent misuse of the NRI quota and to ensure seats go only to eligible candidates.

The MCC emphasized stricter verification to curb misuse of the NRI quota and ensure only eligible candidates benefit.

Document submission and verification process

MCC required candidates seeking conversion to NRI status to submit fresh documents between September 27 and 29, 2025. Required documents included:

• Valid proof of NRI status
• A relationship certificate showing the candidate’s link to the NRI
• A notarized financial sponsorship affidavit confirming the NRI sponsor will pay tuition and related expenses

These checks follow revised MEA guidelines dated July 30, 2025. Only those approved in the current round are eligible to compete for NRI quota seats in Round 3; applicants not found eligible earlier had to reapply with updated paperwork.

Priority processing and allotment method

Under the NRI quota allotment method:

1. Priority 1 candidates are processed first, followed by
2. Priority 2 candidates, both in strict order of merit.

After merit ranking and priority category, the usual factors apply: choices filled, seat availability, reservation rules, and timely reporting. MCC has reiterated it will enforce this sequence to keep the process fair and preserve seats reserved under the NRI category.

Revised Round 3 seat matrix

MCC reports significant changes to the Round 3 seat matrix:

• 9,200 seats added
• 456 seats removed
• Total MBBS seats for 2025–26 now: 1,26,600

Reasons for the changes include new regulatory approvals, late recognition of colleges and courses, and various court directions. Notable additions are distributed across Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and other states, with increases at institutions such as Santhiram Medical College (Nandyal), Anna Gowri Medical College, multiple ESIC colleges, and select deemed universities.

The expanded availability may lower cut-offs in some regions while increasing demand in others, depending on candidate preferences and where NRI quota seats are concentrated.

Key facts and deadlines (at a glance)

• NRI conversions approved: 363 candidates (Priority 1: 40; Priority 2: 323)
• Seat matrix changes: 9,200 seats added, 456 removed
• Total MBBS seats (2025–26): 1,26,600
• Choice filling & locking deadline: October 16, 2025
• Round 3 allotment result date: October 18, 2025
• The provisional NRI list and revised seat matrix are posted on the official MCC website: https://mcc.nic.in
• The NRI eligibility list is provisional; mismatches or missing originals at reporting will lead to cancellation

Policy changes: rationale and implications

MCC’s actions reflect a wider effort to tighten NRI quota controls. In past cycles, weaker or incomplete sponsorship claims raised questions about fairness. By requiring up-to-date NRI proof, stronger relationship documentation, and notarized sponsor affidavits, MCC has tried to establish consistent standards across applicants.

Key policy impacts:

• Stronger document standards reduce chances of ineligible admissions via the NRI quota.
• Only freshly approved NRI statuses in this round are valid for Round 3 NRI quota claims.
• Frequent updates (court orders, late approvals) increase administrative movement but aim for accurate final allotments.

Impact on applicants and practical guidance

These changes create both opportunities and pressures for families. Students with approved NRI conversions now have a clearer pathway in Round 3. However, document integrity is critical — a single missing original (relationship certificate, notarized affidavit) can cost an allotted seat.

Practical steps candidates should consider before the choice locking deadline:

1. Review the provisional NRI list to confirm your status and priority category.
2. Recheck the revised Round 3 seat matrix for changes in your targeted states and colleges.
3. Fill a balanced set of choices, including colleges where your rank realistically fits the NRI quota.
4. Keep all original documents ready for reporting: NRI proof, relationship certificate, and notarized sponsor affidavit (as per MEA guidance).
5. Track the official schedule and watch for last-minute MCC notices.

Additional practical notes:

• NRI seats usually carry higher tuition and different payment timelines; verify fee mode and deadlines with the college.
• If the sponsor is abroad (e.g., United States 🇺🇸 or Canada 🇨🇦), ensure money transfer arrangements are in place and align with the college’s payment method.
• Carry both old and new documents if something (like a passport) was renewed after submission, and bring a brief explanation to avoid confusion during verification.

Strategic considerations and likely scenarios

• The 9,200-seat expansion can shift closing ranks in some colleges, particularly where state-level approvals raised intake or where seats were cleared late.
• The 456-seat removal may tighten competition in affected pockets.
• NRI conversions primarily affect NRI quota ranks; general category closing ranks may be impacted only where internal category distribution changes.
• Candidates on the cusp of preferred NRI quota colleges should list a wider set of institutions across multiple states to reduce the risk of leaving the round without an allotment.
• Priority 2 applicants with clean documentation may find improved chances in private colleges following the seat expansion.

Verification warning and final reminders

MCC warned that any mismatch between uploaded documents and originals at reporting will lead to actions up to cancellation. This includes inconsistencies in names, dates, relationship claims, or the sponsor’s NRI status proof.

• If documents were updated after submission (e.g., renewed passport), carry both versions and an explanation.
• Check the provisional NRI list, the revised Round 3 seat matrix, and all counselling notices on the official MCC site: https://mcc.nic.in (see “UG Counselling”).

Final takeaway: With choice filling and locking open until October 16, 2025, and results due October 18, 2025, the next 72 hours are decisive. Prepare complete, original documents, balance your choices, and watch MCC notices closely to maximize your chances under the NRI quota and in the expanded MBBS seat pool.