After the national level medical entrance exam— NEET 2018 declared the results on June 4, the first round of counselling has already begun and continue till June 24. As the aspirants prepare themselves for the counselling round, there are typical queries that students have like things to keep in mind while sitting for counseling, how to deal with the dilemma on course versus college and many others.
Here are a few facts about how the counselling process works:
Receiving your rank: You will receive a State rank and an all India rank. Every college in most States will have an 85 per cent quota for State rank (SQ) and a 15 per cent quota for all India rank (AIQ). A few of the states that don’t follow this pattern are Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and J&K. Remember, there are only about 3,500 seats for MBBS which fall under the AIQ.
Understanding what your rank means: Having two ranks can understandably be confusing. However, you must figure out which rank gives you a higher probability of an admission in a good college. If your AIR is too low, and your SQ is much better, you must apply to colleges within your state under the SQ. Similarly, if you don’t have a good SQ and a better All India rank, you should apply to other colleges in the AIQ.
Round one, choosing your institutes: You will have to register on the NEET 2018 website and submit your choice of institute. Remember these choices can have a large scale effect on your career. Here is what you should keep in mind before submitting your choices:
Previous year cut-off: You should find out about which colleges in 2017 had cut-off just a little above, and a little below your rank. These will be different for AIQ and SQ. You should consider applying to these colleges in the first round since these will give you a higher chance of acquiring a seat.
Course of your interest: Are you interested in MBBS or another courseIJ Find out which colleges cater to the course of your choice, and consider applying to those.
Seats available: If your state has only 200 seats under SQ, and your SQ is in the 600s, there is no point in applying under this. Find out how many seats does your state have under your reservation category and apply accordingly.
Funds required: Is the college of your choice aided or unaidedIJ How much money will you require to complete your course there and can your family afford it or will they need to take a loanIJ
Reports from ex students: What does the alumnus have to say about the teaching staff, facilities, and availability of resourcesIJ They can usually give a fair idea about your institute. They can also tell you more on hostel and campus placement facilities.
Seat allotment: If you have been allotted a seat in the first round itself, you have to report to the allotted institute. If you don’t do so, you will not be considered for any further processes. Here you will complete admission formalities by submitting a few details like your NEET admit card, your rank letter, your Class X and XII mark-sheets. If you wish to appear for the second round, you can express your wishes on the online portal and your details will be taken forward.
Round two: Choosing your institutes again: If you wish to appear for the second round, you will choose your institutes and lock your preferences for the second time. This time, all of your preferences in the first round are null and void, and you must set your preferences again.
Final seat allotment: The next round of seat allotment will be declared. You must report to the institute and complete your admission formalities. If you have been allotted a seat in the second round of 15 per cent AIQ counselling, you will not be permitted to vacate your seat as per the orders of the Supreme court of India.
The writer is Rajshekhar Ratrey, VP, Content Education, Toppr.com