Medical counselling involves money beyond tuition: registration fees, refundable security deposits and, in some states, bonds. These rules exist to stop seat blocking, where candidates hold seats they do not intend to take. Understanding them protects you from losing money unexpectedly.
Security deposits
MCC and most state authorities collect a security deposit at registration. Typically:
- The amount differs by category, and is usually higher for deemed university seats.
- It is refunded after counselling if you follow the rules.
- It can be forfeited if you are allotted a seat and do not join, or if you resign after a specified round.
The amount and the forfeiture conditions are listed in each year's information bulletin. Read NEET counselling rounds explained.
Seat-leaving penalties
Some states and institutions impose a penalty if a student leaves a medical seat after a certain stage, particularly after the final rounds, because the seat may remain empty for the entire course. These may be in addition to forfeiting the deposit.
Service bonds
Several states require students admitted to government medical college seats to sign a bond to serve in public health facilities for a period after graduation, or pay a specified amount instead. Bonds mostly apply to government seats; some states have extended conditions to other categories. Policies change, and courts and NMC have commented on them, so read your state's current notification.
How to protect yourself
- Read the deposit, forfeiture and bond sections of every bulletin you register for.
- Decide your preferences before each round so you do not join seats you plan to leave.
- Keep proof of every payment and every action on the portal.
- Ask the institution about any bond or seat-leaving policy before joining.
Frequently asked questions
Do I get my counselling security deposit back?
Do private MBBS seats have service bonds?
Is there a penalty for leaving MBBS after joining?
Official sources
Rules change each cycle. Check the current notice on these sites before you act.
Related reads
Written by AdmitDirect Editorial. Admission rules, fees and seat availability change every cycle; always confirm with the institution and the official counselling authority.