Introduction

One of the most common sources of confusion during NEET UG counselling is the MCC fee structure.

Candidates frequently have questions such as:

• How much do I need to pay during registration?
• Is the security deposit refundable?
• When will the refund be credited?
• What happens if I make the payment twice?
• Can the payment be made through an NRI account?
• In which situations will the security deposit be forfeited?

A misunderstanding of these rules may lead to delayed refunds, forfeiture of the security deposit or complications during the counselling process. This guide explains the MCC counselling registration fee, security deposit, refund process and payment-related rules for 2026.

Important: Candidates should verify the latest fee structure and refund rules from the official MCC counselling notification before making any payment.

MCC Counselling Fee Structure: What Do You Need to Pay?

The amount paid during MCC counselling registration consists of two components:

1. Non-refundable registration fee
2. Refundable security deposit

The total amount depends on the candidate’s category and the type of medical, dental or nursing seats for which they are applying.

1. MCC Counselling Fee for Deemed Universities

Candidates who wish to participate in counselling for Deemed University seats must pay the following amount:

Example

A candidate applying for Deemed University medical or dental seats will pay:

₹5,000 registration fee + ₹2,00,000 security deposit = ₹2,05,000

The registration fee is non-refundable, while the security deposit may be refunded after the completion of counselling, subject to MCC rules.

2. MCC Counselling Fee for AIQ and Central Institutions

This fee structure applies to candidates participating in counselling for:

• 15% All India Quota seats
• Central universities
• AIIMS
• JIPMER
• ESIC institutions
• B.Sc. Nursing seats

Example for UR/EWS Candidates

A UR or EWS candidate applying for AIQ or Central University seats will pay:

₹1,000 + ₹10,000 = ₹11,000

Example for Reserved-Category Candidates

An SC, ST, OBC or PwD candidate will pay:

₹500 + ₹5,000 = ₹5,500

3. Applying for Both Government and Deemed University Seats

Candidates applying for both Government and Deemed University seats do not need to pay separate counselling fees twice.

In such cases, the candidate pays only the higher applicable amount.

Therefore, a candidate applying for both AIQ Government seats and Deemed University seats will pay the Deemed University amount of ₹2,05,000. This payment covers participation in both categories of counselling.

MCC Counselling Payment Methods

Candidates can make the registration fee and security deposit payment through:

• Net banking
• Credit card
• Debit card

Net banking may be preferable because bank or payment-gateway charges are generally lower than card-payment charges.

Payment must be completed through the secure payment gateway available on the official MCC website. Candidates can proceed with choice filling only after the payment is successfully processed.

MCC Security Deposit Refund Rules

When Is the MCC Security Deposit Refunded?

The refundable security deposit is processed only after the completion of all counselling rounds.

The general refund process is as follows:

1. MCC announces the completion of counselling on its official website.
2. The Financial Custodian initiates the refund process.
3. The refund is generally initiated within 15 days of the notification.
4. The process is expected to be completed within 30 days.
5. After processing, the amount may take approximately 2 to 15 days to reflect in the candidate’s account, depending on the bank.

Candidates should regularly check the MCC portal for official refund notifications and transaction details.

Refund Is Credited to the Same Payment Account

The MCC security deposit is refunded only to the same bank account, debit card or credit card used for making the original payment.

Example

If the security deposit was paid through a particular debit or credit card, the refund will be credited to that same card.

Similarly, if the payment was made through net banking, the refund will be credited to the same bank account.

Important Precautions

Candidates should:

• Keep the payment account active until the refund is received.
• Avoid closing the card or bank account used for payment.
• Retain the payment receipt and transaction details.
• Avoid using an unrelated person’s account or card.

Closing the payment account before the refund is completed may result in failure or a significant delay in receiving the money.

Can the Refund Be Transferred to Another Bank Account?

No.

MCC does not accept requests to transfer the security deposit refund to a different bank account or card.

Candidates should therefore use a reliable and active payment account while depositing the counselling fee.

When Is the MCC Security Deposit Forfeited?

The security deposit may be forfeited when a candidate fails to follow the joining, resignation or document-verification rules.

1. Seat Allotted in Round 2 or Later but Candidate Does Not Join

If a candidate is allotted a seat in Round 2, Round 3 or the Stray Vacancy Round but does not join the allotted institution, the security deposit may be forfeited.

2. Admission Cancelled Due to Incorrect Information

The deposit may be forfeited if:

• Incorrect information was submitted during registration.
• The candidate fails to produce the required documents.
• Documents are found to be fake, invalid or inconsistent.
• The candidate is found ineligible during verification.

3. Resignation After Joining a Round 2 Seat

If a candidate joins a seat allotted in Round 2 and subsequently resigns, the security deposit may be forfeited.

4. Round 3 Joining and Resignation Rules

Once a candidate joins a seat allotted in Round 3, resignation is generally not permitted.

A candidate who does not join the allotted Round 3 seat may lose the security deposit and may also become ineligible for further counselling rounds.

5. Stray Vacancy Round Non-Joining

If a candidate is allotted a seat in the Stray Vacancy Round and does not join the institution:

• The security deposit may be forfeited.
• The candidate may be eliminated from subsequent counselling rounds.

These forfeiture rules make it essential for candidates to fill only those choices that they are genuinely willing to accept.

Is Free Exit Available in MCC Round 1?

Yes. MCC Round 1 generally provides a free-exit facility.

If a candidate is allotted a seat in Round 1 but does not report to or join the allotted college:

• The security deposit is not forfeited.
• The candidate remains eligible to participate in Round 2.

However, candidates should follow the latest MCC instructions regarding willingness submission, upgradation and reporting.

What Happens If You Pay the MCC Fee Twice?

