Understand the difference between the Open Seat Quota and the All India Quota in the NEET counselling based on key differences, eligibility, and seat allocation rules.
NEET counselling has an Open Seat quota and the All India Quota that play a key role in getting admission to a medical college. The open seat quota includes 85% of the seats available in medical colleges that are not reserved for any specific quota and are filled based on state-specific merit.
All India Quota (AIQ) includes 15% of the total seats in government medical colleges across India, which are open to all candidates, irrespective of the state.
Candidates can understand the meaning, scope, and key differences between the Open category seats and the All India Quota in NEET 2025 counselling to help you make an informed decision.
What is the Open Seat Quota in NEET Counselling?
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) manages the AIQ counselling, which includes:
- 15% seats in government medical and dental colleges across India
- 100% seats in Deemed Universities, Central Universities (e.g., AMU, BHU), AIIMS, and JIPMER)
Each round has specific eligibility criteria and rules regarding NEET seat allotment and withdrawal of the seats.
What is All India Quota in NEET Counselling?
State counselling authorities manage the remaining 85% of seats in government colleges and 100% in private institutions in their respective states. The state-wise eligibility criteria, reservation policies, and domicile requirements vary state by state.
Also Read: NEET Counselling Tips 2025 - Everything You Need to Know
Difference Between Open Seat Quota and All India Quota in NEET Counselling
There are key differences between the Open Seat Quota and the All India Quota in NEET counselling, as per the eligibility, reservation criteria, seat allocation process, etc.
Candidates can check the list below to understand important parameters on which AIQ and Open Seat Quota are differentiated:
| Parameter | All India Quota | Open Seat Quota |
| Overview | The seats available across India for NEET-qualified candidates to get admission to medical and dental colleges. | The seats available in medical and dental colleges in specific states are for students who fulfil domicile requirements. |
| Percentage of Seats Available | 15% of the total available seats across India. | 85% of the total available seats across India are for state governments and medical colleges. |
| Conducting Body | Medical Counselling Committee (MCC). | State Counselling Authorities or the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) in a specific state. |
| Eligibility Criteria | Open for all NEET-qualified students across India, irrespective of the state. | Candidates must be state citizens or fulfil certain standards set by the state, including residency limits or quotas. |
| Counselling Process | To participate in the national-level counselling process, students need to register on the MCC’s official website and give personal, academic details, and fill up the choice of preferred college. | Applicants need to sign up on the official counseling portal of the state by creating an account, giving personal and academic information, and participating in the state-specific counselling process. |
| Reservation Policy | Have a uniform central reservation policy. | Varies as per state-specific reservation policy and criteria. |
| Cut Off Trend | NEET Cut-offs are at a higher level due to national competition and uniform reservation policy. | Varies as per state because of factors like many applications, state-specific reservation laws, and seat availability. |
| Impact on Chances of Admission | Highly competitive, as students from across India apply based on the national rank and preferences | Depends on the availability of seats and competition levels. |
| Documents Required | Mainly, the NEET scorecard and identity proof. | Candidates must submit NEET scores, identity documents, proof of state residency, and other state-specific documents. |
Also Read: NEET Passing Marks 2025: Marking Scheme, Total Marks, Steps to Calculate
Reservation Percentage for Open Seat Quota and All India Quota in NEET Counselling
The NEET reservation percentage varies for all India quotas and open seat quotas. All India seat quotas follow a central reservation policy, and the reservation percentage for open seat quota varies as per the state policy and the category of the seat. To know about the open seat quota reservation, students can visit specific medical state authority websites.
Listed below is the all-India quota seat reservation percentage in NEET counselling:
| Category | Reservation Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 7.50% |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 27% |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | 10% |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | 5% |
Also Read: List of BAMS Colleges Accepting NEET Score 2025: Check Full List, Cut off
How to Choose Between All India Quota (AIQ) and the Open Seat Quota in NEET
To get admission to top colleges as per NEET rank, eligibility criteria, and preferences, a student should understand the difference between the all-India quota and open seat quota and maximise the chance of admission by following the given tips:
- Understand eligibility criteria: The student should know the difference between domicile eligibility criteria, for which the student is applying for, and the national eligibility criteria that are common across India.
- Look for past cut-off trend: Students should analyze the past NEET cut-off for the preferred colleges based on the state quota and all-India quota when filling up the choices in the counselling process.
- Research about seat availability: AIQ has 15% of the total available seats across India, and the open seat quota has 85% of the seats. The number of allocated seats varies as per the college, course, and state, so conducting thorough research will help in improving the chances of admission.
- Stay informed about counselling dates: Keep track of counselling dates at both the India-level and state-level to participate in all rounds of NEET counselling. Students can visit mcc.nic.in to get official information.
Read More: Documents Required for NEET Counselling 2025
Both the All India Quota and the Open Seat Quota help medical students get admission to the medical colleges in India. The AIQ ensures national-level competitiveness and fosters interstate variety by allowing students to study at elite institutions outside of their home states.
Meanwhile, Open Seats recognise exceptional merit within the state and provide equal opportunities. Understanding the distinction allows students to plan strategically and boosts their chances of getting into a reputed medical college.
