Maharashtra NEET UG Round 1 Counselling: Provisional Merit List Released, Choice-Filling Window Opens Today

The provisional merit list for Maharashtra NEET UG Round 1 counselling has been released on August 6, 2025. The choice-filling window is now open until August 9. Get the full schedule, document details, and how to apply.

In a significant update for thousands of medical aspirants in Maharashtra, the State Common Entrance Test Cell has today, August 6, 2025, released the provisional merit list for the NEET UG 2025 counselling. The publication of the merit list officially marks the start of the Centralized Admission Process (CAP) Round 1 for MBBS and BDS courses in the state. Alongside the merit list, the official seat matrix has also been made public, providing candidates with a clear picture of the seats available in various government, private, and deemed medical and dental colleges across Maharashtra.

This is a critical period for all registered candidates, as the online choice-filling window for CAP Round 1 has also opened today. Aspiring doctors and dentists now have a limited time to submit their preferences for colleges and courses. The deadline for filling and locking choices is fast approaching, making it essential for all eligible candidates to act swiftly and strategically.

Key Dates for Maharashtra NEET UG Round 1 Counselling

The State CET Cell has laid out a precise schedule for the first round of counselling, which all candidates must adhere to.

• Release of Provisional Merit List and Seat Matrix: August 6, 2025 (Today)
• Online Filling of Preference Form (Choice Filling): August 6 to August 9, 2025 (until 11:59 PM)
• Declaration of CAP Round 1 Selection List (Seat Allotment Result): August 11, 2025
• Physical Joining and Document Verification at Allotted College: August 12 to August 17, 2025 (until 5:30 PM, excluding August 15)

Candidates are advised to frequently check the official website of the CET Cell, cetcell.mahacet.org, for any further announcements or updates to the schedule.

How to Check the Merit List and Fill Choices

The provisional merit list has been released as a PDF document on the official website. Candidates do not need to log in to view the list. They can simply download the PDF and search for their name or NEET roll number. The merit list contains crucial details like the candidate’s name, CET form number, NEET All India Rank, and state rank, which will be the basis for seat allotment.

Once a candidate's inclusion in the merit list is confirmed, they are eligible to participate in the choice-filling process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Log In to the Official Portal: Candidates must log in to the cetcell.mahacet.org portal using their registration credentials.
2. Access Choice Filling: An active link for "Choice Filling" or "Preference Form" will be available on the dashboard.
3. Review the Seat Matrix: Before filling choices, candidates must meticulously review the recently released seat matrix. This document details the number of seats in each college, broken down by course (MBBS/BDS) and category (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/General).
4. Prioritize and Select: Candidates should list their preferred colleges and courses in descending order of priority. It is highly recommended to include a wide range of colleges, including a mix of top-tier, mid-tier, and safety options to maximize the chances of securing a seat.
5. Lock Choices: After carefully selecting and ordering their preferences, candidates must lock their choices before the deadline of August 9. Once choices are locked, they cannot be modified. If a candidate fails to lock their choices, the last saved preferences will be automatically locked.

Document Requirements for Admission

Candidates who are allotted a seat in CAP Round 1 must report to the respective college for physical verification and admission. They must carry all the original documents, along with self-attested photocopies. The list of essential documents includes:

• NEET UG 2025 Admit Card and Scorecard
• Maharashtra State Domicile Certificate
• Nationality Certificate/Indian Passport
• Class 10 and 12 Mark Sheets and Passing Certificates
• Caste Certificate (if applicable)
• Caste Validity Certificate and Non-Creamy Layer Certificate (for OBC, VJ/NT, etc., if applicable)
• EWS Certificate (if applicable)
• Medical Fitness Certificate
• Provisional Allotment Letter (downloaded from the portal)
• Aadhaar Card and other identity proofs
• Multiple passport-sized photographs

Total Seats and Competition Overview

The provisional seat matrix offers a glimpse into the total number of seats available for MBBS and BDS courses under the state quota. While the final count is subject to confirmation, a significant number of seats—estimated to be over 9,000 for MBBS and nearly 3,000 for BDS—are up for grabs in government, private, and deemed colleges. The competition remains intense, with a large number of qualified candidates vying for a limited number of seats. Therefore, a well-thought-out choice-filling strategy is paramount.

With the choice-filling window now open, medical aspirants are urged to utilize this time wisely, prioritizing their preferences based on their rank, category, and desired location. This is the first and most crucial step toward securing a seat in one of Maharashtra's prestigious medical and dental institutions.