A candidate may accidentally make multiple payments for the same NEET roll number due to a failed transaction message, delayed confirmation or repeated payment attempt.

In case of double payment:

1. Contact the Financial Custodian after 10 days from the closure of the registration window.
2. The excess amount may be refunded within 30 days of the registration window closing.
3. Administrative charges will be deducted from each excess payment receipt.

The deduction will be:

50% of the registration fee or ₹500, whichever is lower.

Example

Suppose a candidate pays the ₹1,000 registration fee twice.

The additional ₹1,000 payment may be refunded after deducting the applicable administrative charge. If ₹500 is deducted, the candidate will receive a refund of ₹500 from the excess payment.

Do Candidates Need to Apply for the Security Deposit Refund?

Normally, candidates do not need to submit a separate refund application.

The refund process is automatic for eligible candidates.

After the completion of all counselling rounds:

1. MCC publishes the list of candidates eligible for a refund.
2. The Financial Custodian initiates the refund process.
3. Refunds are generally processed within the notified timeline.
4. MCC publishes the refund date and transaction details on its portal.

Candidates should check their registered email address and the MCC website regularly.

Should You Initiate a Chargeback Through Your Bank?

No. Candidates should not initiate a chargeback claim through their card-issuing bank after receiving an MCC roll number.

Initiating a chargeback may prevent the Financial Custodian or MCC payment gateway from processing the regular refund.

If a chargeback has already been initiated, the candidate may be required to:

• Withdraw the chargeback claim.
• Obtain a No Objection Certificate from the card-issuing bank.
• Complete additional legal and banking formalities.

This may significantly delay the refund process.

Can MCC Counselling Fees Be Paid Through an NRI Account?

MCC security deposits should not be paid directly through an NRI account because the refundable amount cannot be credited back to such accounts under the stated banking rules.

Candidates wishing to use NRI funds should follow this process:

NRI Account → NRO Account → MCC Payment Gateway

The refund will then be credited to the same NRO account used for making the payment.

Does MCC Pay Interest on the Security Deposit?

No. MCC does not pay interest on the refundable security deposit.

Once registration is successfully completed, the registration process is treated as a service provided to the candidate. Therefore, no interest is payable on the amount held as a security deposit.

Who Pays the Bank and Payment-Gateway Charges?

Any bank or payment-gateway charges incurred during payment must be borne by the candidate.

MCC does not reimburse these charges.

Net banking may involve lower transaction charges compared with debit-card or credit-card payments.

Who Is the MCC Financial Custodian?

HLL Lifecare Limited, a Government of India undertaking under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, acts as the Financial Custodian for MCC counselling.

Its responsibilities include:

• Collecting non-refundable registration fees.
• Collecting refundable security deposits.
• Processing security deposit refunds for eligible candidates after counselling is completed.

MCC Financial Custodian Contact Details

For Refund-Related Issues

Email: financemcc@lifecarehll.com

For Other Counselling-Related Issues

Email: callcentremcc@lifecarehll.com
Toll-Free Number: 1800-102-7637

Important Conditions

Candidates should keep the following points in mind:

• Send the email only from the email address registered during MCC counselling.
• Refund-related queries should be directed to the Financial Custodian.
• Candidates should wait for the prescribed period before raising a refund complaint.
• Keep the roll number, transaction ID, payment receipt and bank details ready.

According to the supplied guidance, refund-related issues should generally be raised after:

• 10 days from the closing of the counselling window, or
• 15 days from the publication of refund details on the MCC portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. When will I receive my MCC security deposit refund?

The security deposit is refunded after the completion of all counselling rounds. MCC will publish an official notification, after which the Financial Custodian will begin processing eligible refunds.

Q2. Can I receive the refund in a different bank account?

No. The refund will be credited only to the same bank account, debit card or credit card used for the original payment.

Q3. What happens if I close my bank account before receiving the refund?

The refund may fail or be significantly delayed. Candidates should keep the payment account active until the complete amount is received.

Q4. Do I need to submit a refund application?

Normally, no. The refund process is automatic for eligible candidates after MCC publishes the refund list.

Q5. What should I do if I pay the counselling fee twice?

Wait for at least 10 days after the registration window closes and contact the Financial Custodian with your payment and registration details.

Q6. Can I pay the counselling fee through an NRI account?

Direct payment through an NRI account is not recommended under the stated refund rules. Funds should first be transferred to an NRO account, and the MCC payment should be made from that account.

Q7. Will MCC pay interest on the refundable security deposit?

No. MCC does not pay interest on the security deposit.

Q8. What happens if I initiate a chargeback?

A chargeback may prevent the normal refund from being processed and may result in substantial delays. Candidates may need to withdraw the chargeback and obtain an NOC from their bank.

Important Tips to Avoid Payment and Refund Problems

• Use your own or a trusted family member’s active bank account.
• Keep the account or card active until the refund is credited.
• Save screenshots and receipts of every transaction.
• Do not make repeated payments immediately after a failed-status message.
• Check your bank statement before attempting payment again.
• Do not initiate a chargeback without understanding the consequences.
• Fill only those Round 2, Round 3 and Stray Round choices that you are willing to join.
• Use your registered email address when contacting the Financial Custodian.
• Regularly check the official MCC portal for refund notices.

Conclusion

Understanding the MCC registration fee, security deposit and refund rules is essential for avoiding unnecessary financial loss during NEET UG counselling.

Candidates should remember that the registration fee is non-refundable, while the security deposit is refundable only when the applicable counselling conditions are fulfilled. The payment account must remain active, chargebacks should be avoided and candidates must carefully follow the joining and resignation rules in every counselling round.

Proper planning, accurate choice filling and careful payment management can help candidates complete the MCC counselling process without refund complications.